- Location: Sozina, Sutomore, Montenegro
- Height: 180 m above sea level
- First mention: 1542
- Condition: partially destroyed
Montenegro is one of the most amazing countries of the Balkan Peninsula, located on the southeast coast of the Adriatic Sea. This is the place where Eastern Europe meets the West, and the 295-kilometer coastline has countless uninhabited islands , secret bays and charming harbors. All this exists here along with unique historical sights that serve as a reminder of the great past of the state. One of them is the Hei-Nehai fortress, which we will discuss in more detail later.
Interesting Facts
According to most historians, the fortress of Hai-Nekhai in Montenegro was founded in the late XV-early XVI centuries. In those years, the whole garrison of the fort was represented by 1 artilleryman and 2 soldiers, although in case of danger, more than 900 people could be accommodated at the same time.
As for such an unusual name, then there are several versions. One of the most common explanations is Boryslav Stojovic, who believed that the word "Hai" comes from the Serbian "hajati" - "worry." Thus, the full name would sound "worry - do not worry". This is easily explained by the amazing location of the fortress: the southeast side was well protected and inaccessible to enemies, while the northwest was more convenient for attacks.
Features of the fortress of High-Nekhai in Montenegro
With the advent of Hai-Nehai associated a lot of unusual legends, according to one of which the fortress was built by women. Tired of the hard work, they sang: "Woe to you, Hail Nekhay, if you are building a woman." Anyway, and the fort has stood for more than one century and today it is considered one of the most popular sights of Montenegro .
The only path leading to the top of Mount Sozin, on which the Hei-Nehai Fortress is located, is in the west. Above the main entrance and to this day you can see the old Venetian emblem in the form of a winged lion. Near him in the late XIX century. a tank of clean water was added. On the very territory of the fort there were ruins of various business premises, powder depots, several dilapidated towers and an abandoned church of St. Demetrius, built in the late 13th century.
The place where the fortress is located is also of great interest for tourists: for its long history this land belonged to several peoples (Venetians, Turks and Montenegrins), so today it is possible to find the elements of all these three cultures.
How to get there?
The Hei-Nehai Fortress is just 1 km from the popular resort town of Sutomore . From here, excursions with a guide are often organized to the fort. Traveling alone is risky enough and unsafe, so it's better to book a tour in advance at one of the local agencies.