by Aleksandra Đuričković
On the edge of the Skadar Lake, near the mouth of the Morača River into this lake, is the medieval town of famous Žabljak Crnojevića, reachable by land or water. It is believed to have been built in the 10 th century, during the reign of the first Montenegrin dynasty, Vojislavljević. In the middle of the 15th century, Žabljak was owned by the noble Crnojević family, after whom it was named. The duke of Zeta, Stefan Crnojević was the first to dine, then his son Lord Ivan. The Turks occupied it in 1478., and Ivan Crnojević moved the capital to Obod and then to Cetinje. The city of Žabljak, the eastern rampart of the powerful Turkish empire, towards Montenegro, was conquered twice by the Montenegrins. In the 1560s, Žabljak also became the capital of Zeta. The view of the ancient city of Žabljak Crnojević excudes history, whether spiritual or war with an extraordinary geographical position. It is reflected as an ancient bygone Byzantine fortress, the last refuge of Ivan Crnojević as a foundation of the Montenegrin state and culture. The town of Žabljak Crnojevića was occupied twice by the Montenegrins under the attack of the Ceklinians, with the assistance of the Ljubotinians, and as the symbol of the battle, two cannons were taken, as if today taking place in front of te Cetinje Monastery. In the 19th century, precisely in 1877., Žabljak Crnojevića was released. During the time of Turkey, there were towers on Žabljak where the Turkish bey rested, as well as the guard, and during the Kingdom of Yugoslavia it was a gendarmerie station. After World War II, there was also an elementary school. Žabljak Crnojevića is considered the real capital, although informally as the center of spirituality and the Montenegrin state. Prince Nikola left a peculiar monument on Žabljak Crnojević with the names of Montenegrin knights inscribed on it. Afterwards, by the decision of the Berlin Congress, Žabljak Crnojevića was returned to Montenegro in 1878., after more than 400 years under the Ottoman rule. Žabljak Crnojevića belongs to the type of water or island fortresses, surrounded by strong ramparts, which are 12m high and 2m thick considering some places. The island itself, on the conical, craggy top of which lies the medieval fortified town, has a circumference of about 800 m. On the stone ramparts there are six towers that are regularly arranged as they played a key role in observing the surroundings and defending the capital. The fortress could only be entered in one place, through a gate known to have once been made of iron. In the interior of the city there were the court of lord Zeta, the church of St. George, barracks, several residential buildings, warehouses for goods and a water cistern.
Žabljak Crnojevića is an abandoned medieval fortress in Montenegro, perched at the confluence of the Morača River and Lake Skadar. Originally founded in the 10 th century, it became the capital of Zeta under the Crnojević dynasty from 1466 to 1478. However, the Ottomans seized it in 1478, holding it for 400 years until Montenegro regained control in 1878. Today, its crumbling ruins offer stunning views and a glimpse into its rich history.
Visiting Žabljak Crnojevića is a rewarding experience, offering both history and breathtaking views. Here are some top tips to make the most of your trip:
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn provide pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making exploration more enjoyable.
• Exploring the Fortress: The ruins are untouched, so wear comfortable shoes for uneven terrain and bring water, as there are no facilities inside.
• Scenic Views: The fortress offers panoramic views over Lake Skadar, making it a perfect spot for photography.
The influence of the Republic of Venice is noticeable in the architecture of these buildings, and the main influence of Venice on the Zeta nobility. Stefan Crnojević has strengthened Žabljak, using the Venetian military engineering system. Numerous openings for archers and spearmen are also visible at the top of the ramparts as one could follow the movement over the bridges and across the lake making it that the fortress skillfully resisted enemy attacks.
The profound picturesque of Žabljak Crnojevića regards as the most entrancing cultural monument of the first category echoing the spirit of Montenegrin statehood. According to the synchronized geographical position, next to the fortress is the river Karatuna, baptized by the Turks as in translation from Turkish, the black river, carrying out the connection between Žabljak and the rest of the lake. Impressive views, the southern horizon across the thin line of Skadar lake is dominated by the mountain Rumija, enhancing the comprehensiveness of the impressive scenery as an idiosyncrasy of the fortress.
Settled near other wonders in Montenegro, Žabljak Crnojevića is an alluring and enrapturing tourist attraction that engages visitors with its bountiful historical significance, fascinating location and innate attractiveness. The pictorial topography and panorama, adorned with verdant encirclement and serene waters, create a reposeful and soothing ambience and overtone that teleports you to a world of spellbinding and magnetism. When it comes to historical devotee and admirers or nature enthusiasts, or merely looking for a hushed, secluded and restful get away, Žabljak Crnojevića is beyond comparison a reflection of Montenegrin beauty and peerless treasury of enchantress.