Montenegro.com exclusively publishes Marijana Vukčević's text about the history and sights of Ulcinj. Ulcinj is one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast, which has defiantly resisted the test of time for twenty-five centuries. Miraculously raised on the cliffs above the open sea, facing Otranto, it irresistibly conquers all your senses. Through the centuries, accumulated diversity of cultures and civilizations merged into one whole. Something like a small paradise on earth, carved out of time in centuries of bloody battles, defiance, pride and love of all those who visited this place at least once in their lives.

The earliest traces lead us to prehistoric times when Ulcinj belonged to the Illyrians, a people of Indo-European origin. The old town of Ulcinj was founded in the 5th century BC. Colchiđani, which is why it originally got the name Kolichinium. In the 2nd century (163 BC) it was conquered by the Romans from the Illyrian tribe Olcinijatas and the then ancient city of Colchinium became Olcinium. During the Roman rule, Olcinium received a special status, as a city with special privileges (opida civium romanoruma) and later as a city with an independent status (Municipia). Due to its exceptional geographical position, relief and mild climate, it has always been the target of great conquerors. Ulcinj is a city whose walls were often demolished in wars, but also restored by all those who, because of the exceptional beauty of this ancient city, found their peace by building fortifications and residences. The Byzantine emperor Justilian rebuilt it and built fortifications, and after him the Nemanjići, the Balšići, the Venetians and the Turks. In 1183, the Serbian prefect Stefan Nemanja captured the city, and at that time Ulcinj became one of the most important coastal cities.

Around that time, the famous Balšić tower was also built, and an interesting fact is that it was precisely there that the famous reformer of the Talmud (Sabataj Cevi) lived, who in 1676, after converting to Islam, died here known as Muhamed Efendija. Although it was never a real capital, Ulcinj was a favorite destination that the rulers of Zeta used for their residences. Son of Zeta king Vukan, Nemanja's grandson Đorđija stayed in Ulcinj in 1252. In 1281, the sister of Queen Jelena, Maria, of French origin, the widow of Anselma de Chaurs, found refuge in this ancient city. Until 1571, her grave was located in front of the altar of the Church of the Virgin or Mark. After her and Jelena, the widow of King Uroš I, who together with her sister Maria built a Franciscan monastery in 1278. Ulcinj hosted another ruler, Jelena, the widow of Emperor Dušan, who ruled over this well-known, peaceful haven of former rulers. Đurađ was buried in it, as in its capital. Stracimirović Balšić. During the time of Nemanjić and Balšić, there was also a mint in Ulcinj.

One of the unsuccessful sieges of the Old Town of Ulcinj is attributed to the Mongols. Having conquered Ulcinj, the Mongols ravaged the neighboring episcopal city of Svač and killed all its inhabitants. Historical sources say that Svač was rebuilt by Queen Jelena in the 13th century, and according to the legend written by Đustinians (1533) and Bici (1610), Svač had as many churches as there are days in the year, even today you can find the foundations of a dozen of them preserved. The Venetians placed Ulcinj under their protection in 1423 and it remained under their rule until 1571, when it was attacked and devastated and fell into the hands of the Turks.

After the Battle of Lapant in the Mediterranean Sea in the same year, the Old Town of Ulcinj hosted as a prisoner the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, who later wrote the world-famous novel "Don Quixote". Since the city was called Cita di Dolcinio at the time, Cervantes chose his lover Dulcinea, who bore the name of the city where he was imprisoned for 5 years, as his hero "Don Quixote". Even today, there is a square in Ulcinj where slaves used to gather and trade, called Trg robova or Cervantes square. After Venice and Dubrovnik, Ulcinj was the third fleet and one of the favorite pirate destinations. At the time of the expansion of piracy, at one point in Ulcinj, around 100 black men were enslaved who, after their liberation, took the surnames of the families in which they served and thus became honest and honorable citizens.

Ulcinj was liberated from the Turks on January 11, 1878, but was annexed to the principality of Montenegro only on November 30, 1880. Apart from its rich cultural and historical heritage, this ancient city is also known for its multi-ethnic and multinational population structure, which united throughout history and resisted the occupier, especially in the Second World War. Many memorial plaques and busts throughout the city remind us of this today. Ulcinj should not only be seen, Ulicinj should be truly experienced. The unique and indescribable beauty of the Ulcinj grass, whose ramparts rise directly from the sea, should be allowed to tell the story of their rich history with the old cyclopean walls, towers, loopholes, and gates. If you want to experience the exotic, the spirit of the Orient and definitely learn something from history, don't miss the Ulcinj Riviera.

Apart from the Old Town, today Ulcinj offers 33 km of coastline, 18 km of which are beautiful beaches. Starting from Velika plaža, which stretches for a full 10 km and is recognizable by its fine sand with a diameter of 0.1 - 0.5 mm. There is also the Small (town) beach located right under the walls of the Old Town. We must not forget the famous Valdanos beach, the beach that is part of the Albatros Hotel, Liman I and II, the women's beach (with sulfur springs), the Balšić Palace beach, etc. Beneath Cape Đerana, at the very beginning of Velika Plaža, there is a marina, better known as "Porta Milena", a real jewel for the eyes, deep into the land with countless wooden huts on the water, which the locals call "calimeres". Finally, the island of Ada Bojana, which was created artificially by the fact that in the 19th century the ship “ Merito" and the years of deposition of river sediments carved this little paradise on earth.

Ada is a well-known tourist gem of Montenegro, a nudist village with a beautiful sandy beach and a specific ambience, skillfully hidden from prying eyes, surrounded on two sides by the beautiful Bojana River and on the third by the cleanest sea water. If you ever want a dream vacation in Adam and Eve costumes, Ada Bojana is definitely the right choice. Let's not forget the gourmets, who have at their disposal beautiful and authentic restaurants on the water with a rich offer of fresh fish and specialties of Mediterranean cuisine. Ulcinj is one of those cities that really has a large and rich tourist offer, which is why all those who visit it once come back again and again. Text: Marijana Vukčević