Stanka i Dušan Zambelić

homemade products tasting; activity holidays

Not far from the inlet of Žanjice, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the Montenegrin coast, is the village of Zambelići. During a tour of the village, the host Dušan Zambelić will gladly tell you about the maritime tradition and history of his family and the village. He will definitely not forget to point out the memorial plaque dedicated to his ancestor, the famous sailor Petar Zambelić.

The distinguished sailor, while sailing under the Chilean flag, explored dangerous passes of the Strait of Magellan. The boldness and courage to explore the most dangerous sea routes, from which no one before him returned alive, brought him great fame, respect and wealth, so he became a respected pilot guide to many ships around the world.

Captain Zambelić tragically lost his life in 1903. A memorial plaque was placed on the house where he once lived in 1952. Today, many passers-by pause and take a look at the memorial plaque and the house of this famous captain with curiosity.

The family history of Zambelići says that they originate from Greece, from the sailor called Zambelos, who came to the Bokokotorska Bay as a trader. As during one of his trips he survived a storm at the very entrance to the Bay, thanks to the care of the locals, he continued his life on Luštica and thus became the founder of the Zambelići brotherhood.

By walking around the Zambelić estate, we come upon an old rainwater tank that was used for the household and livestock. Nearby is also a threshing floor, which was used for threshing grain, and was known as the “village stage“, i.e. the place where the locals gathered for celebrations, joy and assemblies.

There is a tavern – museum on the ground floor, where, in addition to the mill and press for production of olive oil that are still in function, there are also old chests, dishes and a sample of the Montenegrin folk costume, which will make you go back for centuries in the past and get a picture of how people once lived in the area of the peninsula.