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
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
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
Stari Bar - Known for fortress, medieval old town, ruines, viewpoint
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
We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Besac during multi-day small group car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Besac.
We have developed several small group tours that visiting beautiful Besac. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.
tour destinations: Besac, Budva, Cetinje, Dajbabe, Kotor, Risan, Stari Bar
Day 1. We depart Tivat and travel to the ancient town of Risan to explore its exquisite Roman mosaics from the 2nd century AD (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We then continue to the magnificent fortified city of Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to visit the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and climb the formidable San Giovanni Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) for breathtaking views. After that, we will come to Budva for accommodation.
Day 2. After staying in Budva, we explore its charming walled historical center. We then travel to the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan for a scenic viewpoint. Our journey continues to Stari Bar to explore its ancient settlement and dramatic fortress ruins with origins in Illyrian times, and see the historic aqueduct. Our accommodation for the night is in Stari Bar.
Day 3. After an overnight in Stari Bar, we visit the small but picturesque Besac fortress overlooking Lake Skadar. We then travel to Dajbabe to visit its unique cave monastery, a Serbian Orthodox sanctuary founded in the late 19th century. Our final stop is the historic royal capital of Cetinje to explore the Cetinje Money Museum, dedicated to Montenegro's numismatic history. Finally, we return to Tivat, where our memorable journey concludes.
tour destinations: Besac, Budva, Cetinje, Dajbabe, Kotor, Perast, Podgorica, Risan, Stari Bar
Day 1. We depart Tivat and travel to the ancient town of Risan to explore its exquisite Roman mosaics from the 2nd century AD (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We then continue to the beautiful coastal town of Perast (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to visit the picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks island and its Catholic church (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Our day concludes in Budva to see its charming walled historical center. Our accommodation for the night is in Budva.
Day 2. After staying in Budva, we travel to the magnificent fortified city of Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We explore its winding medieval streets, climb the formidable San Giovanni Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) for breathtaking views, and visit the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. We then travel to the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan for a scenic viewpoint. After that, we will come to Stari Bar for accommodation.
Day 3. After an overnight in Stari Bar, we explore its dramatic fortress ruins, the ancient settlement with origins in Illyrian times, and enjoy panoramic viewpoints. We then visit the small but picturesque Besac fortress overlooking Lake Skadar. After that, we will come to Podgorica for accommodation.
Day 4. After staying in Podgorica, we visit the monumental Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a modern Orthodox church completed in 2013. We then travel to Dajbabe to visit its unique cave monastery, a Serbian Orthodox sanctuary founded in the late 19th century. Our journey continues to the historic royal capital of Cetinje to explore the Njegoš Ethnographic museum. Finally, we return to Tivat, where our journey concludes.
tour destinations: Besac, Budva, Dajbabe, Kotor, Perast, Podgorica, Risan, Stari Bar, Ulcinj
Day 1. We depart Tivat and travel to the ancient town of Risan to explore its exquisite Roman mosaics from the 2nd century AD (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We then continue to the beautiful coastal town of Perast (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to visit the picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks island and its Catholic church. Our day concludes in Budva to see its charming walled historical center. Our accommodation for the night is in Budva.
Day 2. After staying in Budva, we travel to the magnificent fortified city of Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We explore its winding medieval streets, climb the formidable San Giovanni Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) for breathtaking views, and visit the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. After that, we will return to Budva for accommodation.
Day 3. After an overnight in Budva, we travel to the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan for a scenic viewpoint. We then continue to Stari Bar to explore its dramatic fortress ruins, the ancient settlement with origins in Illyrian times, and enjoy panoramic viewpoints. Our accommodation for the night is in Stari Bar.
Day 4. After staying in Stari Bar, we travel south to the coastal town of Ulcinj to explore its atmospheric old town and impressive medieval fortress, once a notorious pirate stronghold. After that, we will return to Stari Bar for accommodation.
Day 5. After 2 nights in Stari Bar, we visit the small but picturesque Besac fortress overlooking Lake Skadar. We then travel to Dajbabe to visit its unique cave monastery, a Serbian Orthodox sanctuary founded in the late 19th century. Our journey continues to Podgorica to see the monumental Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a modern Orthodox church completed in 2013. Here in Podgorica our journey is finished.
tour countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro
tour destinations: Besac, Blagaj, Budva, Dajbabe, Kotor, Kravica, Međugorje, Mostar, Ostrog, Perast, Podgorica, Podrumi Andrija, Počitelj, Radimlja, Risan, Stari Bar, Stolac, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Ulcinj, Vjetrenica, Zavala
Day 1. We depart Tivat and travel to the ancient town of Risan to explore its exquisite Roman mosaics from the 2nd century AD (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We then continue to the beautiful coastal town of Perast (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to visit the picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks island and its Catholic church (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Our day concludes in Budva to see its charming walled historical center. Our accommodation for the night is in Budva.
