The Balšić Tower is located in the Old City. The Balšić family was a medieval dynasty, which ruled over Zeta (an old name for the part of Montenegro near to the Skadar Lake) between 1360 and 1421. After the fall of the Serbian Empire, the Balšić family ruled over Montenegro independently. In time, they ruled over Metohija and Travunija as well. They had no titles like King, Vojvoda or Knez, instead refering to each other as “gospodin (Sir)“. They were related to the Nemanjić dynasty.
The capital of the Balšić land was Ulcinje, and the Balšić Tower was erected at the start of the 15thcentury. The tower was primarily a two-storey building, but the Turks later added another storey. It is located at the highest point in the Old City, and a beautiful view of the sea can be enjoyed from the tower. Inside the tower, there is gallery used for poetry readings and book club meetings. Near the Balšić Tower, visitors can enjoy the majestic Palata Venecija. It is believed that the palace, which serves as a luxurious accomodation spot, served as a palace during the reigh of the Republic of Venice, and that it housed the Venetian doge himself. The Palace was used as a hall by the Balšić family. In addition to the palace, a small stone house built in the 14th century is situated close to the tower. The gouse is called “Dvori Balšića“.
Fun fact: before you enter the Ulcinj Old Town, you will be able to see what is called a TURBE. This is a sort of seal dating back to the rule of the Turks. The seal tells the story of two brothers clashing because of their mutual love for a woman. Not being able to decide on one of them, the woman jumped off the fortress into the sea, ending her own life. However, this did not end the feud between the brothers. One of them died in was, while the other one died of natural causes. The Turbe is located where they used to quarrel and is a sort of relic, which the people believe has healing powers. The Turbe is barred, and many tourists, as well as inhabitants of the city, throw a coin in it for good luck.
Author of the text:
Marijana Niković licensed tourist guide for Montenegro.
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