Since Boka Bay was one of the main bases of K.U.K. Kriegsmarine and was the southernmost point of the empire, it was specially established. When entering Boka, three strong Austrian fortifications could be seen. They were built to protect the entrance into the Bay from enemies. Mamula fortress was one of them, the real guardian of the Boka Bay.
Mamula was built in 1853 by Austro-Hungarian general Lazar Mamula. It has a circular shape likewise the island on which the fortress was built. From 1942 Mamula was turned into a prison by the fascist forces of Benito Mussolini. The prison soon became infamous and known for brutality and torture to prisoners. Nowadays, Mamula is abandoned but the fortress itself is in a very good condition and it is an interesting site to be visiting.
The first impressions I had about the island were rather positive. The island with the fortification looks very attractive and beautiful, at least while being observed from the sea. The wild and unkempt vegetation around the island give it a rusty look, and the fortress looks pretty firm and strong.
Mamula fortress is a popular place, especially for the tourists staying in Herceg Novi, as there are many organized boat rides and daily cruise tours. Once you walk around the fortress and become aware of the view across the sea, you will understand why it was one of the main strategical sites and why exactly on this place Boka Bay's guardian was built.
The author
Katarina Kalicanin
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