Day 2. After staying in Budva, we travel to the magnificent fortified city of Kotor (UNESCO World Heritage Site). We explore its winding medieval streets, climb the formidable San Giovanni Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site) for breathtaking views, and visit the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. After that, we will return to Budva for accommodation.
Day 3. After an overnight in Budva, we travel to the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan for a scenic viewpoint. We then continue to Stari Bar to explore its ancient settlement, dramatic fortress ruins with origins in Illyrian times, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, and see the historic aqueduct. Our accommodation for the night is in Stari Bar.
Day 4. After staying in Stari Bar, we travel south to the coastal town of Ulcinj to explore its atmospheric old town, impressive medieval fortress, and visit the local History museum. After that, we will return to Stari Bar for accommodation.
Day 5. After 2 nights in Stari Bar, we visit the small but picturesque Besac fortress overlooking Lake Skadar. We then travel to Dajbabe to visit its unique cave monastery, a Serbian Orthodox sanctuary founded in the late 19th century. Our journey continues to Podgorica to see the monumental Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, a modern Orthodox church completed in 2013. We will stay in Podgorica.
Day 6. After staying in Podgorica, we journey to the iconic Ostrog Monastery, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Balkans. This 17th-century Serbian Orthodox monastery is dramatically carved into a vertical cliff face. We then cross into Bosnia-Herzegovina, arriving in Trebinje for accommodation.
Day 7. After an overnight in Trebinje, we travel to Tvrdos to explore its Serbian Orthodox monastery, originally founded in the 15th century, and sample local wines at its winery. We return to Trebinje to see its iconic Arslanagica Bridge from the 16th century, visit a local church, and explore its charming historical center. We stay another night in Trebinje.
Day 8. After staying in Trebinje, we visit the fascinating Vjetrenica cave system (UNESCO World Heritage Site), renowned for its biodiversity. We then see the nearby Zavala monastery, an Eastern Orthodox site. Our journey continues to Mostar to explore its famous historical center (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Stari Most (Old Bridge). We will stay in Mostar.
Day 9. After an overnight in Mostar, we take a short drive to Blagaj to visit the stunning Dervish monastery (Tekija) (UNESCO Tentative List Site), a 16th-century Sufi (Islamic) retreat. We then travel to the enchanting Ottoman-era hill town of Pocitelj (UNESCO Tentative List Site). After that, we will return to Mostar for accommodation.
Day 10. After staying in Mostar, we visit the spectacular Kravica waterfalls, a natural amphitheater of cascades. We then enjoy a tasting at the Podrumi Andrija winery, sampling local Herzegovinian vintages. After that, we will return to Mostar for accommodation.
Day 11. After 3 nights in Mostar, we travel to Medjugorje, a world-renowned Roman Catholic pilgrimage center since 1981. We then visit the remarkable medieval stecci (tombstone) necropolis at Radimlja (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Our final stop is the ancient hilltop fortress at Stolac (UNESCO Tentative List Site). Finally, we return to Tivat, Montenegro, where our memorable journey concludes.
March 25, 2026 Brauron, Greece. Brauron is an ancient archaeological site in eastern Attica, Greece, famous for its sanctuary dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and nature. Brauron draws visitors with its well-preserved ruins and ties to ancient rituals. Tourists love exploring this peaceful archaeological park for a glimpse into classical Greek worship and daily life.
January 12, 2026 Ávila (Avila), Spain. Avila, a charming town in central Spain, is famous for its impressive medieval walls that surround the historic center. These stone fortifications are remarkably well-preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's rich past and its strategic importance during the Middle Ages.
December 28, 2025 Baeza, Spain. Baeza, a picturesque town in Andalusia, southern Spain, is famous for its outstanding Renaissance architecture. Together with neighboring Ubeda, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 under the name Renaissance Monumental Ensembles of Ubeda and Baeza, for its cultural significance.
December 6, 2025 Veria, Greece. Veria, also spelled Veroia or Beroea, is a city in Central Macedonia, northern Greece, known for its rich history, Byzantine architecture, and proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aigai (modern Vergina). Historically an important center since antiquity and the Byzantine era, it is built on the foothills of Mt. Vermion and crossed by the River Tripotamo. The city has numerous churches, and is nicknamed ＂Little Jerusalem＂ for its many religious sites.
November 23, 2025 Kardamyli, Greece. Kardamyli is a coastal gem perched on the west side of the Mani Peninsula in southern Greece, only 35 kilometers from Kalamata. Surrounded by mountains and the brilliant blue Messenian Gulf, the village is famed for its natural scenery, tranquil beaches, and timeless charm.
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Monterrasol Travel Small group tours has implemented health and hygiene protocols. Monterrasol Travel is the Safe Travels company.
