Kalaja, Medieval fortress in Ulcinj, Montenegro.
Kalaja is a medieval fortress on a rocky peninsula near Ulcinj, built from stone walls with defensive towers that descend toward the Adriatic Sea. The core contains a walled old town with tightly packed houses and several prominent tower structures.
The fortress was originally founded by Illyrian peoples and later rebuilt and expanded by Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Each power left traces in the form of fortifications and buildings that remain visible today.
The narrow streets inside the fortress walls contain houses from different periods, with Renaissance, Gothic, and Ottoman features standing side by side. Walking through these lanes, you can see how different cultures left their mark on the buildings.
You can explore the site during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset, at your own pace. Guided tours in multiple languages are available at the entrance to help you understand the layout and history.
The Tower of Balšić inside the fortress is the highest point and features a distinctive spherical addition from the Ottoman period. This tower stands out when you move through the streets of the fortress.
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