Tivat Botanic Garden

Tivat Botanical Garden, also known as the Navy Park and locally known as Captains Park,  is situated in the historical town of Tivat. The Large Town Park is a protected natural asset managed by the local Civil Service, registering it as a nature monument. It is the greatest botanical garden in the southern Adriatic and named after its founder Maximilian von Sterneck who was the Admiral of the Austro-Hungarian Navy. In 1892, the admiral ordered all captains to bring from their travels specimens of various herbs and plants that were then scattered to produce growth of different plants.  The garden is home to numerous exotic species such as oleanders, palm trees, and mimosas, as well as a variety of bougainvillea, and conifers. It is a favorite walking spot for visitors to admire its picturesque scenery.

History of The Garden

In the Middle Ages, the coastal part of today's Tivat municipality belonged to several families of Kotor, who built summer cottages surrounded by extensive park-like gardens due to its pleasant climate, and good sunlight exposure. In the late 19th century, when Boka was under Austro-Hungarian rule, Tivat began to evolve into the town known today. At that time the Austro-Hungarian Navy built the naval base known as the Arsenal with the thriving town of Tivat around it, and at about the same time, the Great City Park was established. For a long while, the park was taken care of by the navy, very much present in the area at the time, which gave rise to the popular name for the park, the Navy Park.

Visiting the Garden Today

Upon entering the garden, visitors can take a walk around the scenic paths. There is a fish pond with a fountain in the middle of the garden. Today, visitors can see ancient olives and palms, delicate plants and oleanders. Next to it is a monument commemorating the naval officers Spasic and Masera, whose ships these two heroes refused to surrender to the Italian forces during the Second World War. If visitors wish to escape the heat, this area is also a great place for a picnic, with plenty of benches to sit and cool off under the shade of some large trees. Before leaving the garden, visitors can feel the silence and tranquility at sunset, when a cool sea breeze reaches the seashore and the air is filled with the aromas of exotic herbs. It is the perfect place to get acquainted with the scents of green trees and herbs such as magnolia and eucalyptus, and the picturesque scenery.