Kanli Kula, Ottoman fortress in Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Kanli Kula is an Ottoman fortress in Herceg Novi built with thick stone walls and corner towers overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The structure rises above the water's edge and was positioned to control the bay and defend against naval attacks.
The fortress was built by the Ottomans in 1539 and later changed hands between Turkish, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian rulers. Each power left its mark on the building's design and structure over the centuries.
The fortress walls carry drawings of ships, crosses, and coats of arms left by past inhabitants and soldiers. These carvings tell the story of the different people who passed through and occupied this place.
The climb to the fortress is brief but features steep stairs and uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is necessary. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight is less harsh and the views are clearer.
Inside the fortress is an old water cistern that was later converted into a prison cell. Prisoners left behind intricate scratches and patterns carved into the stone walls that remain visible today.
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