Besac, Montenegro

Besac highlights

Known for fortress, viewpoint

Looking out over the town Virpazar, this recently reconstructed fortress was built by the Turks in 1478, and was the scene of many a bloody battles. Nowadays, it's an easy uphill stroll from Virpazar and offers splendid views over the small town of Virpazar, Lake Skadar, the Montenegrin mountains and its surrounds.

You understand, it is impossible to see Montenegro just in a couple of days. Come with us to explore Montenegro in a 1-2 week road trip. We will pass Besac, along with other Montenegro' attractions, to discover the soul of the country, its way of life, culture and traditions, food and drinks. Browse our tours passing Besac, or contact us directly for a custom tour in Montenegro. By the way, we charge nothing for a custom itinerary. Contact us directly, let's plan all the details of your trip and get it done!

Besac, Montenegro
Monterrasol small group car tours to

Besac, Montenegro
Monterrasol small group car tours to

Besac, Montenegro
Monterrasol small group car tours to

Besac, Montenegro
Monterrasol small group car tours to

Besac, Montenegro
Monterrasol small group car tours to

Besac, Montenegro
Monterrasol small group car tours to

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Other places in Montenegro that we are familiar with

Bar - Known for coastal town, fortress, marina, medieval old town, ruines, seaport, viewpoint

Budva - Known for coastal town, marina, medieval old town, monument, museum, promenade, venetian empire

Dajbabe - Known for cave, orthodox monastery

Kotor - Known for coastal town, fortified town, fortress, marina, museum, promenade, venetian empire, viewpoint, orthodox church, catholic cathedral, franciscan church; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lovćen (Lovcen) - Known for nature, park, viewpoint

Nikšić (Niksic) - Known for orthodox cathedral

Ostrog - Known for viewpoint, orthodox monastery

Perast - Known for coastal town, island, venetian empire, catholic church, benedictin monastery; coastal town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Risan - Known for beach, coastal town, mosaic, museum, promenade, roman empire; archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sveti Stefan - Known for beach, coastal town, island, promenade, resort, viewpoint

Tivat - Known for beach, coastal town, marina, promenade, orthodox cathedral

Last reviewed: 31 May 2022

Besac description

Besac Fortress was built by the Turks in the 15th century, together with few other fortresses in immediate environment. Besac Fortress was used by Turks for the entire period of Turkish domination. Because of its extraordinary strategic position, The fortress played a significant role in the control of Skadar Lake.

The name Besac comes from the Albanian word "besa", which means: faith, given word, security. It is possible that some kind of fortification existed during the medieval times, and perhaps even earlier, and that the Turks only fortified Besac Fortress. Local people still have legends about buried treasures that date back to the Illyrian era.

The Besac Fortress is located on a plateau of 1200 m2. It is built of hewn crushed stone richly dipped in lime mortar and stacked in regular horizontal rows, with rough joints. The Besac Fortress is a fortification with towers, a barracks building, a defensive wall with an entrance gate, observation posts, and auxiliary facilities. It is protected by defensive walls that follow the basic configuration of the terrain, so that the complex has the shape of an irregular triangle.

The fortress itself has a rectangular base with two circular towers with observation towers at opposite corners. The one facing the lake had a floor and an arched underground part. The building that served as a barracks, located near the entrance, has a rectangular base, with a gabled roof. The ramparts are of different heights, depending on the configuration of the terrain.

Between the two world wars, a gendarmerie station was located in Besac. During World War II, the Italians used it as a prison. After that it was permanently abandoned.

In 2013, the first phase of the restoration of the Besac Fortress was completed, with the intention of including this monument as tourist attraction. The position of the Besac Fortress is highly recommends as it has an extraordinary lookout point, easy accessibility and in proximity of the main road.

Today, still partially restores old fortress provide fantastic views over the small town of Virpazar, Lake Skadar and the Montenegrin mountains.

Besac related tours

Sorry, we have no any pre-designed tour passing trough this place yet. If you would like to visit this place, please contact us.