Description of the attraction
The monumental complex of buildings, the Citadel fortress is one of the pearls of old Budva. This significant fortification of the Middle Ages is located on the southern part of the rocky reef that surrounds the city. The complex of buildings includes fortifications, gates, buildings and squares of the former barracks, as well as the ruins of the Church of St. Mary, partially preserved from the 15th century.
The wall of the Citadel is decorated with the symbol of Budva - a bas-relief depicting two intertwining fish. Behind the story of the appearance of the bas-relief lies the legend of two lovers who could not get married against the will of their parents. They threw themselves into the depths of the sea, where, according to legend, they were forever reunited, becoming fish.
There are also several churches in the vicinity of the Citadel. Operating from 1804 to the present day, it is the Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity, which was built instead of the church of the Podostrog Monastery. Here, in front of the church, is buried a writer and politician known in Montenegro, Stepan Mitrov Lyubitsa.
The Church of St. John is also located near the Citadel. Until 1828, this Catholic church was the seat of the city diocese of Budva. A library with unique copies of books and a rich archive have survived to this day.
Another church located near the Citadel is St. Sava. Here scientists have recently discovered frescoes, presumably dated to the 12th century.
The oldest church in Budva is the church of St. Maria de Punta - in confirmation of this, the Latin inscription on the church stone is dated 840.
In addition, the Citadel houses a private collection of exhibits dedicated to the history of the Balkans. Among the exhibits there are many books (in a single copy), historical maps, hand-drawn.
On the first floor of the Citadel there is a restaurant with access to the terrace of the eastern tower, from which you can see the island of St. Nicholas.
In addition, the ancient Citadel is the venue for the annual Grad Theater festival. From July to August, the fortress becomes a stage for performances by troupes of drama theaters and poets. Also during this period, vernissages of famous European artists are held. Musical performances are usually held in the Church of St. Mary because of its unique acoustics and magnificent interior.
