Bar or Bar is located in the western area of Montenegro, on the Adriatic Sea right in front of Italian Bari. It is probably for this reason that the city is also called "Antivari", or "in front of Bar". It represents the largest port area in Montenegro and a docking point for boats and large ships.
The coast of Montenegro has been inhabited for millennia; some archaeological sites testify to the presence of residential settlements in the surroundings of the current Bar as early as the 7th century BC. Over the centuries, the city has been a meeting place between the two great Christian and Muslim religions; the fruit of this meeting can still be seen first-hand today during the feast of Saint Jovan Vladimir.
On this occasion, the patron saint of Montenegro, Saint Jovan Vladimir (Saint John Vladimir), is celebrated. He was killed in 1215 and from that year he is remembered through an excursion-pilgrimage where Catholic and Orthodox Christians, but also Muslims carry a cross towards the top of the Monte Rumi from the town of Bar.
To learn more about the veneration of this saint, keep in mind that when you are in the city you can go and visit the cathedral of Bar, dedicated to Saint Jovan Vladimir, a wonderful example of Balkan architecture. From the outside it is shining: the white color predominates, and the glass blue of some parts of the roof and the gold color of the large domes and the top of the two high towers are absolutely delightful. It is a truly majestic building, as are the interiors and the important symbolic artefacts linked to the history of the saint.
In addition to visiting the cathedral, one of the things you could do to get to know the village of Bar better is precisely the hiking route which from the old town of Bar takes you to the highest point of Mount Rumija, 1.594 meters above sea level. Start from the old town or Stari Bar, very close to the new Bar.
The Illyrians found a good place to settle here, but were later driven out by the Romans. In the 10th century the Byzantines rebuilt the city of Bar and in the following centuries it passed first to the Venetians and then to the Turks. In short, a beautiful meeting between different peoples, each of whom has left some evidence of their culture.
Of particular interest are the walls which are still visible in some sections, but also the long and powerful aqueduct, which is still in good condition. While wandering along the paths of Stari Bar you can visit chapels and the church of St. Nicholas, dating back to 1100. Every corner of this old city will give you beautiful panoramic views of the sea and the large coastal district of Montenegro.
After the visit to the old Bar, continue the journey reaching the village Mali Mikulići, 788 meters above sea level, therefore halfway to the top. After a break you will be ready to cover the other 800 meters of altitude difference. Even if you feel tired, the view you will enjoy once you reach the top will reinvigorate you: on one side you will be able to see the Adriatic Sea, the new Bar and the neighboring districts, on the other the beautiful and large Lake Skadar, the largest on the Balkan peninsula, which can be explored by boat through a journey through the faunal riches of the area.
Alternatively you can let yourself be attracted by the beautiful beaches of Bar and the surrounding areas. In fact, the town in Montenegro is also famous for the high rate of tourist crowding in the area Adriatic coast. We recommend some of them. First of all, Veliki Pijesak beach, a not very long strip of sand, although wide and welcoming. It takes on the shape of a gulf, close to the city buildings. Despite its width, in summer it is overrun by tourists.
Another very famous one is Sutumore, 9 kilometers from Bar. Even on this beach you will have to be patient and make your way through the myriad of people who here indulge in sun, sea and relaxation in the summer months. But once you have found the place, you can dive into the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, even more transparent where the beach becomes stony.
