User Reviews
In the middle of canyons, gorges, caves and streams is located a ruin of a Kláštorisko Carthusian monastery from the beginning of the 14th century. In the 13th century Kláštorisko saved citizens of nearby cities and villages from attacks of Tatars. By the Articles of association of a monastery (12th December 1299) on “Skala útočišťa (The Rock of Refuge)” begins more than 250 years of operation of the silent Carthusian order. They named this place “Raj (Paradise)” and this name stayed until nowadays.
Extensive ruins of gothic monastery of Carthusian order: church with polygonal chancel and south oriented sacristy, chapel, cloister, monastic buildings, hospice and workshops. The original entrance gate is from downhill – north side, while on the uphil – south side was only gate for pedestrians (nowadays main entrance). South part of monastery with entrance courtyard surrounded by hospice, church and buildings of upper monastery was accessible to public. Middle part has typical benedictine scheme (house of prior, chapel, kitchen and library).
References:Herceg Novi was founded (on a former small fishing village, existing since Roman Empire times) as a fortress in 1382 by first Bosnian King Stjepan Tvrtko I and was called Sveti Stefan or Castelnuovo. The Turks conquered Herceg Novi in 1482, and ruled for 200 years, until 1687. However, there was a short pause between 1538 and 1539 when it was held by the Spaniards before they were defeated in the Siege of Castelnuovo. Turkey ruled again until 1687, from then until 1797, the town was ruled by the Venetian Republic.
The Herceg Novi old town is amazing. It is on a fairly steep hill that leads all the way down to the sea. Wandering through the small stairways to the various plazas and fortresses is a many hour adventure.