Haj-Nehaj, Medieval fortress ruins near Sutomore, Montenegro
Haj-Nehaj is a medieval fortress ruin built on a rock formation near Sutomore on Montenegro's coast. The structure displays asymmetrical construction with remains of Roman tiles and Ottoman towers that reflect different building periods.
Venetian builders constructed this fortress in the 15th century as a coastal defense structure. After Ottoman forces captured it in 1571, it served as a strategic outpost for over 300 years until the end of Turkish control in the region.
The name combines Haj (hill) and Nehaj, rooted in Venetian records from the 16th century that first documented this location. The ruins reflect how different peoples shaped and used this place across several centuries.
The path to the ruins branches off from the Adriatic Highway before Sutomore and requires about 30 minutes of uphill walking from the parking area. Sturdy shoes and plenty of water are essential since the trail is steep and exposed to the sun.
Although the fortress was staffed by only three people during peacetime, it could shelter approximately 900 people during attacks. This contrast reveals how important the site was as a refuge for local residents during times of danger.
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