Haunted locations in Montenegro

Did you know that Montenegro, besides being an alluring holiday paradise, also has some interesting haunted locations? These spots attract visitors from all regions of Montenegro. This interesting feature of the Montenegrin cultural landscape is deeply rooted in the history and very diverse terrain. Also, Slavic heritage is deeply based on enchanting tales and mythical creatures tied to religion and some hunting stories that were crafted over time. This has created a great basis for Montenegro to become famed for dark tourism.

Haunted villages and abandoned fortresses scattered around the country invite visitors to deep and dark forests and some urban locations. As you stroll around these unique locations, you will be amazed at the unusual yet interesting cultural heritage passed down for generations in Montenegro.

In order to discover more about these peculiar types of tourism, in our new blog, we will present the new alternative side of Montenegrin and tell the story of its most popular haunted locations. So, be brave and keep reading as we tackle some of the best-haunted locations in Montenegro.

Montenegro and the paranormal activity

The culture of the haunted in Montenegro is deeply rooted in the country’s rich history. Even today, locals still tell the tales of folklore related to the particular landscapes of locations. As mentioned, Slavic cultural heritage and the rough terrain fostered an alluring effect that attracts admirers of dark tourism.

Therefore, it is no surprise that many ancient fortresses and locations have some hidden story element. Folklore often reflects the people’s struggles, with stories of lost souls, cursed sites, and supernatural occurrences that serve as cautionary tales or as a means to explain the inexplicable.

Many Montenegrins regard these haunted locations with reverence and fear, believing that the spirits of ancestors linger in the land, safeguarding their heritage while haunting the living. Annual festivals and events sometimes celebrate these legends, inviting both locals and visitors to explore the darker side of Montenegro’s culture.

The Haunted Locations

Village of Gornji Sestani

Skardar Lake is one of the most protected areas in Montenegro and is a very famous tourist location. It is known due to its immense beauty and serene villages scattered around the shore. However, some of those villages have been abandoned over the years, earning them the title of haunted locations.

One is the village of Gornji Sestani, once a bustling fishing village. Today, it stands as a testament to this long-standing tradition, but without any inhabitants. Due to its incredible architecture and secluded location, Gornji Sestani become also known as one of the haunted places in Montenegro.

Many visitors choose to explore Sestan throughout the day and consider it to be very alluring. While roaming dusty roads, you will find many houses left to decay and one defence tower, a well-established fortress serving as a defence against Ottoman conquerors.

Nowadays, visitors often choose to avoid Sestan during the night. This is because they believe the paranormal activities happen here very often. The creepy sounds and very gloomy nature contribute to the village’s haunted status, which is also why it is worth exploring if you love dark tourism.

Tre Sorelle

Tre Sorelle, or the Three Sisters, is a well-known palace in Kotor. It is one of the most famous haunting tales in the area. It is connected to the story of three sisters who fell in love with the same sailor who never returned to Boka Bay. They spent their whole lives waiting for him and never married. They ended their life longing for the sailor and overlooking the peaceful Adriatic sea.

Their 15th-century house still stands amongst the modern and urban palaces surrounding it. Although it has not been restored, it has preserved its historic look. You will notice that two out of three windows are closed on the front. This is also part of the legend because one of the windows was sealed when each sister died. However, when the youngest sister crossed over to the other side, there was no one left to brick up her window, so it remains in its place to this day.

Many consider this one of Montenegro’s most famous haunted places. Here, people still tell the stories of paranormal activities on the site. Locals have shared that they have seen the last sister still waiting at the window in very gloomy parts of the night, still longing for true love.

Despite all this, Tre Sorelle palace is still one symbol of Kotor and Boka Bay’s alluring past.

Fortress Koznik

The ruins of the old castle-fortress Koznik is one of the most visited haunted locations in the north. It is presumed that the castel dates back to medieval times or early 15th century. Today, the castle is mostly in ruins, with remnants of walls and towers.

The castle was built by the serbian royal family Nemanjic. It served as a strategic point in the north due to its location overlooking the valley in Pljevlja. Koznik has historical significance as it was used for defense during various conflicts in the region. It was also hub of the court life and many parties have been organised in this location.

Koznik or Jerinin grad is associated with local legends and ghost stories. These are primarily revolving around the spirits of those who may have died in battles or during the castle’s abandonment. The legend also indicates that the rooms of this ruin are haunted by the spirits of those who lived there as they never found peace.

Visitors and locals sometimes report feeling a sense of unease when exploring the ruins, contributing to its haunted reputation. Locals also report seeing apparitions, particularly at night, and hearing whispers that echo through the ruins.

Sveti Djordje Island

Sveti Djordje Island is one of the lesser-known haunted places in Montenegro. Localy known as the “Island of the Dead,” this locatuon has a special haunting vibe. The island is covered with lush high greenery and it is home of the abandoned benediction monastery from the 12^th century.

Today, nobody lives on the island, and the monastery is mostly in ruin without any initiative to restore it. There are some local urban legends that no one should spend a night on the island as there have been signs of paranormal activity.

Most famous legend relates to the French soldier, who was firing a cannon toward the fortress in Perast. He accidentally struck the house of the girl he loved, killing her. Soon after, he abandoned the military, became a monk, and remained in Perast until his death. He was eventually buried in his beloved’s grave.

Locals would also tell you that the island has never known joy or happiness, only sorrow and suffering. In the sixth century, a catastrophic earthquake struck Boka, and Sveti Djordje island became even more isolated from the mainland.

In the latter half of the 17th century, the Turks plundered it. Later, during one Easter, another earthquake damaged the church, killing many people who were attending the holiday prayer. So many violent deaths have occurred on the island that it’s no wonder a pope once officially cursed it.

With all these unfortunate happenings, it is clear why this small island in Boka Bay is considered cursed.

Tips from the locals

We hope our list of haunting locations around Montenegro inspired you to explore this not so popular side of cultural heritage of Montenegro. While doing so, make sure you visit the localities with tour guides. In this way you will make sure you hear local legends and maybe discover some common information about locations.