St. Stephen's must be open one way or another. Saint Stephen is one, unique in the world, there is no other like it. Many tried to imitate him, but failed. The state should take over the city-hotel, invest money and restore it to its former glory.
This was said in an interview with "Vijesti" by the witness to the greatest success of the popular "Svec", also its director from 1969 to 1975. Vladimir Mitrovic, commenting that the city-hotel is closed for the fourth year in a row and welcomes its 64th birthday with a padlock on the iron door.
A small fishing village in Pashtro, a medieval fortress that for centuries resisted the invasions of invaders, was transformed on July 13, 1960, by the decision of the then communist authorities, into a fashionable summer resort.
Svetac has become synonymous with luxury and prestige, and the world's most famous movie stars, politicians, kings, emperors have stayed in it...
Unfortunately, the recent history of Saint Stephen is being written by governments, starting with those he led Milo Djukanovic, and until the government from the fall of DPS up to and including the last one Milojko Spajić.
Sveti Stefan together with the Villa "Miločer" and the hotel "Kraljičina plaža", which was demolished in the meantime and the construction of a new one with apartments for the market started in its place, was leased in 2007 to the company "Adriatic Properties", which entrusted the management to the brand "Amman".
The conflict between the tenant and the Government, which escalated with international arbitration in London worth a hundred million euros, has resulted in the closure of the popular summer resort for the fourth year, and there is little hope that guests will vacation on the island this summer.
"News" repeatedly wrote that the tenant was willing to reach an agreement, and accepted the modalities that came from the Government, but after each acceptance, the Government remained silent.
There are thousands of Splendida, and Sveti Stefan is one
And how it used to be, Mitrović, the former Minister of Tourism, a 90-year-old tourism worker who half a century ago brought Montenegro the most prestigious world award in tourism, the "Golden Apple", the award of the Federation of Tourism Journalists and of writers that was assigned to "Saint Stefan" at that time.
"I was the manager and general director of Sveti Stefan, Miločer and Maestral for almost six and a half years, from 1969 to 1976. During that time, we worked successfully, we received the 'Golden Apple' in Athens, an award that has a world name. And we received recognition for the outstanding architectural solution of the city hotel "Sveti Stefan" and the outstanding level of hotel services", stressed Mitrović.
He pointed out that the entire workforce that provided "Sveto Stefan" with the award for the level of tourist services was local.
"When we won then, why shouldn't it continue in the future", Mitrović points out.
Unfortunately, as he states, that did not happen.
"For four years, "Sveti Stefan" did not work, and it did not work for four years due to renovations, practically eight years. It is a disaster for Montenegro, for Budva, because the city-hotel is one, unique in the world, there is no such thing anymore. "Splendida" has thousands, and "Sveti Stefan" is one. The French tried to imitate it, but they failed. We give an opportunity for someone who comes to Montenegro to say that if "Sveti Stefan" is the best thing you have and if it is closed, then something is wrong here," stressed Mitrović.
He points out that "'St. Stephen' must be opened one way or another".
"The best thing would be for the state to take it over and bring it back to where it used to be." Because "St. Stefan" when we were there and what it is now is a big difference. Back then there were many types of entertainment, now there is none… you had dinner music, folklore, dancing, night club, casino. There was a sailing ship that was a restaurant, we had souvenir shops, tennis courts... Now there is none of that. You don't come to Sveti Stefan to go to bed and eat, but to enjoy yourself," said Mitrović.
According to his words, "Saint Stefan" should be returned to where it was when it plundered the whole world, when kings of kings came, guests were seen.
Rađenović: He was the one who broke through the Iron Curtain
Former director of the city hotel "Sveti Stefan" Pero Radjenovic he points out for "Vijesti" that he has been retired for 15 years and the only thing he could say is that it was Saint Stephen who broke through the "iron curtain", the barrier in Eastern Europe that Life magazine wrote about in 1964.
In the fifties of the 20th century, the initiative to turn the fishing village of Sveti Stefan into a luxury city-hotel came from the political leadership of Yugoslavia, wrote in his book "Budva, from myth to reality", a long-time tourism worker and expert, the late Vlado Duletić.
"According to memory, this idea was first initiated by a high-ranking federal official at the time Edward Kardelj. They wholeheartedly supported his proposal Blazo Jovanovic, then the first political figure of Montenegro, as well as our famous painters Petar Lubarda i Milo Milunović. "
Kardel's idea was realized in 1960, when the city-hotel was opened, which soon became one of the most famous hotels in the world.
"By turning an old fishing village into a modern first-class tourist facility, the writing of a new history for Sveti Stefan begins. Just four years after its opening (1964), the magazine 'Life' from New York included Sveti Stefan among the ten most exclusive hotels in the world, and in 1972 it received the highest international tourist award, the 'Golden Apple'. In addition, in 1980, Sveti Stefan became the recipient of the highest state recognition of the SFRY - the AVNOJ Award", says Duletić.
