MOMČIL’S TOWER: STILL AN ENIGMA FOR ARCHAEOLOGISTS

In the village of Preodac, near Bosansko Grahovo, lies a medieval fortress known as Momčil’s Tower.

Information about this tower remains partly unknown since researchers have never conducted archaeological studies or sought data from written records. Even those intrigued by the tower rarely visit it, as it is located 25 kilometers away from the nearest major settlement and roads.

According to local legend, the tower is linked to the Black Queen, while another tale suggests the site is cursed. The ruins of the medieval tower remain unexplored, leaving its origins and builders a mystery.

Villagers of Preodac claim that the tower was constructed during the Ottoman occupation and later fell into the hands of Momčil, who, along with his fighters, defended Preodac from the Turks.

There is also speculation that the tower was built during the reign of King Tvrtko.

The choice of location is hardly surprising. The so-called natural features and strategic position undoubtedly played a key role in its construction.

The main entrance to the fortress is buried under rubble, and the old walls of what was once a magnificent structure stretch all the way to the bottom of the Unac canyon, making them highly inaccessible from the outside.