Jems
Conservation works on the southern section of Forte Mare Fortress in Herceg Novi have officially started within the SUSTOUR project, implemented under the Interreg VI-A IPA Croatia-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Montenegro Programme.
The activity is coordinated by the Tourist Organisation of Herceg Novi. The works are being carried out by Restart ing d.o.o., in accordance with the approved legal, technical and project documentation, and under professional conservation supervision by Đokić Group d.o.o.
The first phase of the intervention focuses on the implementation of conservation measures on the southern tower area and eastern façade of the fortress, including the careful treatment of a previously walled-up artillery opening. This part of the fortress was selected as the initial area of intervention because it represents a physically isolated section where works can be implemented without disturbing the regular functioning of the site and its visitor regime.
During the first day of works, the stone blocks within the identified zone were carefully marked, numbered and documented. The removal of the infill was carried out manually and under strict conservation supervision, allowing experts to uncover and confirm the existence of an authentic artillery opening. The finding is particularly important because it provides valuable insight into the original construction techniques, materials and architectural characteristics of Forte Mare Fortress.
According to the conservation supervision report, the discovery confirms the assumptions made in the conservation project, which were based on historical sources, archival research and detailed on-site analysis. The opening was found in a highly preserved condition, with original structural elements and joints still visible, making it an important contribution to the understanding of the fortress and its historical development.
By the end of this initial construction phase, the cleaning of the artillery opening was completed and part of the parapet wall built during earlier interventions in the 1980s was removed. The works are continuing in line with the defined conservation measures and under continuous professional supervision.
Through this activity, the SUSTOUR project supports the preservation of cultural heritage and its sustainable use for tourism development. The intervention at Forte Mare Fortress contributes to the protection of one of Herceg Novi’s most important cultural landmarks, while strengthening the role of heritage as a driver of sustainable and responsible tourism in the cross-border area.