Locals gave a deadline - the end of July, termination of the contract or blockade of Budva
Member of the Council of the Local Community "Sveti Stefan", local Blazo Radjenovic emphasizes for "Vijesti" that it is a shame that Sveti Stefan is closed, dilapidated and neglected.
"Citizens from the territory of the "Sveti Stefan" MH, as well as all citizens of Montenegro, celebrate July 13, which represents one of the most significant dates in Montenegro. The first is certainly July 13, 1878, when Montenegro was recognized as an independent state at the Berlin Congress, and that date also commemorates the Thirteenth of July People's Uprising in 1941, in which many heroes and heroines from all over Montenegro, but also from the area of St. Stefan, participated and gave their lives, and who brought freedom to Montenegro, which is why we rightfully remember the fallen fighters today and celebrate this date as Statehood Day. However, in addition to these two most significant events in the history of Montenegro, for us July 13 at Sveti Stefan also has memories of the year 1960, when it was organized and opened as Hotel Sveti Stefan. The first director of the Sveti Stefan Hotel was Nastas Popović, A Jew from Belgrade with pre-war experience in the hotel industry. In 1972, Sveti Stefan received the international tourism award 'Golden Apple' for its architectural design, but also for its high level of service," Rađenović points out for "Vijesti".
As he adds, during the 118s and XNUMXs, they paraded through the famous "Villa XNUMX", in addition to movie greats such as Sophia Loren i Charles Pontius, and many world statesmen and businessmen.
"Today, 64 years later, on July 13, 2024, to the regret of us locals, but to the shame of the 44th Government of Montenegro and the Assembly, instead of an open door and a full hotel, you come across the chain and padlock of the closed, neglected and dilapidated Sveti Stefan Hotel. Although our statesmen brag about a postcard from an earlier period, by their inaction they contributed to the fact that today the tenant violates the contract, does not respect the Constitution and laws of Montenegro, does not pay the annual rent to the state, and the citizens of this area who live from tourism, as well as the guests, who are less and less they come because of the unkempt beaches and the closed St. Stephen's Hotel year after year they suffer financial damage, the value of their real estate is reduced, they lose the image they have gained through hard work and of course they lose their position in the great competition on the European and world tourist map. After announcing the protest, and then calling for a meeting from the Vice President of the Government of Montenegro Nika Đeljošaja, we are patiently waiting for the fulfillment of the firm promise that the Government will process the Decision to the Parliament of Montenegro on the termination of the contract between the lessee of St. Stefan and the Government of Montenegro due to non-compliance with the contract by the lessee, thus ending the years-long agony. If by the end of July the promise is not fulfilled by the Deputy Prime Minister, who also told us that he is the only one authorized by the Prime Minister to deal with Sveti Stefan, we will still be forced as representatives of the Council of the Ministry of Health "Sveti Stefan" to we protect our rights on the street, with a protest walk and closing traffic at the Zavala roundabout at the entrance to Budva. With the wish of all of us that this be the last year that the hotel "Sveti Stefan" welcomes its birthday with extinguished lanterns and closed sheds, we send a final appeal to the institutions to terminate the contract and return Sveti Stefan to the state, because if they do not, be sure that we will open it and return it , because there are still our houses on the island of Sveti Stefan, let them not forget that and let them not test our patience anymore!", said Rađenović.
For centuries, the cultural and administrative center of the Paštrov commune
A member of the "Bankada" foundation, a local Blazo Kazanegra reminds that Sveti Stefan is mentioned for the first time in historical sources, under that name, in the diaries of the Venetian official and travel writer Marino Sanud from 1501.
"It certainly existed before that, so we can place its foundation in the 12th century or even earlier according to some opinions. For centuries, this fortified city was the cultural and administrative center of the Paštrov commune, made up of 1949 tribes. Since 01, it has been recognized as a cultural monument, after which it was transformed into a luxury city-hotel that soon gained world fame. However, this historical cultural treasure with great tourist potential will be closed to guests, tourists and citizens of Montenegro this year. It is closed, allegedly, because the tenant cannot get the exclusive right to use the national natural monument "Kraljičina plaža" in Miločer, with a public footpath. Therefore, in order for Sveti Stefan to open, one important natural monument of Montenegro (according to the Decision of the Republic Institute for Nature Protection No. 959-12.12.1968 of XNUMX/XNUMX/XNUMX) - Kraljičina plaža, with a public footpath - should be closed to local residents, citizens of Montenegro and tourists. This "exclusive right" implies that third parties (citizens of Montenegro and tourists) may not only bathe in the zone of this natural monument, but may not even walk past it or see it with their eyes. This further implies the violation of at least several laws of Montenegro and international conventions, especially those on basic human rights", stresses Kažanegra.
Do not make secret compromises
Kazanagra states that the Foundation believes that it is the right decision of the authorities not to make "secret compromises", i.e. to trade with natural monuments, laws and human rights, especially at the moment when Montenegro gets a chance to soon become the next member of the EU, in light of the closing of the chapter related to the rule of law, and at the same time awaiting the official report of Europa Nostra and the Institute of the European Investment Bank on St. Stephen's as one of the seven most endangered European heritage sites.
