Jovan Mandić, the candidate for councilor from the Party of European Progress in Nikšić, expressed concerns over the local government’s disregard for the city’s cultural heritage.

“This August marks 125 years since the completion of the Prince Nikola Castle’s construction in Nikšić. Simultaneously, it has been six years since reconstruction efforts began, yet they remain unfinished. This clearly illustrates the outgoing government’s negligence regarding our city’s historical and cultural assets. The Nikšić administration has failed to finalize the Castle’s restoration, which started on August 20, 2020,” Mandić stated.

He pointed out that the castle was constructed between 1899 and mid-August 1900, located near Petrova glavica, where the Cathedral Church of St. Basil of Ostrog was built concurrently.

“This neo-Renaissance structure was intended as a summer residence for the ruling family and stands as one of the most monumental edifices from the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty. During World War II, the Castle served as a Gymnasium, and from 1949 to 1975, one section housed the ‘Luka Simonović’ Elementary School, while another section was home to the Secondary School of Economics.”

Currently, Mandić emphasizes, the castle accommodates notable cultural institutions, including the Local History Museum, the City Library, the Gallery, and the Archives.

“The previous government’s neglect of cultural heritage in Nikšić extends beyond this building. The Voltica tower in Župa Nikšićka faces a similar fate. Constructed between 1853 and 1855, the tower is also waiting for the completion of its halted reconstruction from several years ago. Should the Party of European Progress gain the authority to make decisions after the local elections, we will prioritize cultural preservation. It is crucial to safeguard the cultural heritage of Nikšić… It is time for Nikšić,” the statement concludes.

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