Lake Šas, also called Šasko Jezero, is a lake in Montenegro beside the remains of the medieval town of Šas. A visit brings together a broad lake landscape and the story of a settlement that developed from the 8th to the 15th century.
- Location: Montenegro, in the Šas area.
- Lake size: 5.5 km², 3.2 km long and 1.5 km wide.
- Historic site: The medieval town is also called Svač or Shas.
- Hotel in Ulcinj: Hotel Ambiente Ulcinj is in Ulcinj.
Where is Lake Šas in relation to Ulcinj?
Lake Šas is in Montenegro, in the same area as the remains of the medieval town of Šas. Its other names are Šasko Jezero and Liqeni i Shasit, useful to recognize when you see the lake referred to by different names.
The destination research for this guide does not establish a verified travel time or distance from Ulcinj to the lake, so plan the route using current mapping and local directions. For a broader city plan, you can pair the outing with this one-day Ulcinj itinerary.
What is the lake landscape like?
Lake Šas covers 5.5 km² and measures 3.2 km in length and 1.5 km in width. Those dimensions give you a sense of the scale: it is a substantial lake landscape, not just a small pool beside the ruins.
What can you see at the Šas ruins?
The Šas ruins are the remains of a medieval town known as Šas, Svač or Shas. The settlement developed from the 8th to the 15th century and was captured by the Ottomans in 1571; it was not recovered afterward.
An ICOMOS Austria presentation describes the town as having an upper citadel and a lower section that extended across about 15 hectares. It also reports at least 32 Christian churches identified at Šas and describes the town as the seat of a Catholic bishop.
These details help explain why the site represents more than a collection of old walls: it was a substantial religious and urban centre.
What should you know before visiting?
Check the official site before you go for current access conditions and facilities.
Because the lake and ruins are separate parts of the visit, allow time for both rather than treating the archaeological remains as the only stop.
Bring what you need for an outdoor visit, and confirm local access conditions before setting out. If your wider plans include the coast, this guide to planning a bus trip from Ulcinj to Bar covers a different outing.
FAQs
What are the other names for Lake Šas?
Lake Šas is also known as Šasko Jezero and Liqeni i Shasit.
How large is Lake Šas?
It covers 5.5 km² and is 3.2 km long and 1.5 km wide.
What happened to the medieval town of Šas?
The town developed between the 8th and 15th centuries and was captured by the Ottomans in 1571. It was not recovered afterward.
What are the Šas ruins also called?
The medieval town is also called Svač or Shas.