Video Description: Sveti Stefan is an unusual and unique place, not only in the Budva Riviera but also on the whole of the Mediterranean. The island is connected to the mainland with an 'isthmus' or dam, giving it the look of a peninsula.
In written documents, Sveti Stefan (Saint Stephen) is first mentioned in 1442 as a military fortification and that it was named after the church of Saint Stephen which was built in the same period. In old documents Sveti Stefan is known as "the place of justice". Until 1929 the court in the place solved disputes.
Sveti Stefan knew a great development in the first half of the nineteenth century when it consisted of 100 houses, three churches and 400 inhabitants in the small area surrounded by water and waves. There was no place for more. At the beginning of the twentieth century it suddenly lost its economical power and political importance. Many inhabitants left. The brave ones went to war but the greatest part immigrated to America in 1912. By 1954 only 20 inhabitants remained.
In 1954 a group of smart architects and artists began remodeling the houses with the help of the communist authorities. In 1957 already the fortress was turned into a unique city - the hotel, the most attractive and luxurious hotel complex in the Mediterranean, even by Western standards. The adaptation was performed by foreign experts with respect to the authenticity of the buildings and their interior. The houses were turned into luxury apartments.
The hotel complex has a swimming pool, restaurant and three terraces with a beautiful view of the sea. Sveti Stefan offers luxury, comfort and a kind of special autonomy, independence, inspiration and intimacy, that most famous hotel have.
Sveti Stefan was popular among celebrities, and among its guests were Marilyn Monroe, Willy Brandt, Bobby Fischer, Boris Spassky, Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, Monica Vitti, Ingemar Stenmark, Kirk Douglas, Jonathan Miller and Claudia Schiffer. As of September 8, 2008, the resort is closed while being completely renovated. While closed the beaches north and south of the island are open to anyone along with beach side parking which costs 12 Euro. Local sources predict Sveti Stefan will reopen by 2010.