"The very word "rule of law" means that law and law have the highest authority, not certain "powerful" individuals. The state is respected or not respected. If Montenegro wants to become a member of the EU, it must respect its own laws, and therefore its cultural and natural heritage, which will become part of the European heritage de facto and de jure. Therefore, it is important, in the light of the holiday of July 13, the Statehood Day of Montenegro, to emphasize the importance of those values that are based on inclusion, equality, mutual respect, democracy, respect for the law and human rights. If someone celebrates July 13, and at the same time believes that selected individuals should have the exclusive right to use and observe some natural monument - as is the case with the Queen's Beach - then they are obviously celebrating the wrong holiday, or they do not understand the very essence of the July 13 holiday. In any case, we should not run away from some compromise for Sveti Stefan and Miločer, of course everything in accordance with the laws of Montenegro and the Constitution, and without secret agreements in which citizens should informally "renounce" their legally guaranteed rights. A "new deal" is needed for Sveti Stefan and everyone is welcome to be a part of that new deal, even the current tenant if he is ready for changes. A new management concept is needed, which will be based on the principles of sustainable development and tourism based on cultural and natural heritage, and not on real estate development, i.e. construction of real estate for sale, as is the case now," Kažanegra points out.
Kazanegra says that the history of Saint Stephen can be divided into three phases.
"Sveti Stefan was a fortress city for at least 500 years, until the 1950s. It was a city-hotel for about fifty years, until the early 2000s. And finally, as a hotel under the management of the Aman Resorts brand, it was for about 15 years, until today, at least formally and legally. It is very unusual that this period of 500 years, which is the longest and most important period in the history of St. Stephen, is so neglected in practice, so one gets the impression that the history of St. Stephen begins only a few decades ago. It's like when we look at an iceberg and see only a small part of it floating above the surface, while we don't notice its main, biggest part that is hidden under water, and which is key to the stability of the mountain itself. Consequently, this period of Saint Stephen as a city, which lasted 500 years, is the most important in its history, but no one notices it, and it is crucial for its adequate valorization. Nevertheless, the new concept of Saint Stephen should combine elements from all three of these historical periods: from the centuries-old period of the city (XV-XX centuries), it should inherit freedom, the Mediterranean spirit and cultural heritage; from the socialist period of the city-hotel, it should retain the true exclusivity for which this hotel received the Golden Apple, as well as the enthusiasm of the workers and management; and finally, from the period of Amman, certain modern principles of management should be adopted, especially in terms of the internal organization of work, with greater inclusion of the local community. Only in this or a similar way, more or less, will Sveti Stefan be fair, inclusive and eligible to be part of the European and world cultural heritage and an adequate tourist offer. All other attempts that neglect the centuries-old history of this city will sooner or later be doomed to failure. A just and inclusive Sveti Stefan, based on the promotion of cultural heritage, with elements of high tourism, can once again be the engine of development of Paštrović, Budva and the whole of Montenegro, which would be open 365 days a year, following the example of Rovinj or Dubrovnik. Such Sveti Stefan should be a representative place for the whole of Montenegro, where, in addition to luxurious and expensive villas and hotel rooms, there would also be museums, galleries, top restaurants of local cuisine, Pashtro and Montenegrin, as well as shops of exclusive domestic products with the "Made in Montenegro" stamp. Anything contrary to that is a humiliation for the people of Paštrović and Montenegro, and an undermining of the principles on which the holiday of July 13 is based," concludes Kažanegra.
A long list of celebrities and politicians
In the last century, Sveti Stefan exuded the spirit of a real fashionable summer resort, where the world's jet-set stayed.
"We are extremely satisfied with the stay and hospitality. We thank the team for the great attention to me and Jovanka, which they gave us during our stay in this beautiful hotel", wrote in the book of impressions on Christmas Day 1973 the lifelong president of the SFRY Josip Broz Tito and his wife Jovanka during their vacation in the city hotel. Sveti Stefan" and Villa "Miločer".
Tito stayed at Sveti Stefan on three occasions.
Famous world actors, directors and producers stayed on the unusual island - Sophia Loren, Carlo Ponti, Kirk Douglas, Doris Day, Geraldine Chaplin, Maria Shell, Monica Vitti, Sidney Poitier, Richard Widmark, Sylvester Stallone, Jeremy Irons...
The famous writers Andre Marlo and Alberto Moravia, the unsurpassed ballerina Maja Plisetskaya, the celebrated chess champions Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, and the model Klaudija Šifer were also resting.
Crowned heads, such as the English princess Margaret and the former Italian king Umberto II of Savoy, but also famous world politicians - the president of Italy Sandro Pertini, the prime minister of that country Giulio Andreotti, the German chancellor Helmut Schmidt, the Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau...
Famous bankers McNamara and Rockefeller and others were also guests.
In recent history, model Naomi Campbell, king of Instagram Dan Bilzerian, married couple Victoria and David Beckham with their children stayed in the city hotel...
Tennis player Novak Djokovic got married on Svec.
Bonus video:
