The Cathedral of Saint John Vladimir in Bar is one of the largest, most beautiful and most significant Orthodox churches in Montenegro and on the entire Adriatic coast.
Basic features and history:
Location: It is located in the very center of Bar, on a spacious and open plateau not far from the sea coast and the city promenade.
Cult of St. John Vladimir: It is dedicated to the first Serbian and Duklja saint, ruler and martyr — St. John Vladimir (ruler of Duklja from the 11th century), whose cross is traditionally brought to the top of Mount Rumija every year on Trojičindan.
Construction and consecration: The foundations of the temple were poured in 2006, and it was built with the efforts and contributions of faithful people, businessmen and numerous donors. It was solemnly consecrated on September 25, 2016, on the thousandth anniversary of the martyrdom of St. John Vladimir, with the presence of patriarchs and bishops from the entire Orthodox world.
Architecture and dimensions: The temple is of imposing dimensions — it covers an area of about 2x1,200 m² and is over 40 meters high. It was built in a luxurious Mediterranean-Byzantine style with seven domes and two 42-meter-high bell towers with 11 bells.
Interior and frescoes: The walls of the temple are painted with magnificent frescoes in the traditional Byzantine style (over 4,800 square meters of frescoes), and the interior is decorated with a rich, monumental marble iconostasis with golden details.
Holiday and city celebration: The holiday of St. John Vladimir is celebrated on June 4. On that day, a solemn liturgy is held in Bar and a large national litany that passes through the city streets.
Affiliation and role: The temple belongs to the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral and is a central spiritual, cultural and assembly place for Orthodox believers in Bar, as well as a recognizable architectural symbol of modern Bar.
