The Archdiocese of Bar is the oldest Catholic diocese in Montenegro, with a history spanning over a thousand years. First mentioned in the 9th century, it became an archdiocese in 1089, when Pope Clement III elevated Bar to metropolitan status—marking the city as a significant religious and political center in the medieval state of Duklja. Throughout history, the Archdiocese of Bar was not just a religious institution. Its archbishops often served as diplomats and mediators in relations between Venice, Byzantium, and the Papacy. Today, the seat of the archdiocese is the modern Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle, while the old Cathedral of Saint John stands as a historical monument. Despite centuries of upheavals, destruction, and reconstruction, the Archdiocese of Bar remains a symbol of continuity, spiritual heritage, and faith across generations.
