"These positions have been transformed into irregular passages. They are certainly not intended for safe access for visitors to the Kotor walls, nor did they originally have that purpose. This has increased the risk of injury to citizens and tourists. In order to prevent the tragic consequences of such inappropriate behavior, in the previous period we temporarily walled off two openings using a drywall system, which proved unsuccessful," the statement reads.
According to them, irregular passages were used for organized entry to the ramparts, often with the help of improvised means, ladders, ropes and other aids, without the ability of the competent services to control access or ensure the safety of visitors at these locations, which posed a significant security risk for visitors.
They add that the artillery positions at Renier and Batalja, which are located at a height of five or more meters, are particularly problematic, where several tourist injuries have been recorded in the previous period.
"Given that the previous solution was not successful, a new temporary measure has been implemented, primarily to protect the safety of citizens and tourists, bearing in mind that the passages are located in difficult-to-access and risky locations," the statement reads.
They add that in addition to the safety aspect, the continuous and uncontrolled use of these openings leads to physical damage to the structure of the ramparts, which prevents the establishment of a responsible relationship and protection of the ramparts as a significant cultural asset.
As they say, weakened binder, static instability of the vaults and an increased risk of collapse were observed in some of the towers, which was further exacerbated by the passage of a larger number of groups.
"Having all of the above in mind, we began temporarily walling off two gun emplacements that were most often used as irregular passages. This intervention was carried out carefully, using stone and lime mortar, in accordance with conservation practice, and as a reversible measure that does not leave any permanent consequences for the original fabric of the cultural property, neither during construction nor after possible removal. The walled-up openings can be returned to their original state at any time," the statement states.
They add that the implemented measure does not represent a visual disruption of the environment, but a standard form of protection that has been applied in the region, including the ramparts in Ston and Dubrovnik, where there are clearly defined systems of management, preservation and entrance fees that are in line with modern European standards for the protection and management of cultural heritage.
The statement states that the proceeds from the sale of tickets for entrance to the Kotor Walls are used for the maintenance, renovation and reconstruction of the walls, trails and accompanying infrastructure, which represents a significant financial investment in the preservation of this extremely valuable cultural asset.
They add that uncontrolled entry in this way directly threatens this system and their long-term protection.
As they say, irregular access paths have become increasingly visible through digital platforms, maps, social networks, and tourist content on the internet, where they are often presented as an alternative route, attraction, or challenge for visitors.
Such promotion, although often done without awareness of the possible consequences, they add, can contribute to the increased use of irregular passages that do not meet the conditions for safe movement, beyond officially regulated and controlled entrances. This puts visitors in potentially risky situations, while at the same time making responsible management and protection of the walls more difficult.
"The possibility of opening these passages can only be considered when conditions are created for safe and controlled use, with a clearly defined management system and a more responsible attitude of all users towards the Kotor walls as a cultural asset of exceptional value," the statement concludes.
