- Address: Island Lastavica, Herceg Novi, Montenegro
- Year of foundation of the fort: 1853
In Montenegro, in the basin of the Adriatic Sea is the uninhabited island of Mamula (Mamula island) of round shape. It is covered with shrubs of cacti, agave and aloe.
basic information
The island has long been the subject of a dispute between Croatia and Montenegro. Historically, it belongs to the first country, but is located closer to the second, so in 1947 it was transferred to the possession of Montenegro.
Almost the entire territory of the island of Mamula (about 90%) is occupied by the same defensive fortress. Its height is 16 m, diameter - 200 m. It was erected in 1853 by order of the Austro-Hungarian general Lazar Mamula. In honor of the last, the fort got its name. From the fortress, both the beach and the sea are perfectly visible. The main goal of the citadel was to block the way to the Boka-Kotor Bay.
The fortress of Mamula was one of the fundamental and major structures of that time. Its distinctive feature is the remarkable functionality and accuracy of the forms, which still look the most impressive and reliable in the region.
The citadel was used for its intended purpose during the two world wars in the twentieth century, and was occupied several times. In the period from 1942 to 1943, a concentration camp was set up in the fortress by the order of Benito Mussolini, in which the prisoners were severely tortured. Now this is reminiscent of a plaque.
Currently, on the maps of the sea, Mamula is designated as Lastowice, which translates "Swallow's Island".
Description of the fort Mamula
The fortress is well preserved and is now under the protection of the government as a historical monument of the country. Today the structure looks abandoned, but the state is actively developing a project for its restoration.
A lift bridge was laid through the deep ditch to the main entrance of the fort. Such constructions have completely survived:
- external walls;
- goal;
- loopholes;
- dried up well;
- cellars and attics;
- The courtyard is paved with stone slabs with various buildings.
On the conscience was made and a viewing platform, to which leads a spiral staircase, consisting of 56 steps. From here you can see stunning views of the bay, the nearest islands and the citadel itself.
What else is the island famous for?
The island is divided into a city park, where many tropical and subtropical plants grow, as well as unique types of mimosa. In winter, the world-famous festival dedicated to this plant is held here, which lasts about a month.
Mamula can be bypassed in 20 minutes to make beautiful photos against the backdrop of a picturesque, but diverse landscape (pebble beaches and rocky beaches). Here live black rabbits, lizards and a large number of gulls.
An amazing island is very fond of local cinematographs. In 1959, Velimir Stoyanovic shot a military film "Campo Mamula". He narrates about the tragic events on the island during the Second World War. In 2013, Milan Todorovich spent in the fortress of shooting a thriller "Mamula".
How to get to the island?
You can come here for one day as part of an organized excursion or on a cruise liner, which always stops at the island. Mamula is located between 2 peninsulas: Prevlaka and Lustica. From the mainland to the island it is most convenient to get by boat rented from local residents, or by boat from the city of Herzog Novi (the distance is about 7 km).
The island of Mamula attracts travelers with its secluded beaches, rocky steep banks, natural beauty and unique architecture.