Budva

Budva is popular metropolis of the Montenegrin tourism, the most ancient settlement of the East Adriatic, more than 2500 years old, 74 km away from Podgorica and 530 km from Belgrade.

Budva features traces of the Illyric, Hellenic, Roman and Slav cultures that mark the foundations of the European civilization. The old town of Budva attracts attention with its location on the rocky reef, on the northern peak of the picturesque bay. Of the existing fortifications of Budva, dating from the Venetian period of administration, only resembles the medieval stronghold, while in its foundations lay remains of the Hellenic and Medieval walls. Besides Kotor, Budva is the only settlement in the Montenegrin coast whose historical core with narrow streets and small squares is almost entirely encircled with walls. The Old town of Budva is adorned with pillars – the gate of the ancient Budva from the 6th century BC, remains of the antique necropolis with extremely rich archaeological traces, the Roman capitols, Roman and the Early-christian mosaics, Roman thermae, the Medieval walls with the Citadel. In the early Medieval age, the town of Budva was the Byzantine settlement with the Greek garrison and Illyrian-Roman population, as well as the Greek and Italian merchants. Serbs lived in the zhupas and for several centuries served the Byzantine tsar. After the Doclea – Ducla got its independence, Budva became its part and later joined the Kingdom of Doclea. From 1181 Budva was in the Kingdom of Serbia ruled by Stefan Nemanya. Budva created its statute during the reign of Stefan Uros IV Nemanic, along the King Dushan’s Codex. Later this town was administrated by the Balsic and Crnojevic Families, and the Serbian Despotate. The Venetians slowly took new possessions, misusing the Turkish invasion of the Balkan peninsula, by persistent and patient campaigns on the terrain, taking ‘house by house’. Until 1435 almost the whole Littoral was taken almost everything, except Bar and Budva.  After the fall of the Serbian Despotate under the Turkish rule in 1439, Venetians took advantage and occupied the whole area of the Lower Zeta, from Bojana River to Kotor, taking over towns of Ulcinj, Bar and Budva. When Venetian Republic declined, Budva became part of the Austria-Hungary Empire, until 1918. Town of Budva, as well as the entire Pastrovic area and the Boka Bay became the part of the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes in 1918, and since the Second WW belongs to Montenegro.

Visitors of Budva are welcome by architectural ruins of the Early-christian Basilica from the end of the 5th century, the Cathedral of Saint John dating from the 7th century, the Santa Maria in Punta Church from 840, where in summer rich artistic and music program is held, the Church of Saint Sava consecrated from the 12th century, remains of the Church of Santa Maria de Castello on the Citadel – 12th till the 14th century, and the Church of Saint Trinity from 1804 with the tomb of the famous writer of Budva – Stefan Mitrov Ljubiša (1824-1878). The icon of the Holy Virgin with Christ or so-called the Lady of Budva – “Budvanska Gospa”, dating from the 19th century is special sanctity, attraction and the protector of the town of Budva.

The attractive Budva summer resort of Montenegro is adorned with 18 beautiful beaches in its surroundings, of which 8 beaches are attributed the Blue flag for the purity of its waters – prestigious international recognition for quality and standards of services and the beach offers. The Riviera of Budva spreads along 25 km and includes the central part of the Adriatic coast in Montenegro. The special feature of the Budva Riviera make some 40 settlements – seaside village, among which is the Becici tourist center, set only 2 km away from Budva, with long sandy beach and numerous nice hotels, which is today one of the most beautiful and the longest beaches in the Adriatic. Sveti Nikola /Saint Nicholas/ Island or Školj (ita. scoglio – stijena), called by locals is the largest island in the Adriatic coast in Montenegro, which spreads on 47 hectares and features nearly 2 km of length.

Budva becomes the capital of the theater. “Budva City-Theatre” is in fact one of the most important artistic and cultural events throughout the region and becomes the capital of the theater. “Budva City – Theater” is in fact one of the most important artistic and cultural events throughout the region. Budva is the largest summer resort of Montenegro, town of theaters and festivals, and place of the most wonderful beaches and most luxurious hotels. Due to huge interest of its visitors Budva is becoming popular for modern features and rhythms which impact the perception and resurgence of its rich history and the Mediterranean spirit of this region. In order to meet the spirit of locals – Paštrovićs, Mains, Grbljans and others – visitors MUST taste specialties of the local food and truly experience the hospitality of hosts. Tradition has it that the ethnic origin of Pastrovic tribe was composed of Serbs and other Slav people, settled here between the 6th and the 10th century. This ancient people left no direct heirs, or they migrated into other parts of the Medieval state. Most clues are found in toponymes, as the present day tribes feature ancestors who settled here in the 14th and the 15th century. The oldest settlements date from the historical period when this area of the Adriatic coast belonged to the Nemanic state, composed mostly of novelty. Make sure you visit the walls of the Old town of Budva and feel the antiquity and the Renaissance charm of Budva.