Ruins of Prince's Palace in Stari Bar, Montenegro

The Ruins of the Prince's Palace, also known as Structure 136, are a significant historical landmark within the fortified old town of Stari Bar. This structure is one of three palaces identified within the fortress and offers a glimpse into the region's layered past.

A History of Shifting Powers

The palace was constructed in stages, with its initial phase dating to the end of the 14th or the first half of the 15th century. It was originally built as a residence for local nobility during a time of major geopolitical shifts in the Balkans. The town of Stari Bar itself was a strategic point, having been ruled successively by Byzantines, Serbians, Hungarians, and Venetians.

Following the Ottoman conquest in 1571, the palace's function changed. It was adapted and repurposed to serve as a home for respectable families living within the town during the 300 years of Ottoman rule.

Architectural Layers

The palace's architecture is primarily described as Renaissance-Baroque. However, the devastating earthquake of 1979, while destructive, allowed for the observation of the building's earlier Romanesque-Gothic style. This layering of architectural periods reflects the palace's long and varied history.

The 'Porta Morta' or Death Doors

A unique and intriguing feature of the Prince's Palace is the presence of several walled-up doors. These are traditionally known as 'porta morta,' or death doors. According to custom, these specific doorways were used only to carry the deceased out of the house. After this final use, the door would be permanently sealed.

From Palace to Ruin

The palace's decline began with extensive damage sustained during the Montenegrin siege of 1877-78, which led to the town's liberation from Ottoman rule. The final and most catastrophic blow came from a major earthquake in 1979. This event severely damaged the palace and led to the widespread abandonment of Stari Bar, as most inhabitants relocated to the modern coastal city of Bar.

The Palace Today

Today, the Ruins of the Prince's Palace are a prominent feature of the Stari Bar archaeological site, which functions as a large open-air museum. Visitors can explore the remains of the palace, observing its preserved structural elements. The site is subject to ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts, preserving the rich history of what is considered the most significant medieval archaeological site in the Balkans.