Budva Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Budva

Nestled along one of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines, Budva, without doubt, is one of the tourist capitals of Montenegro.

The name "Budva" (or Budua in Italian) carries echoes of the town's ancient past and is believed to have originated from the Illyrian word "Buthos," meaning ox. Dating back to the 5th century BC, the town was originally part of Illyria and later became a Greek emporium during Adriatic colonization. Legend has it that Cadmus, the founder of Thebes in Greece, sought refuge here with his wife Harmonia. In the 2nd century BC, Budva joined the Roman Empire.

Throughout its history, the town saw Byzantine, Slavic, and Avar influences and faced the sack by Muslim Saracens in 841. Doclean kings, Serbian and Zetan nobles, and even Venetian rule played pivotal roles in its development. The Venetians, in particular, fortified Budva with impressive walls against Ottoman conquests, and the Venetian language prevailed here until the 19th century.

Ottoman rule briefly touched Budva in 1572, but it returned to Venetian hands a year later. The Habsburg monarchy took control in 1797, followed by short periods of Montenegrin, French, and Austrian rule. The Austro-Hungarian Empire governed Budva until the end of World War I in 1918, after which it became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

During World War II, Budva was annexed by Italy but was liberated in 1944, becoming part of the Socialist Republic of Montenegro (within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia). In 1979, a devastating earthquake struck, but the town was rebuilt.

Montenegro gained independence in 2006, with Budva emerging as a prominent tourist destination.

One of Budva's historical treasures is Marina Bay, where boats sway gently in the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea. Nearby, the Budva Bell echoes through time, a testament to the town's maritime history.

Religious history is also well-represented in Budva, with the Saint Ivan Church (Crkva Svetog Ivana), the Budva Citadel, and the Church of the Holy Trinity gracing its skyline.

Santa Maria in Punta Church and the Ballerina Statue add a touch of elegance to Budva's landscape, while Mogren Beach invites you to relax and soak up the sun on its pristine shores.

The abundance of local historical landmarks speaks a universal language that captivates all who visit. Blessed with a harmonious mix of stunning nature and impressive cultural heritage, Budva is the right place for a dreamy Adriatic coastline getaway. Just take this self-guided walk and see for yourself.