FORTissimo: Trip from Budva to Austro-Hungarian Forts

What to Expect

In Montenegro, there are about 200 military objects from the times of Austro-Hungary and Yugoslavia. The forts are not guarded, rarely visited, yet well preserved. Only the locals know the way to them. And just half an hour drive from Budva - and you are already walking on the suspension bridge of the Austrian fortifications Gorazhda and Vrmac, built 150 years ago! That's where we will go.

In the underground tunnels on Mount Vrmac, we will wander with a flashlight, scare bats under the low vaults of deserted galleries, and recall the most interesting stories about these places. And once outside, enjoy the panoramas from the height of an eagle's flight.

You will hear about:

• The personal tragedy of the Austrian engineer Czigler, who sublimated his childhood traumas into the construction of underground tunnels, and his restless ghost
• The treasures found in the forts. In particular - the notorious story of the treasure dug up and taken away in an unknown direction by the Balshich family.
• The runaway monk who hid in the ruins of the fort and painted the walls with homemade frescoes
• The Yugoslav War of 1991-2003 and the life of Yugoslav army soldiers in barracks on the site of the former Austro-Hungarian forts

Sunset at sea and dinner at an eco-farm
On the way back, we will witness the sunset. There are few places suitable for this in the country - usually, the mountains obstruct the view of the sun setting directly into the sea. We will meet the evening dusk at the Church of St. Elijah. Ring the church bell and meditate, bidding farewell to the eventful day. We will end the trip at the restaurant on the eco-farm 'Carevic' with lamb and a glass of red wine.