Historical Fortresses National Park Skadar Lake Boat Tour

VIP Boat Tour on National Park Skadar Lake

Historical Fortresses National Park Skadar Lake with Captain Slobodan Petrovic +38269332733

Lake Cruise in Montenegro

National Park Skadar Lake in Montenegro

Only This time an a special amazing private cruise to Historical Fortresses in National Park Skadar Lake on Lux Yacht with Captain Slobodan.

The cruise started from village Vranjina is an upscale lake-style village located in the beautiful National Park of Skadar Lake in Montenegro.

This ideal destination offers a harmonious blend of spectacular nature and a sophisticated lifestyle, making it a perfect place for rest and adventure.

Discover Historical Fortresses National Park Skadar Lake, Explore by Vip Lux Yacht boat tour with captain Slobodan Petrovic,

Captain Slobodan Petrovic can arrange as well as birdwatching, Fishing, Private Boat Tour to different village’s on Skadar Lake, local cuisine, and cultural heritage. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Historical Facts about Skadar Lake Fortresses

Below are detailed historical facts about the fortresses around Skadar Lake National Park—perfect for enriching your VIP Boat Tour experience aboard our luxury yacht with Captain Slobodan Petrović.

1. Besac Fortress

Location & Features:
Perched above Virpazar on a hill overlooking the Crmnica plain and Skadar Lake. The plateau covers about 1,200 m² with irregular triangular walls following the terrain. Features include defensive towers, a barracks, entrance gate, watch posts, and auxiliary buildings.

History:
Built by the Ottomans shortly after the fall of Lower Zeta in 1478. Captured and damaged by Montenegrins in the late 17th–early 18th century. Served as a gendarmerie post between World Wars, and as an Italian prison during WWII. Abandoned after the war and damaged further by the 1979 earthquake.

Architecture:
Constructed of rough-cut stone and lime mortar. Rectangular base with two round corner towers; ground floor with vaulted rooms and an upper floor with cannon openings.

Today:
Restoration and tourism development are ongoing—Besac is open to visitors and is planned as a museum and hospitality site.

2. Grmožur Fortress

Location & Description:
Located on a small island near Godinje, Bar municipality. Covers about 430 m² with thick walls, gates, and defensive towers adapted to the island’s shape.

History:
Built by the Ottomans in 1843 to defend against Montenegro. Captured by Montenegrins in 1878, then converted by King Nikola I into a notorious prison for serious criminals and later political prisoners. A famous rule stated: “If a prisoner escapes, the guard serves his sentence.” Legends tell of one daring escape using a door as a raft. The prison closed in the early 20th century. Earthquakes later damaged the structure.

Today:
Now a romantic ruin, Grmožur is a favorite boat excursion site, also known for its wildlife and bird habitats.

3. Rijeka Crnojevića – Obod (Rijecki Grad)

Location & Importance:
A fortress above the historic trading village of Rijeka Crnojevića.

History:
Built by Ivan Crnojević around 1475–1476 after Žabljak Crnojevića became threatened by the Ottomans. Obod housed Ivan’s court, the Church of St. Nicholas, and notably, the first printing house of the South Slavs, which produced the Oktoih Prvoglasnik in 1494. Destroyed by the Ottomans by the late 17th century; the church was rebuilt in 1743.

4. Lesendro Fortress

Location & Description:
Originally an island, now a peninsula near Vranjina due to later land development.

History:
Built in the 18th century, reinforced by Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, who often stayed there. In 1843, Ottoman forces under Osman Pasha captured Lesendro and Vranjina during Montenegrin troop movements. Returned to Montenegro after the 1878 Berlin Congress.

Significance:
Symbol of Montenegrin resilience—folk sayings recall Njegoš’s sorrow at its loss. Controlled fishing and trade routes on the lake.

5. Žabljak Crnojevića Fortress

Location:
On a hill near the Morača River’s mouth into Skadar Lake, overlooking the “Malo Blato” wetlands.

History:
Likely founded in the 10th century during the Vojislavljević dynasty. Became the seat of the Crnojević family in the 15th century. Captured by the Ottomans in 1478, converted into an administrative and military hub, and its Church of St. George was turned into a mosque. Multiple Montenegrin attempts to retake it (1835, 1852) failed due to Ottoman pressure. Officially incorporated into Montenegro at the 1878 Berlin Congress.

Architecture:
Walls up to 15 m high and 2 m thick, with six towers and a single gate. Inside were the Crnojević palace, St. George’s Church, barracks, storerooms, and a water cistern.

Today:
Protected as a cultural monument since 1961, but largely neglected—walls are crumbling and tourist infrastructure is minimal.

Enhance Your VIP Tour

As you cruise Skadar Lake aboard our luxury yacht, Captain Slobodan Petrović will guide you through these breathtaking fortresses, sharing their dramatic histories—from medieval dynasties and Ottoman battles to daring escapes and Montenegro’s path to independence. This journey offers not just stunning views, but a voyage through centuries of Balkan history.

For coordination and reservation of a private cruise
Contact directly with Captain Slobodan Petrovic +38269332733
how will show you the Best of Skadar Lake National Park in Montenegro.