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Like
a stone ship grounded to the shore, the islet of
Sveti Stefan lies “anchored” in the midst
of the Budva Riviera. A former fishermen’s village, first
mentioned in
the written documents in 1442, became world famous in 1960
as a unique
hotel-town with comfortable villas and luxurious apartments. According to
tradition,
the Pastrovici family erected this settlement
using the treasure they
had stolen from the Turks in the XV century. Centuries later, the town of
Sveti
Stefan
became the residence of the Pastrovici. It was the seat of
their court called
‘bankada’
where they held sessions and made decisions. This tradition is
still alive.
The main industry of the former residents of this islet was fishing
and olive growing.
Hard life and poverty forced many of them to leave forever
in search of a better life.
This path led them towards Constantinople and for some towards
America
and even the far away Australia. By the end of the World War II, the island
was almost deserted. Thanks to the idea of the distinguished
Montenegrin
painters Lubarda and Milunovic, forty years ago, the hotel-town
welcomed its first guests. Soon after, it received a flattering
title of one of the most exclusive resorts in the world.
Statesmen, high officials, industrialists, film stars
and sportsmen are its customers, especially in the prestigious
and legendary villa “118”, where the daily rent
goes
up to 1.500 US dollars.
“… As if I have just returned to town from the most
beautiful fairytale of
my childhood” said Sophia Lauren, the famous Italian
film star, while visiting
Sveti
Stefan.
www.visit-montenegro.com
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