Kanli Kula, Ottoman fortress and amphitheater in Herceg Novi, Montenegro.
Kanli Kula is a fortress and open-air theater built on a hilltop overlooking the Bay of Kotor with thick defensive walls and angular stone structures. The complex includes an amphitheater with seating for about 1,000 people, designed to accommodate performances and cultural events under the sky.
The fortress was built by Ottoman forces in 1539 and initially served as a defensive stronghold for the region. After 1687 it fell under Venetian control and was later converted into a prison where inmates left their mark on the walls.
The fortress now hosts several summer festivals including the Herceg Novi Film Festival and Guitar Art Summer Fest, bringing contemporary cultural events to this historical site. These gatherings show how local residents continue to give the place meaning through shared celebrations.
Access to the fortress is straightforward as the site is open daily to visitors with guided tours available. The elevated location provides natural shaded spots among the walls, and the open-air setting keeps it pleasant to explore even on warmer days.
The prison walls preserve detailed ship drawings carved into the stone by former inmates, depicting various vessel types that sailed the Adriatic. These carvings offer rare glimpses into the daily thoughts and lives of those who were once held here.
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