Budva tour guide

Rising above the southern edge of the Old Town, the Citadel of Budva is one of the most significant fortifications on the Montenegrin coast. Its roots date back to ancient times, when it served as an acropolis of the Hellenic Budva. The current structure was built during the Middle Ages and later adapted, especially under Venetian and Austrian rule. The fortress was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, but its key function remained unchanged: to protect the town from land and sea. The Austrians gave it its final form in the 19th century, when they erected a garrison, bastions, and a military bakery, partially built over the earlier Church of St Mary – which gave the citadel its older name, Castel Santa Maria. Today, the Citadel is a cultural landmark with towers, inner gates, and preserved ramparts dating from the 12th to 14th centuries. Once a symbol of military strategy, it now offers panoramic views and houses exhibitions, making it a must-see for visitors exploring Budva’s history.