It is known that Žabljak was ruled by the Crnojević family, hence its other name -"Žabljak Crnojevića". It was the capital of Stefan Crnojević, and subsequently, Ivan Crnojević, who ruled from 1466 to 1478, when the town was invaded by the Turks. The town was under Turkish rule until 1878, when it was handed over to Montenegro by the decision of the Berlin Congress.
Ivan Crnojević's palace was located in the town, as well as the Church of St. George, cisterns, residential, army and business structures. It is surrounded by mighty town-walls with towers and gates, made before fire-arms were invented. Most of the preserved fortification originates from the period of Ivan Crnojević, and is marked by typical Venetian architecture, while other parts belong to the period of Turkish domination. Today, Žabljak lies abandoned, but its surroundings are still full of life.