Montenegro

Old Town of Bar

WHS Score 0.6
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Votes 17 Average 0.71
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Votes for Old Town of Bar

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  • Alexander Lehmann
  • Csaba Nováczky
  • David Berlanda
  • Federico P.
  • Kasper

1

  • CugelVance
  • George Gdanski
  • GeorgeIng61
  • J. Stevens
  • Philipp Peterer
  • Remigiusz
  • Riccardo Quaranta
  • Rodinia
  • Roman Raab
  • Svein Elias
  • Tarquinio_Superbo
  • Van Hung

The Old Town of Bar is the largest and most important medieval archaeological site in the Balkans, with a rich architectural heritage influenced by Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, oriental, and traditional local styles. This site has been deserted since the end of the 19th century, but has been well-preserved and protected following damage from an earthquake at the end of the 20th century. The fortified medieval town of Bar includes a main gate, a citadel, a Prince and Bishop’s palace, a customs house, a clock tower, an aqueduct, a Turkish bath, and churches including Saint George’s Cathedral.

Site Info

Official Information
Full Name
Old Town of Bar (ID: 5562)
Country
Montenegro
Status
On tentative list 2010 Site history
History of Old Town of Bar
2010: Added to Tentative List
Added to tentative list
Criteria
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org

Community Reviews

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First published: 08/07/25.

Philipp Peterer

Bar - Montenegro's Best Twhs

Old Town of Bar (On tentative list)

Old Town of Bar by Philipp Peterer

The current name for this TWHS is a bit misleading. The old town of Bar is not what you expect, when visiting an old town, but rather an archaeological site, with entry fee and opening hours. It is, unlike the other old towns I visited in the area, not at the sea, but up in the hills. The whole complex is surrounded by massive town walls and includes the remains of churches, towers, palaces and a citadel. From the citadel you will have the best view on the aqueduct and the mountains.

The old town is a popular tourist attraction in Montenegro and therefore comes with the needed infrastructure. There is a big parking lot you will share with numerous tour buses. Going there on an organized tour is probably the best option, if you don’t drive. Around the town walls there is some kind of newer old town, with nice Ottoman style houses. Each of them is either a restaurant or a shop.

In general, this makes for an enjoyable visit and if you only have time for one thing along the coast of Montenegro, Bar is a good choice. It would, in my opinion, also deserve a spot on the list, as it is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Balkans.

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