Location

The city of Bar is located in the south of the country on the coast of the warm Adriatic Sea, which makes its climate mild and comfortable. Although it's got an interesting old town, Bar remains overshadowed by the Budva Riviera and Bay of Kotor on the Montenegrin coast. The old town is fascinating and the east-meets-west architecture and cuisine make this a unique part of Montenegro.

 

Bar was first mentioned in the 6th century, but archaeologists have found evidence that the town was settled somewhere in the Neolithic period (10,200-2,000 BC). Like other towns in Montenegro, it's changed named several times going from Antipargal to Antibarium. Today's name was derived from Antivari, meaning opposite Bari (across the Adriatic in Italy), which it got under Ventian rule. In 1571 the Ottoman Turks captured the town and ruled for the next 300 years. This has lent the town a more oriental flavour than the northern coast of Montenegro. One can see minarets mixed with churches and the town is very multi-ethnic.
 
The old town is the must-see attraction in Bar. The ruins of the town are painstakingly being reconstructed after a devastating earthquake in 1979 and the Turkish-influenced street leading up to the town is a colourful reminder of the melding of cultures here. The ancient part of the city resembles an open-air historical and architectural museum. At the end of the 19th century, the city was almost completely destroyed, and many historical monuments were lost. However, over two hundred objects are still available for exploration, albeit some in ruins. In the Old Bar one can see the ruins of the Cathedral, the oldest churches of the 11th century, the ancient city gates. It is noteworthy that the centuries-old "antiquity" peacefully coexists with modern buildings,  

 

 

   
In the north of the city is one of the most popular attractions - the Aqueduct. The word from the Latin language is translated as "water conduit" - a device that provides water supply to irrigation canals, hydroelectric power plants and the population for domestic and economic needs. Despite its long history, the Aqueduct has been well preserved.   Bar is also home to one of the most challenging canyoning experiences in Montenegro, (perhaps) the world's oldest olive tree and it's just 30 minutes from Lake Skadar National Park. every year at the end of autumn, after the harvest, Masliniada is celebrated in the city. There is also a children's event - a festival called "Meetings under the old olive."   Palace of King Nikola consists of two majestic palaces and is located in a park near the port. Around the palaces there are botanical and winter gardens with local plants and trees. Nearby there is a small cozy chapel. The main premises contains the local museum of local lore with unique exhibits on historical, cultural and archaeological topics.
         
   
The Beshka monastery played a key role in the spiritual life of the ancient Slavic state of Zeta. It was here that church texts were copied. The attraction is located on the island of Beshka in the south of Lake Skadar.   The majestic Clock Tower, built in 1752 near the Church of St. Catherine. is the main attraction of the city. From this upper mountain part of the city, a wide panorama of the Adriatic Sea and the ancient city ruins opens up.   In the nearby village of Orahovo there is a monastery built during the reign of the Balsic dynasty. The complex consists of two single-nave churches dedicated to St. Nicholas and a private building. This temple also serves as a parish church.
     
     
     
   
The described is only a part of what the ancient city of Bar is rich in. The old town is immersed in lush orchards and olive groves, an authentic atmosphere reigns here. The new city with its dreamy famous promenade will endow the freshness of the sea space and an atmosphere of tranquility. It's really a hope that touching the Bar will give unforgettable emotions.