Kastelo in Petrovac - The Fortress Above the Sea

At the western end of Petrovac's coastline, above the present-day harbor, stands the Kastelo fortress – a symbol of the town and a witness to the turbulent history of this part of the Montenegrin coast. Built in the 16th century by the Venetians, the fortress served as a military stronghold with a permanent garrison, and its warehouses stored goods like wine, ready for export by ships. Adjacent to the fortress is the Lazaret, a sanitary building from the same period, which functioned as a quarantine facility for housing the sick during epidemics. These two structures, constructed from local stone, blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a unique image where nature and human craftsmanship merge. Today, Kastelo and Lazaret are recognizable features of Petrovac's scenery, framing the bay and separating it from the Tuljanova Cave. Restored and adapted to modern needs, these buildings now serve as restaurants and venues for cultural events, such as jazz concerts held in early September. A visit to Kastelo offers a unique opportunity to step into the past, feel the spirit of the era when the Venetians ruled these lands, and enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands of Katič and Sveta Neđelja.