Herceg Novi Architecture

Herceg Novi’s religious architecture spans centuries and denominations, from Baroque Catholic churches to medieval Orthodox monasteries. Many of these sacred sites were rebuilt or repurposed as political rule shifted between empires. Today, the churches and monasteries of Herceg Novi provide a tangible record of the town’s multicultural and spiritual heritage.

• Architect: Milan Karlovac
• Architectural Style: Byzantine, Gothic, Baroque
• Year Built: 1883–1911
• Address: Marka Vojnovića, Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Located in Belavista Square, the St. Archangel Michael Church was constructed during Austro-Hungarian rule using stone from Korčula. Its white marble iconostasis and eclectic architectural mix make it a striking centerpiece of the Old Town.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Baroque
• Year Built: 1856–1857
• Address: Trg Sv. Jeronima, Marka Cara, Herceg Novi

Built on the site of an older 17th-century Catholic church, this parish is known for its baroque paintings by Tripo Kokol. It remains an active place of worship in the heart of the lower Old Town.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Orthodox
• Year Built: 1709–1713 (renovated 1864)
• Address: FG4G+8R3, Njegoševa, Herceg Novi

Adjacent to the Church of St. George, this Serbian Orthodox church was substantially renovated in the 19th century. Its interior houses donations from prominent historical figures.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Orthodox
• Year Built: 17th century
• Address: FG4G+9QC, Njegoševa, Herceg Novi

A modest Orthodox church near the Church of the Holy Savior, reflective of the region’s long-standing Orthodox Christian tradition.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Catholic
• Year Built: 1688
• Address: Herceg Novi, Montenegro

Originally dedicated to St. Francis, this small Catholic church was built during Venetian rule. It is now named for St. Leopold Mandić, born in Herceg Novi and canonized in 1983.

• Architect: Various
• Architectural Style: Byzantine, Baroque
• Year Built: 11th–18th centuries
• Address: Eastern Herceg Novi

This Serbian Orthodox complex includes three churches and a monastery library. The Small Church of the Assumption (1030, renovated 1831) features frescoes by Lovro Dobricević. The Great Temple of the Assumption (1777–1799) was built by Nikola Foretić in Dalmatian Baroque style. The Church of St. Sava, attributed to the 13th century, lies further uphill. Relics and medieval manuscripts are preserved on-site.

Strategically located at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor, Herceg Novi has long been a site of military significance. Its fortresses, towers, and citadel reflect centuries of defensive construction by various empires—including the Ottomans, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarians. Today, these historic structures offer panoramic views, atmospheric ruins, and insight into the city’s layered past.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Mixed (Medieval, Ottoman, Venetian)
• Year Built: 14th century onward
• Address: Coastal Old Town, Herceg Novi

Built by Tvrtko I in the 14th century, Forte Mare (“Sea Fortress”) was expanded under Ottoman and Venetian control. Its current layout dates to Turkish modifications in the 16th century. The fortress is perched above the sea and serves as a summer venue for festivals and performances.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Ottoman
• Year Built: First recorded in the 17th century
• Address: North Old Town, Herceg Novi

Kanli Kula (“Bloody Tower”) stands 85 meters above sea level. Initially an Ottoman prison and watchtower, it was modified under Austro-Hungarian rule and after the 1979 earthquake. Today, it contains one of the Adriatic’s largest open-air amphitheaters.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Mixed (Spanish-Ottoman)
• Year Built: 1538–1548
• Address: Sbrina Street, Upper Herceg Novi

Begun by the Spanish during their brief rule and completed by the Ottomans, Spanjola (or Gorni Grad) is an abandoned fortress with scenic views. Though unrestored, it remains accessible by foot or car and features remnants of defensive tunnels connecting upper and lower town.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Ottoman-Venetian
• Year Built: Unknown
• Address: Coastal ruins, Herceg Novi

Now partially submerged due to coastal erosion, the ruins of the Citadel once formed a key part of the city’s maritime defenses. Only fragments remain, visible near the shore.

Zapadna Kula

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Ottoman
• Year Built: Unknown
• Address: Near Market Square, Old Town

The Western Tower is the last surviving section of the Ottoman-era city walls dismantled by the Austrians. It sits left of the Clock Tower when viewed from the main gate.

Beyond its churches and fortresses, Herceg Novi is filled with architectural elements that reveal how public life unfolded across centuries of urban transformation. From Ottoman towers to Austro-Hungarian promenades, these civic and cultural landmarks anchor the city’s historic identity and offer moments of everyday beauty.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Urban civic square
• Year Built: Founded 1382
• Address: Central Old Town

The city’s main square since its founding, Nikola Đurković Square remains a central gathering place. It marks the entrance to the Old Town and is surrounded by several key landmarks.

Sahat Kula / Tora

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Ottoman military architecture
• Year Built: 1667 (estimated)
• Address: Nikola Đurković Square, Herceg Novi

Built under Ottoman rule, the Clock Tower once served as a gate tower, watchtower, and call to prayer. It is now a symbol of Herceg Novi and stands at the entrance to the Old Town.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Functional stone staircase
• Year Built: Unknown
• Address: Connects Nikola Đurković Square and Belavista Square

This historic stairway links the lower and upper sections of the Old Town and passes directly beneath the Clock Tower.

Trg Herceg Stejpana

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Mixed urban square
• Year Built: Various periods
• Address: Trg Herceg Stejpana, Herceg Novi

Locally known as Belavista, this upper Old Town square is home to the Church of St. Archangel Michael and features a mix of Austro-Hungarian and Mediterranean facades.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Layered religious site
• Year Built: Various periods
• Address: Lower Old Town, Herceg Novi

Once home to a mosque, and before that a Catholic church, this square now hosts the Church of St. Jerome. Its religious layering reflects the city’s shifting political and cultural influences.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: 20th-century waterfront promenade
• Year Built: 1970s
• Address: Bay of Kotor waterfront

Built on the former Austro-Hungarian railway bed, this 7-kilometer promenade links the Old Town to the bay’s edge. It’s a lively corridor for walking, dining, and coastal views.

• Architect: Unknown
• Architectural Style: Maritime-industrial repurposing
• Year Built: 20th century
• Address: Waterfront, Herceg Novi

This former railway hub is now a lively harbor with a cafe, gallery, and pool. Its lighthouse and pier are active with small boats and locals.

• Sculptors: Dragoljub and Miodrag Dimitrijević
• Material: Bronze
• Year Built: 2013
• Address: Near Forte Mare, Herceg Novi promenade

This modern monument honors the city’s founder and was placed beside the sea where his fortress once stood. It symbolizes Herceg Novi’s enduring link to Bosnian royal heritage.

Herceg Novi’s architecture is shaped by centuries of shifting control between empires. The city showcases a layered mix of Ottoman fortresses, Venetian towers, Austro-Hungarian civic buildings, and Orthodox and Catholic churches. This diversity creates a distinct urban identity where East meets West on the Adriatic coast.

Limestone from nearby Korčula was commonly used in churches and fortresses. Decorative features like rosettes, belfries, and iconostases reflect regional craftsmanship from Dalmatia and Kotor. Fortifications such as Forte Mare and Kanli Kula evolved over time as new military techniques were introduced under different regimes.

Many architectural landmarks—such as Forte Mare and Savina Monastery—are well-maintained and open to visitors. Others, like Fortress Spanjola, are abandoned but accessible, offering unregulated exploration and striking views over the Bay of Kotor.

Religious buildings in Herceg Novi often sit on reused sites. Churches have been built, demolished, and reconstructed depending on the faith of the ruling power. This repetition of sacred use contributes to the dense layering of architectural history in the Old Town.