The Citadel - Fortress of Saint Mary

The medieval fortress of St. Mary in Budva, also known as the Citadel, is one of the most monumental buildings of the Old City. Completely autonomous construction, in the past equipped with everything necessary in the event of a long siege, is considered an important monument of fortification architecture, which today plays the role of a popular tourist attraction and cultural and entertainment center.

In historical sources, the fortress of St. Mary was first mentioned in 1425. It was built to protect Budva from attacks from the sea in cases where the strength of ordinary city walls was no longer sufficient. Inside the bastion there was an arsenal and supplies of food, which made it possible to withstand successfully the long siege, and the multi-layered arrangement of fortress walls guaranteed the inaccessibility and strength of the Citadel.

The citadel is the keeper of the Budvanian history, located on the southern part of the rocky reef in the old Budva. The citadel was built in the beginning of 840, but, unfortunately, only the northern tower and the northern and eastern walls remained. But the buildings of the XV century: the buildings of the former barracks, the gates, fortress walls and the ruins of the Church of St. Mary, are perfectly preserved to this day. Two intertwined fish, in which, according to the legend, two lovers turned into two, thrown into the sea because their parents did not allow them to marry - are a symbol of Budva and adorn the bas-relief of the Citadel's wall. On the territory of the fortress (entrance to which costs 2 euros), there is a museum, a restaurant and an observation deck from which you can see all the beauties of Budva. Every year, the festival "Grad Theater" is held on its territory, during which various theatrical performances, exhibitions and concerts take place. During this period, the old town of Budva turns into a real city of art.

In the south-western part of the fortress there are luxurious residential apartments in three levels, and above there is an observation point from which you can see the whole city and the surrounding coast.
 

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