Bar Map

Description:

Description:

Description:

Bar is a coastal city and seaport in southern Montenegro, located on the Adriatic Sea. With a population of approximately 15,868 (2023 census), it serves as the center of the Bar Municipality and is one of Montenegro's major transportation hubs. The city's name derives from the Italian "Bari," though it has no direct connection to the Italian city of the same name.

The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with the earliest recorded settlements dating back to the 6th century BCE. Throughout history, Bar has been under the control of various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. The city played a significant role in medieval times as an important trading port and cultural center, particularly during the reign of the Vojislavljević dynasty in the 11th century.

One of the city's most notable landmarks is Stari Bar (Old Bar), an abandoned fortress town located about 4 kilometers inland from the modern city center. This archaeological site contains ruins dating from the 11th to 17th centuries, including churches, palaces, and public buildings. The most prominent structure within the old town is the Church of St. John, built in the 6th century. Another significant attraction is the Old Olive Tree of Mirovica, believed to be one of the oldest olive trees in the world, with an estimated age of over 2,000 years.

Modern Bar is Montenegro's primary seaport, handling approximately 95% of the country's maritime traffic. The Port of Bar, constructed in its current form in 1976, is connected to Belgrade via the Belgrade-Bar railway, which is considered one of the most scenic railway routes in Europe. The city also features King Nikola's Palace, built in 1885, which now serves as a museum showcasing the cultural heritage of Bar and Montenegro.

The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Bar is known for its diverse agricultural production, particularly olives and citrus fruits, and is home to numerous beaches along its 46-kilometer coastline. The local economy is primarily based on maritime transportation, tourism, and food processing industries, with the Port of Bar serving as the main economic driver.