Ulcinj: The Jewel of Montenegro's Adriatic Coast

• HelloZdravo
  [ZDRAH-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [doh-vee-JEH-nya]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [MOH-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [HVAA-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [eez-VEE-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [KAH-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [DOH-bro. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Da li govorite engleski?
  [dah lee goh-VOH-ree-teh ENG-les-kee]
• I don't understandJa ne razumem
  [yah neh rah-ZOO-mem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih meni, molim
  [MOH-lee-oh bee meh-nee, MOH-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [neh yeh-dem MEH-soh]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [ZHEE-veh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim da platim, molim
  [ZHEH-leem dah PLAH-teem, MOH-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [POH-mohtch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [EE-dee OH-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [POH-zoh-vee-teh poh-LEE-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [POH-zoh-vee-teh DOHK-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [eez-GOO-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/na sam
  [BOH-leh-stahn/nah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim da kupim...
  [ZHEH-leem dah KOO-peem...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [SAH-moh GLEH-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [KOH-lee-koh KOH-shta]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [toh yeh PREH-vee-sheh SKOO-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cenu?
  [MOH-zheh-teh lee SPOO-stee-tee CHEH-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [KOH-lee-koh yeh SAH-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [YEH-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (10)
  [POH-lah (DEH-seht)]
• MorningJutro
  [YOO-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [poh-POHD-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [VEH-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [YOO-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [DAH-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [SOO-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [YEH-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Četiri
  [CHEH-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [peht]
• 6Šest
  [shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [SEH-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [OH-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [DEH-veht]
• 10Deset
  [DEH-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gde je...
  [gdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [KOH-yah yeh ah-DREH-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [MOH-zheh-teh lee mee poh-KAH-zah-tee (nah MAH-pee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [KAH-dah yeh SLEH-deh-chee (OW-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (za ....)
  [YEH-dnoo KAR-too (zah ....)]

Ulcinj, one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, was founded in the 5th century BC by the Illyrian tribe of the Olcinians. It was known as Olcinium. This ancient city became an important center for trade and piracy in the Mediterranean.

In 163 BC, the Romans conquered Ulcinj, integrating it into their vast empire. The city was known as Colchinium during this period and became a thriving Roman colony. Remnants of Roman architecture and infrastructure, such as roads and aqueducts, can still be found in the region.

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Ulcinj came under Byzantine rule in the 5th century AD. The Byzantines fortified the city, and it became a crucial defensive outpost against various invasions. The influence of Byzantine culture and architecture is evident in the old town.

In the 15th century, Ulcinj fell under the control of the Republic of Venice. The Venetians fortified the city further and left a lasting impact on its architecture and culture. Venetian influence is visible in the old city's layout and in several surviving buildings.

In 1571, Ulcinj was captured by the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans ruled the city for over three centuries, transforming it into a bustling trade center. The city became known for its diverse population and rich cultural tapestry, including influences from Ottoman, Albanian, and Slavic cultures.

During the Ottoman period, Ulcinj became infamous as a pirate haven. The city's strategic location made it a perfect base for pirates who roamed the Adriatic Sea. The legacy of piracy is still a point of fascination and intrigue for visitors today.

In 1880, following the Berlin Congress, Ulcinj was integrated into the Principality of Montenegro. This marked the end of Ottoman rule and the beginning of a new chapter in the city's history. Ulcinj continued to develop as a key coastal town within Montenegro.

Throughout the 20th century, Ulcinj saw significant changes, including periods of Yugoslav rule and the eventual independence of Montenegro in 2006. The city has grown into a vibrant tourist destination, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and stunning Adriatic coastline.

Ulcinj is renowned for its multicultural heritage, which includes influences from its Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman past. The city's diverse population reflects this rich history, with a mix of Montenegrin, Albanian, and other ethnic communities contributing to its unique cultural landscape.

The Old Town of Ulcinj, known as Stari Grad, is a testament to the city's layered history. With its winding streets, ancient fortifications, and historic buildings, the Old Town offers a glimpse into the past and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

Ulcinj is located in the southernmost part of Montenegro, near the Albanian border. The nearest airport is Podgorica Airport, approximately 85 kilometers away. From Podgorica, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Ulcinj. Alternatively, Tivat Airport, which is around 90 kilometers away, can also be used. Buses from major Montenegrin cities like Podgorica, Budva, and Bar frequently travel to Ulcinj. For those traveling by train, the nearest train station is in Bar, from where you can catch a bus or taxi to Ulcinj.

Ulcinj is a small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips or to explore the surrounding areas, local taxis are available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate within the town and connect to nearby villages and attractions like Ada Bojana and Velika Plaza. Renting a car is also a convenient option, especially if you plan to explore the broader region.

The official currency in Montenegro is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Ulcinj, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash during the day, as some ATMs may run out of cash in the evening.

Ulcinj is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and beaches. While Ulcinj does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Ulcinj. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The local hospital, Dom Zdravlja Ulcinj, provides basic medical services.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A smile and a polite greeting in the local language ('Dobar dan' for 'Good day') are appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ulcinj like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Montenegrin goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Old Town (Stari Grad), which offers a glimpse into the town’s rich history. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to Ada Bojana, known for its beautiful river delta and seafood restaurants.