Mamula Island – From Fortress and Prison to Luxurious Escape
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Mamula Island Montenegro
At the threshold of the breathtaking Bay of Kotor, surrounded by the dazzling Adriatic Sea, lies the modest island of Lastavica, more famously known as Mamula. This circular speck of rock, just 200 meters in diameter, has silently witnessed centuries of upheaval—from an Austro-Hungarian fortress, to a notorious World War II prison, and now, a high-end luxury resort.
The Only Fortress Never Used for Defense
During the mid-19th century, a fortress was ordered to be built on this strategic site by Austro-Hungarian General Lazar Mamula, aiming to guard the entrance to the bay. Ironically, the fortress was never used in actual combat. Instead, Mamula served as a prison in both world wars.
Under Italian fascist control during World War II, the fortress was transformed into a concentration camp. Over 2,000 people—mostly women and children from Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia—were detained here. Their stories live on through the 1959 film Campo Mamula, which portrayed the grim life inside the camp.
Mamula Island has also served as a haunting film location. The horror movie Killer Mermaid was shot here, using the island’s eerie atmosphere to full effect. With its grim past and remote isolation, Mamula is a dream setting for horror lovers—its haunting presence lending an extra layer of fear and tension to any story.
From Prison Cells to Private Suites
Nearly 80 years after the last prisoners left Mamula, the island has undergone a complete transformation. The cold stone walls that once echoed with suffering are now part of an exclusive retreat: Mamula Island Hotel. Former cells have been redesigned as luxury suites, and the old prison complex now offers spa treatments, fine dining, and elegant bars.
This transformation has sparked widespread debate: Can remembrance and modern tourism coexist? Is it feasible to balance remembrance with turning the space into a leisure destination?
Mamula Island as a Day Trip Destination
Whether you’re drawn by its history, striking architecture, or simply want to enjoy untouched nature and crystal-clear waters, Mamula is an unforgettable stop. The island is best reached by small boats departing from Herceg Novi, located about 6 kilometers away.
Nearby, you’ll also find the scenic beaches of Mirište and Žanjic on the Luštica Peninsula, and just a few nautical miles beyond, the spectacular Blue Cave and mysterious underwater tunnels await. Many visitors choose combination tours that include all of these spots—an ideal way to explore the magic of the Bay of Kotor.
Mamula today stands at a crossroads of memory and modernity—between past and future, pain and indulgence, remembrance and reinvention.
Would you visit?
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