menu Close Mamula Book Close
STAY WITH US
DINE WITH US
Close
Island
menu Close
Sunset Mamula Island Boka Bay Montenegro 02 Mamula Island Hotel Kotor Bay Montenegro Fort 04 Mamula Island History 08 Mamula Island Hotel Kotor Bay Montenegro Gallery 06 Sky Suite Mamula Island Boka Bay Montenegro 05 Mamula Island Hotel Boka Bay Panoramic Room 01 Mamula Island Hotel Boka Bay Garden Room 01 Mamula Island Hotel Kotor Bay Montenegro Sea Junior 11 Mamula Island Hotel Kotor Bay Montenegro Sky Suite 15 Mamula Island Hotel Kotor Bay Montenegro Food Drink Kamena 04 Kamena Mamula Island Boka Bay Montenegro 06 Sundeck Mamula Island MAF 03 Pool Deck Mamula Island Boka Bay Montenegro 05 Mamula Island Boka Bay Beach MAF 02 Pinea Mamula Island Boka Bay Montenegro 01 SPA Mamula Island Boka Bay Montenegro  09 Mamula Island Hotel Kotor Bay Montenegro Experiences 01 Atrium Mamula Island Boka Bay Montenegro 06 Mamula Island Hotel Kotor Bay Montenegro Mamula Island 03
Panel-Booking
Mamula Island History 06

History

Mamula Island History 17 Mamula Island History 13

From Fortress to Legacy: Journey Through Time

Nestled at the entrance to Montenegro's Bay of Kotor, Mamula Island holds a fascinating and turbulent history that unfolds through the ages. Constructed in the mid-19th century as a strategic defense fortification, Mamula Fortress was named after Austro-Hungarian General Lazar Mamula, who played a pivotal role in its establishment.

Today, Mamula Island stands as a protected cultural and historical monument, meticulously restored to its original splendor in collaboration with local heritage authorities. The island's striking architecture and walls now again symbolize the guardian of the Bay, showcasing the region's rich heritage.

A special place on site belongs to the Historical and Memorial gallery, open to visitors throughout the year. This dedicated space commemorates the fort's 170-year history, spanning from its establishment through the challenging times and into the era of reconstruction.

During World War II, Mamula Island witnessed a darker chapter when it served as a prison under Mussolini's Italian fascist regime. 

The historical documentation sourced from the State Archives of Montenegro, Trieste, Rome, and beyond sheds light on this period. 

The island witnessed countless stories of bravery, resistance, and survival. Prisoners from various backgrounds and nationalities endured unimaginable hardships within its stone walls. In contrast to common belief, no document was found proving that executions happened here.  

A solemn memorial plaque graces the entrance of the fortress, bearing witness to the events that unfolded on Mamula Island. It serves as a poignant reminder to future generations of the island's history, urging them to approach it with reverence and appreciate the sacrifices made for freedom.

Mamula Island History 01

+ Gallery

The curation of the Historical and Memorial Gallery is entrusted to a commission of experts from  architecture and conservation, tourism and fortification systems, as well as veterans, relatives of those formerly imprisoned and residents of Herceg Novi.

The revitalization of Mamula Island has been carried out with utmost care and respect for the environment, preserving its authentic ambiance and unparalleled natural beauty. Today, the island offers a truly unforgettable experience where the past and the future intertwine, inviting visitors to explore its captivating history and embrace the spirit of this remarkable place.

Mamula Island History 03