Kanli kula

"Built by the Turks in 1539, this imposing structure is situated at the northernmost point of the Old Town, overlooking the city from a vantage point 85 meters above sea level. The tower’s name, "Kanli," translates to "bloody tower," a fitting moniker given its notorious past as a prison during the Ottoman rule from 1482 to 1687. The first recorded mention of Kanli Tower dates back to 1664, in the travelogues of the Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi. The tower was constructed on the remnants of an earlier fortress, and despite subsequent renovations by various rulers, it has largely retained its original architectural style, characteristic of Turkish military construction. However, as control of Herceg Novi passed through different hands—including the Venetians and Austro-Hungarians—each culture left its mark on the structure, blending elements of their architectural styles into the tower’s design. Interestingly, despite its grim reputation, the tower bears an inscription that reads "pro pace," meaning "for peace." This inscription suggests that the tower may have been built on the foundations of a structure originally intended for a more peaceful purpose. The irony of this inscription adds another layer of historical intrigue to the fortress. The tower's structure is irregular in shape, covering an area of approximately 70 by 60 meters. It boasts relatively well-preserved outer walls and corner towers, which, together with its position, formed an integral part of the city's fortification system. Inside, the tower houses a well-preserved cistern that once served as a prison cell. The interior walls are etched with drawings of galleys, crosses, dates, and coats of arms, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who were once confined within its walls. The Venetians undertook significant repairs to the tower, especially after 1687, when they seized control of the city from the Turks. In 1960, the interior of Kanli Tower was transformed into an open-air summer stage, regarded as one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic coast. This amphitheater, with a capacity of up to 1,500 seats, hosted numerous cultural events, becoming a beloved venue for performances and festivals. However, the devastating earthquake of 1979 caused substantial damage to the tower’s interior, necessitating another round of reconstruction. This time, the renovations were carried out in the Venetian style, which, while preserving the tower’s functionality and charm, altered its historical ambiance. Despite these changes, Kanli Tower remains a vital cultural hub, hosting events such as the Herceg Novi Film Festival, Sunny Rocks, Guitar Art Fest, and numerous concerts and performances."