It is a fortification of irregular shape, with an elongated northwest plan. It is encircled with powerful ramparts and a single gate. Inside are the remains of the court of Crnojevici, St George's Church, a cistern for water supply and other facilities intended for the inhabitants and the garrison. The oldest parts had been erected in 15 th century before the introduction
of fire–arms, and they include large portions of the ramparts on the south-east and west sides, a semicircular tower and the internal part of the entrance .
Although largely ruinous, the site remains a place of pilgrimage for a large number of visitors and retains its identity as an important fortification of interest to historians, scholars and the wider public. The fortification dominates the swampy area of the Skadar Lake which abounds with diverse flora and fauna. Also, from the top of the fortification are impressive views of Skadar Lake, its isles, monastery complexes, other fortifications. By water and roads, it could easily be linked with a chain of other cultural sites, rural and urban settlements in the area to extend and develop the tourist market. It is also well connected with the capital Podgorica, historical capital of Cetinje and the port of Bar.
The Medieval town Zabljak of Crnojevica (1500 m 2 ) is situated on a steep hill within a swampy area in the northwest part on the Skadar lake, the National park.
The appearance of the city today reflects the town as it was in the 15 th century. It is a fortification of irregular shape, with an elongated northwest plan.
It is encircled with powerful ramparts and a single gate. Inside are the remains of the court of Crnojevici, St George's Church, a cistern for water supply and other facilities intended for the inhabitants and the garrison. The oldest parts had been erected before the introduction of fire–arms, and they include large portions of the ramparts on the south-east and west sides, a semicircular tower and the internal part of the entrance.
There are no written records about the foundation of the town. It is assumed that members of the Vojislavljevic family (10th and 11 th century) established the town in the 11th century, taking advantage of its location on the lake. However, the first historical facts concerning Zabljak of Crnojevici date back to the mid 15 th century, when the dynasty of Crnojevici ruled until 1478 when Turks occupied it. Zabljak of Crnojevici remained in Turkish hands, and it was only in 1878 that Montenegro liberated it. Until the First World War, the fortification was used as an arsenal. Between the world wars a police station was established, and the military barrack was built. After the Second World War, a police station remained inside the fortification and the school was established.
After the earthquake in 1979, the fortification was deserted. The adjacent village is still inhabited.
As the residence of Ivan Crnojević, the first ruler of the State Žabljak of Crnojevići is of national importance for Montenegro. It represents the first symbol of Montenegrin state and its national identity.
Zabljak of Crnojevici is a part of the National Park of Skadar Lake (the biggest National park in Montenegro, included on the List of Wetlands of International Importance, as a habitat of swamp birds, in conformity with the provisions of the
Ramsar Convention) and as such it has significant environmental, ecological, landscape, cultural and historical value.
The fortification, built on the top of the hill, dominates the landscape at the confluence of river Moraca and the Skadar Lakeand is extremely important in terms of its environmental value.
From the top of the fortification are impressive views of Skadar Lake, its islands, monastery complexes, other fortifications and flora and fauna.
Žabljak of Crnojevići is connected by water and road with a chain of listed cultural monuments, rural and urban settlements on the Lake that offer great potential for the development of cultural and eco-tourism.
