The Church of St. John the Baptist in Stari Bar (also known as St. John's Church) is one of the oldest and most historically significant sacred buildings within the fortified old town of Bar.
Here are key details and historical details about her:
Location: It is located in the very heart of the archeological complex of Stari Bar, within the walls of the former fortified town, in the immediate vicinity of the former square and other multi-level historical monuments.
History and origins: The original church on this site dates back to the early Middle Ages (13th century). During the centuries and changes of power over Bar (Venetian, Ottoman), the temple suffered numerous damages, conversions and renovations.
Architecture: It was built in the characteristic coastal Romanesque and Gothic style from local hewn stone. It is a one-nave building with a semicircular apse. Traces of different construction phases and subsequent additions can be seen on the facade.
Historical sufferings and archaeological importance: The church suffered a lot during the siege and liberation of Bar in 1877/1878. year, as well as in the devastating earthquake of 1979. After that, detailed archeological-conservation works were carried out during which its foundations, the remains of older layers of construction and parts of the former paintings/frescoes were investigated.
Today: The Church of St. John in Stari Bar is today a protected cultural monument within the unique archaeological park of Stari Bar. Due to its exceptional acoustics and historical ambience, its space is occasionally used for cultural events, exhibitions and concerts within the "Bar Chronicle" festival.
