Perched on the slopes of Mount Rumija, three kilometers from the coast, lies Stari Bar – one of the most significant medieval archaeological sites in the Balkans. Known as Antivari, it was first mentioned in the 10th century, though it's believed to have existed as early as the 6th century as a restored Roman castrum. Over the centuries, it came under the rule of Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on its cultural and architectural heritage. Within its 4.5-hectare fortified walls are the remnants of approximately 600 structures, including churches, palaces, squares, a Turkish bath, and an 18th-century aqueduct. Notable landmarks include the Cathedral of St. George, Church of St. Nicholas, and the Clock Tower from 1752. The town was abandoned after a devastating earthquake in 1979 but now stands as an open-air museum, preserving the echoes of bygone eras.
