Chivert Castle (or Xivert Castle) is located along the south-western foothills of the Sierra de Irta. It is of Muslim origin, dating from the late 11th to early 12th centuries, but following the reconquest of the square by Christian forces under the command of the Knights Templar, it underwent subsequent modifications that can still be seen today. For example, the separation of the castle and the town by means of a wall, the imposing stonemasonry walls and twin circular towers.
Herceg Novi was founded (on a former small fishing village, existing since Roman Empire times) as a fortress in 1382 by first Bosnian King Stjepan Tvrtko I and was called Sveti Stefan or Castelnuovo. The Turks conquered Herceg Novi in 1482, and ruled for 200 years, until 1687. However, there was a short pause between 1538 and 1539 when it was held by the Spaniards before they were defeated in the Siege of Castelnuovo. Turkey ruled again until 1687, from then until 1797, the town was ruled by the Venetian Republic.
The Herceg Novi old town is amazing. It is on a fairly steep hill that leads all the way down to the sea. Wandering through the small stairways to the various plazas and fortresses is a many hour adventure.