Španjola, a fortress that has "guarded" Herceg Novi since the 16th century, will be renovated and by 2027 will become an international creative and cultural center, and this recognizable monument of Montenegrin cultural heritage will significantly contribute to the enrichment of the tourist offer and the economic development of the city.
The value of the reconstruction works in the first phase will amount to 2,5 million euros, of which 1,6 million are co-financed from the IPA funds of the European Union, while the rest of the funds are provided from the state budget, namely the Ministry of Culture and Media. The revitalization of the fortress is being implemented within the framework of the “CREATIVITY” project, as part of the Interreg IPA program for the South Adriatic (2021-2027), which aims to revalue and revitalize the rich cultural heritage of the region. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Culture and Media in cooperation with the Tourist Organization of Montenegro, the Ministry of Tourism of Albania and the Italian regions of Puglia and Molise.
The construction of the fortress was started by the Spanish conquerors and completed by the Turks. Historically, the fortress played an important role in the defense of the city and served first as a defensive stronghold and later as a prison during World War II. From the top of the fortress, there is a magnificent view of the Adriatic, and a visit to Španjola is like traveling in a time machine that takes you back to the distant past, to the time of kings, Venetians, Ottomans and Spaniards who shaped the unique character of this city. Located on a hill above the city center of Herceg Novi, it is one of the oldest fortresses in Boka Kotorska and is registered as a cultural monument of the II category. The building served as part of the city's defense system, and on the site of Španjola, the Turks originally built a smaller fortress, which the Spaniards then expanded. The Turks later demolished that smaller structure and in 1548 built the fortress that still stands today...
The renovation requires expertise, patience and a lot of work, and the vision for the renovation is led by the chief architect. Wolf KnotHe states that his connection with the fortress goes beyond his profession, as he explored the ruins and heard stories about its exciting past as a boy.
The node is now leading a process that combines centuries-old mastery of builders with bold contemporary ideas.
"For me, Španjola has never been just a ruin. It is a place that shapes the identity of the city, and now a space that can inspire generations. Our goal is not just conservation, but reinterpretation - to make the fortress belong to both the past and the future, to be alive, inhabited and full of creative energy," said Čvoro.
The fact that centuries of exposure to moisture, wind, rain, and temperature changes have taken their toll, eroding the stone and leaving cracks in the walls, suggests that the renovation will be extremely demanding.
In order to preserve the original design, modern materials, such as transparent polycarbonate, are being used in the reconstruction of the roofs and walls of the fortress, while traditional materials, such as stone, will be used in the restoration of other damaged parts of the fortress. As part of the first phase of the project, by March 2026, the ramparts, all towers and walkways, a large residential building and an auxiliary building at the entrance to the fortress will be renovated, and the network of water and electrical installations will be modernized.
It is planned that, after the revitalization, various events, conferences, exhibitions, art fairs and creative studios will be organized at Španjola, which will significantly contribute to enriching the tourist offer of Herceg Novi.
The Španjola Fortress, as announced by the Ministry of Culture, will become a platform for connecting young creative entrepreneurs and innovative start-ups from across the region, encouraging cooperation in the field of preserving cultural heritage and art.
Witness of turbulent eras
At an altitude of about 170 meters above sea level, Španjola has dominated the Bay of Kotor for centuries. Built during the brief Spanish occupation of 1538-1539, and later expanded under the Ottomans, the fortress guarded the entrance to the city and witnessed turbulent eras. Its thick stone walls, towers and loopholes have withstood the test of time, but are riddled with deep cracks and signs of neglect. Generations of Novi residents have grown up in the shadow of Španjola, but few have set foot inside its walls.
Since March 2025, when the works began, progress has already been visible: the barracks have been cleared of collapsed ceilings and vegetation covering the walls, revealing previously hidden layers of history. The north wall and tower have been restored using traditional techniques, with strict respect for the authenticity and historical character of this monument.
The promenade and western rampart are now safe and passable for visitors, and the landscaping of the grounds has also revealed a forgotten infrastructure system - old channels for sanitary and storm water, testimony to an orderly and sustainable life within the walls.
Special attention has been paid to preserving the original Turkish stone paving made using the "saliđanja" technique, as well as the authentic ramparts and square towers, as recorded in Michelangelo's sketches. The fortress' infrastructure, which has been perfected over the centuries by builders of different eras, has been carefully revitalized.
The goal of the works, as stated by the Ministry, is not only to restore the walls, but also to bring life back to Španjola, so that it becomes a space where the past and the present, cultural diversity and contemporary creative industries come together.
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