His Excellency Archduke Charles of Habsburg-Lorraine, the head of the Austrian royal house, was in Kotor today as part of a visit to Montenegro, organized by the Community of Italians of Montenegro.

The Archduke was accompanied by Dr. Massimiliano Lakota, diplomatic adviser and representative of the Austrian royal house in Italy, Major Fritz Rath, personal military assistant, and Captain Ernest Fojan, general aide to Archduke Karl.

During the two-day visit to Montenegro, the delegation visited numerous cultural and historical landmarks.

Yesterday they visited the churches of St. Nicholas and St. Luke in Kotor, where they were welcomed by the archpriest of Kotor-Tivat, parish priest of Kotor, archpriest Stavrofor Nemanja Krivokapić.

Today, in continuation of the visit, Archduke Karlo and his entourage stayed in Cetinje, where they visited the State Archives of Montenegro, the Court of King Nikola, the Municipality of Cetinje, as well as the area of ​​the former Austrian embassy.

During today's stay in Kotor, Archduke Karlo visited the Cathedral of St. Tripuna, where he was welcomed by Don Robert Tonsati, chancellor of the Kotor diocese.

Art historian Radojka Abramović welcomed them in the Maritime Museum of Montenegro, while in the Historical Archive of Kotor, the head of archives, Joško Katelan, spoke about the rich history and long ties between Montenegro and Austria.

In addition to tours of cultural and historical institutions, Archduke Karlo also met with the President of the Kotor Municipal Assembly, Maja Mršulja, and the Secretary of the Assembly, Snežana Barba.

The President of the Kotor Municipal Assembly, Maja Mršulja, expressed her great satisfaction with the visit of Archduke Karl of Habsburg-Lorraine and his delegation, emphasizing the importance of Kotor as a place that preserves the spirit of history and the coexistence of different cultures.

She emphasized that she is especially honored that the meeting is being held in the building of the Palace of Byzantium, where the local parliament is located today. She reminded that it is a historical monument dating back to the 14th century, which additionally symbolizes the city's rich cultural and architectural tradition.

"Kotor is a small town with a little more than 22,000 inhabitants, but it is the ancient and historical center of Montenegro and a city under the protection of UNESCO," said Mršulja.

In a statement to Radio Kotor, Archduke Charles of Habsburg-Lorraine said that this was not his first visit to Montenegro, but that more than twenty years had passed since his previous visit.

"Today, Montenegro is an even more beautiful country, and what makes me particularly happy is that it is on the right European path," said the Archduke, adding that he was fascinated by the progress the country had made.

He also reminded of the historical connection between Austria and Montenegro, emphasizing that he is the first member of the Habsburg family to visit Montenegro again after more than 150 years, since the time of Emperor Franz Joseph, who was the last to stay in our country.

Speaking about plans for the future, Archduke Charles of Habsburg-Lorraine said that he sees this visit as an opportunity for new cultural and humanitarian ties.

Text: Mihaela Moskov

Photo: Radio Kotor and Photo Parteli