When we hear about Budva, the first thing that comes to our mind is the expression "Montenegrin Riviera". Indeed, most people go there for sea holidays. After all, many people know about the crystal clear water and the cleanest beaches awarded the Blue Flag. But the topic of our article will not be the resort charms of this city at all, but the sights of Budva (Montenegro). What to see in the most ancient center and its environs, where to go and go - read about all this below. We have prepared for you a brief description of the main historical and natural places of interest in this ancient city.
How to get there
From Russia, the fastest way to get closer to the sights of Budva is by air. There is no airport in this city itself. Therefore touristsfly to the nearest Tivat. From Moscow, a direct flight goes there for about four hours. Near the Tivat airport there are buses going towards Budva. It takes about an hour to get there by public transport. Some tourists are advised to take a taxi and go to the Tivat bus station. There, at least, you can take a seat and put your luggage.
Sights of Budva and surroundings: where to go on foot
If you settled in the city itself, you can get "on foot" to the main iconic places of this resort. The old quarters, surrounded by a fortress wall, are within walking distance. The main attractions of Budva are concentrated there. Not far from this quarter is a very interesting Archaeological Museum. Also very close is the original Church Square with old cathedrals. And next to the city wall is the Poets' Square, where you can still listen to poems by various Montenegrin authors. And in the vicinity of the city there is the Podmaine Monastery, which can also be reached on foot.
Old Budva
This is the place where crowds of tourists tend to go. Of all the attractions of Budva, the Old Town is probably the most sought after. It is located on a peninsula connected to the mainland only by a narrow sandy isthmus. Here you can see such a fusion of architectural styles, which, probably, is rarely found anywhere. Venetian palaces and ancient Slavic temples, cobbled narrow streets twined with bright flowers, as if somewhere in the East … You can wander around this cityendlessly, as if in a fairy-tale wonderland. But if now old Budva is an urban area, then some hundred years ago the fortress walls served as a border. The inhabitants erected this powerful stronghold to escape the Turkish invasions. Despite the fact that in 1979 the city experienced a severe earthquake, and many historical monuments were damaged, much was still restored. And now the medieval quarters attract thousands of travelers. And it's not just a museum. These old houses are inhabited by people who make coffee and dry clothes and go about their daily business.
Fortress of old Budva
The ancient citadel, built in the ninth century, is the pride of the city. This attraction of Budva has turned today into a cultural and entertainment center, as well as a tourist office. There is a maritime museum, a restaurant with panoramic views, and a theater where acting festivals are held annually. A prominent place is occupied by the library of the citadel, where there are very ancient books on the history of the Balkans. Tourists often like to be photographed against the background of old bindings and luxurious burgundy armchairs. Although the city center is completely surrounded by walls, they have two entrances through which tourists and locals get here. Two of them still look like ancient gates. The citadel is the hallmark of the city. After all, it is she who is depicted on postcards, magnets and other souvenirs. Of the most ancient buildings, only a few walls and a tower have been preserved here. And everything else belongs to the XV century, but from thislooks no less majestic. The height of the walls reaches ten meters. You can climb them (admission is paid) and from there look at Budva from a bird's eye view.
Temples of the old center
So we visited the citadel. And what else to see in Budva (Montenegro)? There are a lot of attractions here. Inside the fortress walls, several ancient churches, both Orthodox and Catholic, have been preserved. This complex is located in the southeast of the Old City. These are six churches built in different styles. Many tourists leave rave reviews about the Gothic church dedicated to St. John. Its high bell tower looks especially colorful. No less interesting is the luxurious episcopal courtyard. Two small but very beautiful Orthodox churches - St. Sava and Trinity - are nearby. And one of the oldest temples of the city adjoins them. This is Santa Maria del Punta. It was built in the ninth century. It was erected by Benedictine monks on the cape itself. The temple was once part of a large monastery, which has not survived to our time. Now this church is not used for worship, but for concerts. This is not surprising, because this temple has amazing acoustics.
Archaeological Museum
If you are thinking about what to see from the sights of Budva and learn more about the history of the city, then be sure to visit this place. It is often believed that such museums are boring and there is nothing attractive in them for a modern person. But this museumyou will definitely like it. Jewelry, coins and weapons of the Greco-Roman period are collected here - more than three thousand exhibits in total. The museum opened not so long ago, in 2003. And the earthquake, which destroyed many houses in old Budva, unexpectedly turned out to be a godsend for archaeologists. They were able to conduct full-fledged excavations and bring to the light of day ancient artifacts stored in the depths of the earth. There are also plates with mysterious inscriptions, and household items, and decorations of various cultures - from ancient Greek to Byzantine. Even a real helmet dating back to the 5th century BC has been preserved. And on the second floor of the museum there is an ethnographic exposition that tells about how the peoples of Montenegro lived.
What is nearby
Not far from the city center is the famous Podmaine Monastery, or Podostrog. This is another interesting attraction of Budva, where you can go on foot, without using public transport. From the historical center to the monastery about 2.5 kilometers. There are signs everywhere, so it's hard to get lost. The monastery is very old, and even historians do not know exactly when it was built. But he became famous during the reign of the local Nemanich dynasty - that is, from the 12th century. There is a legend that it was in this monastery that in the thirteenth century St. Savva was tonsured, who later founded the Serbian Orthodox Church. The monastery is located at the foot of Mount Ostrog. For many centuries, it was either a functioning monastery, or the residence of the Montenegrin rulers, or a defensive structure (at the timeAustrian domination). It was stormed and plundered, and the walls were destroyed by earthquakes. But now it is again a monastery for monks. There are two interesting churches here - Malaya and Bolshaya Assumption. The first of them belongs to the 12th century and is completely underground. And if you are a fan of boat trips, go to the island of St. Nicholas. It can be seen from anywhere in Budva. There is one of the most picturesque beaches on the rocks. It's called Hawaii.
Neighbourhood
And what if you have already seen everything in Budva itself (Montenegro)? Where to go? There are attractions in the vicinity. There are a lot of ancient monasteries in this area and even an entire island, which is an elite resort. On the mountain above Budva is the village of Pobori. Next to it is the ancient monastery of Stanevichi. And on the way to Kotor, four kilometers from Budva, you can visit Podlastva. This is a nunnery, famous for the fact that in the century before last there was the headquarters of the rebels against Turkish rule. If you go a little further, to the area around Budva, you will see one of the best natural pearls of Montenegro - the Bay of Kotor. It is hard to resist this delightful landscape, when the emerald sea with picturesque islands suddenly opens in front of you around the turn of the road. Five kilometers from Budva is the famous Sveti Stefan - a resort with luxury hotels, authentic red-roofed houses and three ancient temples. And from Budva you can go to the most beautifullakes in the country - Piva and Skadar.
Sights of the city of Budva (Montenegro): reviews of tourists
Most of those who have visited Montenegro leave rave reviews about this country. They are especially struck by the city of Budva. It has a lot of attractions, most of them are accessible to hikers. And besides, there is magnificent nature, gentle sea and bright sun. The old town begins just a few meters from the beach. So you can swim with a view of the ancient buildings - few places offer such a unique opportunity. Travelers assure that it is best to walk around the old city in the early morning, when there are still no crowds of tourists and terrifying heat. Then you can feel the local spirit and take the best photos. There is a special atmosphere here. Many tourists emphasized that Budva fascinated them, and they would gladly return here more than once.
