It is hard to remember that Porto Montenegro, now a luxury yacht homeport and marina village was once a run down naval port servicing soviet warships.
So much has changed since it became one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean. Now it offers a wide variety of entertainment for residents, visitors and marina guests, and has become an exciting place to be throughout the year.
The marina now offers over 250 berths (with an additional 180 under construction for 2014), and an on-land development, which encompasses 130 luxury residences, an olympic size pool, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, boutiques and other amenities.
But to see just how things have changed it is well worth visiting the Naval Heritage Collection (NHC) within Porto Montenegro.
Presenting the area’s rich maritime traditions, the museums housed in a beautifully restored sawmill and tells the remarkable story of the Adriatic’s maritime past.
Showcasing over 300 artefacts, from Yugoslav submarines to the original hand written diaries of Montenegro’s Princess Ksenija, Austro-Hungarian ship equipment and industrial machines, some of them more than 100 years old, the airy, light-filled space attracts visitors young and old.
For many though, the star attraction remains the colossal P-821 Hero submarine standing proudly across the street from the NHC building. After investing more than €100.000 in the submarine’s restoration along with a team from the former Yugoslav Navy, Porto Montenegro opened the 50m P821 to the public July 2013.
The interior of this war vessel was returned to its former labour state. Explore the internal chambers and get a glimpse of what life was like as a submariner and discover the innermost workings of this lethal and complex warship. Future development of the attraction will see the introduction of a multimedia corner which will help simulate life on board.
Themed exhibitions are displayed throughout the year at the NHC in addition to the permanent collection pieces and Hero. The museum is also available for private hire, offering a unique and intimate venue for parties, receptions, performances.