Ulcinj Tour Guide

In the heart of Ulcinj's Old Town, in front of the former church-mosque, lies a small square known as Slave Square. Surrounded by stone arches, this area became a center for slave trade in the mid-17th century. Ulcinj pirates, notorious for their raids along the coasts of Italy and Dalmatia, brought captives here, holding them while awaiting ransom from their families or communities. Unlike other regions, slaves in Ulcinj were not used for labor but were treated as hostages. They were allowed to contact their relatives to arrange for ransom, often through intermediaries in Dubrovnik. In the 18th century, the demand for African slaves increased, leading Ulcinj residents to bring them from North African coasts. Many of these individuals later became free citizens, engaging in agriculture and seafaring. Today, Slave Square stands as a silent reminder of Ulcinj's complex and often dark history, inviting visitors to reflect as they walk its stone-paved streets.