Bar (Montenegro) – detailed information about the city with photos. Main sights and attractions of Bar with descriptions, travel guides and maps.
City of Bar (Montenegro) – A Mediterranean Gem
Bar is a city in the southeast of Montenegro, known as the country’s largest seaport. Situated along the picturesque Adriatic coast, Bar is celebrated for its warm Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches, vast olive groves, and historical landmarks. While not as popular as Budva or Kotor, Bar offers impressive ruins of the old town and numerous interesting attractions for travelers.
Geography and Climate
Bar is nestled between the Adriatic Sea and Lake Skadar, just 50 km from Podgorica. The city enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for beach vacations from May to September.
Practical Information
- Population: 17,600
- Area: 598 km²
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Official Language: Montenegrin (a standardized form of Serbo-Croatian)
- Visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
- Time Zone: UTC +1
- Driving: Right-hand traffic
Historical Overview
Bar’s origins trace back to Illyrian tribes, and it later became part of the Roman Empire, under the name Antibarium. In the 9th century, Slavs occupied the area, shortening the name to Bar. Throughout the Middle Ages, the city changed hands numerous times, reaching its peak under Serbian rule in the 12th century. In 1571, Bar was captured by the Ottoman Empire, which left a lasting influence until Montenegro regained control in 1878.
How to Get to Bar, Montenegro
- By Air: The nearest airport is Podgorica Airport (TGD), located 40 km northeast of Bar. From there, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or book a private transfer.
- By Train: Montenegro’s railway connects Bar with Podgorica, with travel time of 1.5-2 hours.
- By Bus: Regular buses from Podgorica and Budva operate frequently.
- By Car: Bar is easily accessible via the Adriatic Highway (E65).
- By Ferry: Ferries run between Bar and Italian cities like Bari and Ancona.
Top Attractions in Bar
Old Bar – These are the ruins of an ancient settlement that date back to the 8th century BC, featuring Byzantine, Serbian, and Ottoman architecture. Located 4 km from the modern city, Old Bar offers visitors a rich historical journey through Montenegro’s past.
St. Nicholas Church – Dating back to the 11th century, this medieval church is one of Bar’s most significant historical monuments.
Other Historical Sites:
- The Trichonos Church – A 6th-century Byzantine structure located in Topolytsia.
- Ratak Monastery – A Benedictine monastery from the 9th century, located between Bar and Sutomore.
- Tekla Church – A 13th-century church situated in the suburb of Sutomore.
Haj Nehaj Fortress – Built in the 15th century by the Venetians and later reinforced by the Ottomans, this impressive fortress offers scenic views of the Adriatic coastline.
The Aqueduct – A stunning stone structure with 17 arches, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century, and one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in Montenegro.
The Old Olive Tree – One of Bar’s most famous natural attractions, this olive tree is over 2,200 years old and still produces olives today.
The Royal Palace — is a luxurious building built in the late 19th century. Now it houses a museum, which houses most of the exhibits found in the ruins of the old city, and the rooms have been reconstructed in the style of the 19th century.
Church of St. John Volodymyr — is a modern Orthodox church in the Neo-Byzantine style, built recently (in 2016).
St. Peter’s Cathedral — Catholic Cathedral, built in 2017. The church on this site was founded in the 9th century.
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