The curse of Kabbalah (Luštica)

Nestled on the beautiful coastline of Montenegro lies a jewel of the Balkans. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant culture, and ideal location, it’s no wonder that tourism is a key driver of the local economy. However, to truly capitalize on the potential of this paradise, investments in the tourism sector are crucial.

Unfortunately, politicians fall short of effectively directing these investments, despite the presence of a procurement committee tasked with overseeing the process. (see sources below in my blog) Nonetheless, there is news that is grabbing attention: several sources report that state land at the ‘Kabbalah’ site has been leased for a period of 30 years. This information sheds new light on the future of Montenegro and may offer new opportunities for tourism development.

Due to the growth of tourism, valuable cultural and historical heritage sites are also being destroyed. In particular, this concerns old buildings from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, such as bunkers and forts. These buildings are important for the history of Montenegro but are now threatened by the drive towards mass tourism.

In Belgium, where I come from, old buildings are actually converted into hotels in order to preserve them as part of the cultural heritage and landscape. But in Montenegro, it seems that these buildings have to make way for hotels that they think will generate more money (although this type of tourism is outdated in my opinion).

According to the local population, mass tourism will mainly consist of wealthy Russians. Although they contribute to economic growth, many people see the destruction in the long term. Bulldozers and excavators are building roads to beaches and destroying trees and bushes in their path.

It is unfortunate that valuable culture and beautiful buildings are being lost due to the construction of hotels that do not take into account the historical and cultural value of the area. However, it seems that there is still ordinary tourist development taking place in Montenegro, while much more can be done to preserve this unique place.

Preserving historical and cultural heritage can be an important part of sustainable tourism. By integrating these buildings into the development of the tourism sector, both the economy and culture of Montenegro can benefit. Hopefully, future developments in Montenegro will take into account the value of these buildings and their unique history.

In 2009, plans were made to take the development of the area to the next level. Unfortunately, it seems that the expected buffer zone of a UNESCO site will not be realized, and the area is at risk of losing its cultural value. These are unique locations, such as the Yugoslavian underwater tunnel, hidden tunnel systems, the coastal battery of Luštica, and the guardhouse of Luštica with its breathtaking view over the bay. It is worrying that these historical and cultural treasures are at stake and may be converted into unappealing hotel facilities. The preservation of these buildings could be an important part of sustainable tourism, where economic development goes hand in hand with respect for local culture and history. It is hoped that future developments in the area will give more consideration to the value of these unique locations and that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent their loss.

Is this it then? 120-year-old fortresses and untouched nature that remained undisturbed for decades will disappear in the coming years.

Many tourists visiting the fortresses and other sights are being chased away in a rather harsh manner. When I noticed a concrete mixer dumping its waste into the sea and nature, which was not intended for me to see, we were almost forcefully expelled. A truly concerning situation.

During our journey through the country, we quickly noticed that many small hotels and campgrounds were closed due to the Corona pandemic. Luckily, we had made arrangements with a landowner to be able to camp on his property, but the road to the location was difficult to find and inaccessible due to a heavy storm and meters-high bushes that blocked our path. After taking a detour we found on an old military map, we parked our car on his property, somewhere hidden from the road.

The next morning, we were surprised by the arrival of workers with old vans who were taken to construction sites. Although we had heard stories before of people being threatened with guns when visiting unlicensed ancient sites, we didn’t fully believe these stories. Nonetheless, with these stories in the back of our minds, we didn’t feel entirely at ease. Interestingly, at one of these sites where tourists/travelers were chased away, the local authorities later claimed it was a private party of a wealthy man who had rented the site. We regretted missing out on that party, which apparently lasted for a few years. I would have loved to be there…for the free food, of course.

Fortunately, there were also places where we were welcome, knowing that we might be among the last visitors received in that way. But the story of concreting is ubiquitous along the coastline of Montenegro. Many unfinished houses, apartments, and even hotels bear witness to the unstoppable urge to concrete. It’s a sad thing to see that the beautiful natural environment and historic buildings have to make way for the drive towards modernization.

The best example is Hotel AS coordinates 42°12’24.744″ N 18°55’52.704″ E

Before you continue to Google Maps

 

goo.gl

this hotel was bought by a rich Russian according to the locals. But in 2009 this went bankrupt. Still, in 2020 the Hotel is standing there unfinished and the construction cranes are still standing there unemployed.

I hope that the politicians can keep their purse strings tight for bribes to give this country a huge chance for a healthy form of tourism where cultural heritage, nature, and ecotourism can really go hand in hand.

I have already told you in a post about the most beautiful Rustic place in Montenegro:  village of Rose,
On the way there, you’ll see all this beauty.