Montenegro, Tivat: sights, history and interesting facts

Situated in the heart of the Bay of Kotor, the Montenegrin town of Tivat is considerably inferior in volume to the tourist flow to the neighboring Kotor or Perast. However, we can not say that it is less beautiful or interesting. The sights of Tivat and its surroundings are more modest, but have the same ancient history, originating in the third century BC.

The city is in many ways associated with the nearby airport of the same name with regular traffic. Strictly speaking, for this reason many tourists know only the name of the locality. Its history and a few, but very interesting monuments of architecture and history, believe me, deserve attention. In the article we offer you a description of Tivat with the sights that are the most famous.

About the city

Located on the peninsula of Vrmac, Tivat is surrounded by the same mountain range and the Adriatic Sea. The small town occupies an area of 46 square meters. Km, the population of the municipality - just over 13.5 thousand people. Historians are of the opinion that Tivat was founded around the 3rd century BC, its name came from the name of Queen Illyriaia - Teuta. Fertile lands and favorable geographic location have always attracted people to these places. The Middle Ages for the city were marked by the domination of patrician families from neighboring Kotor, which had extensive estates on this territory. In the 14-15th centuries, ancient Tivat (Montenegro), whose sights and history are closely interconnected, became the center of Orthodox Christianity. This is due to the fact that on the island of flowers from the 13th century the residence of Metropolitan Zeva is located.

Subsequently, the city fell under Venetian rule until 1797, followed by the reign of the French, the Austrians (until 1918) and stay in Yugoslavia, until its disintegration.

A favorable climate with a mildly hot summer and mild winters, the proximity of an international airport, clean sea and beaches are the three main factors that attract tourists to Tivat. Attractions of the city, however, from the accounts are not worth writing off, although they are not numerous, but interesting.

Captain's (Sea) Park Tivat

This is how they call the luxurious city park. Rest on the sea has to walk in the shade of oleanders, olive and palm trees. The air here is cool and fresh even in the strongest heat, the park creates the impression of a green oasis. The natural object is under protection. Captain's Park was nicknamed thanks to its founder - Austro-Hungarian Admiral Maximillian von Sternek. To arrange it, he ordered all the captains of his fleet to bring seedlings and seeds from their voyages. Thanks to such efforts, the park really became more like a botanical garden with rare and valuable species. He rightfully is the pride of the city of Tivat. Sights of this kind are always interesting and pleasant.

Bucha Palace

The massive structure of the 17th century with characteristic features of medieval style combined once once in itself two functions - the defensive castle and the summer residence of the family of Butcha and Bulkovits. Perhaps, this is the main attraction of Tivat, located in the central part of the city, so it is not difficult to get to it. Currently, the complex is a cultural center, which regularly organizes exhibitions, various events are held. For this, the restored castle has everything you need: a summer stage, an art gallery, a garden, an indoor cinema and a theater.

Island of flowers

The incredible beauty of nature, combining mountain ranges, centuries-old forests and a gentle sea - this is what Montenegro can be proud of. Tivat attractions of this kind also did not pass. In the immediate vicinity of the city, in the bay of Kotor, there is a small peninsula (length and width - 300 and 200 m respectively), during a strong tide it becomes an island. He received his name in those times when its surface was covered with thickets of greenery, palm trees and olive trees. His condition was influenced in many ways by the military conflict. Now on the peninsula, there are about a hundred people in private bungalows, there is a nice beach and, of course, its central point of interest is the monastery of Archangel Michael. The last already long period is on restoration.

By a small bridge you can get from the city to the island and back to Tivat. Attractions are best viewed by yourself. The town is small, and you can easily get around it on foot.

Church of St. Sava

This is the largest church of the six functioning in Tivat, and it is dedicated to one of the most revered saints of the Orthodox Serbs. It can not boast of an ancient history, but it is very beautiful and executed in neo-Byzantine style. The laying of the first stone took place in 1938, but soon the construction had to be postponed because of the war. The work was completed only in 1968. Now the church is functioning, and everyone can visit the service.

Marina Porto-Montenegro

An amazing and unique place is the result of the creation of human hands. This luxury project was developed on the basis of the former naval base and shipyard. At the moment it is not finished yet, but the scale and beauty are amazing. And this is not surprising, because it is financed by businessmen from several countries. The huge marina, designed for 630 yachts, transformed the city and provided him with an additional stream of tourists.

It is planned to turn it into a kind of city in the city with its own hotels, restaurants, shops, museums, golf courses, etc. Construction of this scale could not but attract attention, numerous protests of local residents took place. However, the townspeople eventually looked at what was happening differently, noticing how Tivat had transformed.

Sightseeing: what to see in the area?

A long vacation on the Adriatic coast can also be devoted to exploring the surrounding area. Perhaps there is nothing more fascinating than learning the country yourself, traveling on it.

Near Tivat there is a small village - Gornja-Lastva. As the name implies, it is located in the mountains. Especially it will be interesting to lovers of antiquity. It is here that you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the country, its national flavor. Accurate stone houses with a tiled roof and ivy-twined, paved streets, an old medieval church and a magnificent view of the bay make you forget about time and small shortcomings in the form of dilapidated buildings.

In passing, you can look in another Montenegrin village - Doña-Lastva. It is located only 15 minutes walk from the city. The main attraction is a church built almost on the beach.

If you plan to spend your beach vacation in a city like Tivat, the sights should not be left out. There are not many of them, however they are diverse and will not let tourists get bored.