Timeless Tivat

IN RECENT YEARS, MONTENEGRO HAS ENTERED the spotlight as a must-visit European destination and, beyond its beautiful beaches and world-class facilities, visitors are discovering its deep cultural roots. Podgorica, the capital city, dates back to Roman times, when it was founded in 100AD, and this stunning country is an important historic location. Over many centuries, a rich variety of influences has shaped Montenegro into a fascinating cultural melting pot, and a place that visitors return to again and again. Cultural tourism represents a significant part of its appeal and there is so much to explore, from early Bronze Age barrows and the citadel at Budva – established in the early Middle Ages – to contemporary theatre performances and gourmet cuisine. It showcases a unique blend of old and new, tradition and glamour, and, for a country this size, it packs an awe-inspiring cultural punch.

TIVAT’S WIDE CULTURAL OFFERING APPEALS TO ALL

Municipality of Tivat, where Luštica Bay is located, has embarked on an exciting new scheme to fund archaeological research, conservation and restoration works, and the reconstruction and promotion of cultural assets in the area. Money will be allocated from the soujourn tax paid by tourists when they visit the country, meaning that everyone can now help to play a part in preserving the history of this captivating country. Montenegrin law states that 10% of the tax, which is payable by every foreign national who visits the country, is dedicated to promoting cultural heritage. If you are staying at a hotel, such as the prestigious The Chedi Luštica Bay, the tax will already be included in the overall price of your stay.

The scheme will award the first funds, from taxes paid in 2016, in the first half of this year and the total to be distributed amounts to almost €30,000. Further awards, from taxes paid in 2017, are set to be distributed in the second half of this year and will support the vital work of public institutions, NGOs and other essential projects in the cultural arena. Tivat’s local authority has appointed a special commission to select which cultural heritage projects will benefit, and members include Dubravka Nikčevič, secretary of the municipal secretariat for cultural and social affairs; Jelena Bujišić, director of Tivat’s JU Muzej i galerije museum; and Gabrijela Glavočić, director of Tourism Organisation Tivat. While we don’t know yet which projects will be selected, with such an amazing number of potential candidates for the panel to choose from, the decision is not going to be an easy one.

Many factors make Tivat a special location. ‘This small town is situated in the central part of the Boka Bay and is blessed with a pleasant climate and a lot of sunny days,’ says Gabrijela Glavočić. ‘There are also lots of local attractions, beaches stretching along the coast, a city park, the Solila ornithological reserve for birdwatching, two islands, attractive walks, numerous sport facilities and numerous cultural events.’ Whether you’re interested in history, archaeology, food, music or art, Tivat’s cultural offering will delight even the most discerning visitors.

A private guided tour is an ideal way to discover the area’s cultural highlights. Local licensed guides will take you to the most important sites in the town, including the traditional village of Gornja Lastva, now mostly abandoned; the town’s museum; and the medieval summer palace of the Buća family from Kotor, which includes the 15th-century house, exhibits and a gallery, and is situated in the very centre of the town. The exhibits present the town’s ethnographic heritage and provide an insight into the lifestyle and culture of the area, while the gallery’s programme is dedicated to contemporary art by local, Montenegrin and foreign artists. The complex also houses the open-air stage that is central to the town’s most important annual cultural event, the Purgatorije festival, which runs from mid June until end of August and offers world-class theatre, plays and performances.

Tivat owes much of its identity to its coastal location, and is home to small ports, remote coves and beaches, and two islands in Tivat Bay – the Lady of Grace island and Sveti Marko island. The fascinating Naval Heritage Museum showcases over 300 artefacts, from Austro-Hungarian ship equipment and industrial machines to the compelling diaries of Montenegro’s Princess Ksenija. The main exhibits – two Yugoslav navy submarines – are dry-docked outside. Visitors interested in archaeology and history are spoiled for choice, and the Tourism Organisation Tivat team have highlighted some of the must-visit attractions. Prevlaka, located on Ostrvo Cvjeća (flower island) is one of the town’s oldest and richest archaeological sites. There is an ancient building on the west side of the island with two layered mosaic floors and Roman inscriptions have been discovered here, as well as many Roman ceramics. Hellenistic-Roman ceramics have also been found at the Solila bird reserve. Just outside Tivat, at the church of St Luka in Gošići, there are Roman artefacts including fragments of amphorae, ground plans and walls, as well as a bread oven.

There are numerous archaeological sites in the Boka Kotorska and Tivat areas. ‘Almost every foot of this land is a potential archaeological site,’ says Gabrijela Glavočić. ‘So far, archaeological findings have given us direction and guidelines for future research.’

There is much for art lovers to enjoy in the town, too, with the tourist office counting the most popular attraction as the Cultural Centre Tivat, while music aficionados will love the music school’s programme of concerts, and the Purgatorije and Tivat World festivals. ‘Tivat is the youngest town in Boka Bay, but we have beautiful traditions,’ says Gabrijela Glavočić. ‘The music school was founded in 1964 and was the first institution in Montenegro to create a department for brass and wind instruments. Today it also specialises in piano and its vision is to become a leading musical establishment in this part of Europe. The school affirms the cultural potential, tradition and cultural characteristics of our town with the purpose of raising the overall level of culture and preserving Mediterranean cultural heritage.’

Food in Tivat is a very important part of the local offering and Gabrijela Glavočić describes typical dishes as home-made prosciutto, cheese in oil, and local doughnuts called priganice, which you can enjoy with brandy, wine, honey or cheese. Other signature flavours include carob, which is protected by the Tivat Municipality and features in many local recipes and desserts, and chicory, which, she says, is ‘the queen of the herbs in our town; our cuisine cannot be imagined without it.’ There are festivals in Tivat dedicated to both these ingredients. Seafood, wine, honey and olives are also specialities.

A host of local celebrations and cultural programmes in Tivat contribute to making this such a popular destination. From the town’s park, which is filled with exotic plants brought by seafarers from across the globe, and the unspoiled beauty of the Vrmac region to luxury shopping and gourmet cuisine, Tivat offers something for everyone. Do share the images from your own visit by tagging them with #tivtovanje.

For Gabrijela Glavočić, the most striking aspect of the town is its appealing combination of old and new, glamour and local tradition. ‘This is something that everybody who visits notices first,’ she says, ‘then, step by step, the town starts to reveal the rest of its secrets. There are secrets hidden in each step; in the peace and quiet, the sun, the beaches and the clear sky. From the hospitality of the inhabitants to tradition and customs, folklore and music, traditional cuisine and beautiful sunsets, Tivat is something which you just have to feel. Whether you choose shopping, an active holiday, peace and quiet, glamour or culture, Tivat is for all tastes.’