Cathedral of St. Jovan Vladimir
Saborni Hram Svetog Jovana Vladimira
A modern cathedral with a distinctive silhouette in the city centre.
The interior accommodates large services and the light stone façades are crowned with domes. The church has become one of Bar’s new landmarks.
How to Get There
On foot from Bar center ~11-17 min.
From Virpazar by taxi ~23 min.
From Petrovac by taxi ~26 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~47 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~68 min.
Description
What this place is
The Cathedral of St Jovan Vladimir in Bar is the largest Orthodox church in Montenegro, built in the city center and consecrated in 2016. It is dedicated to St Jovan Vladimir, the region’s patron and protomartyr.
Key features
- Dimensions – 54 × 36.8 m, footprint 1,370 m², height to the cross 44.5 m, capacity about 1,200 people.
- Artistic program – frescoes covering 4,860 m², an 18.5 m iconostasis, and around 1,700 m² of floor mosaics.
- Timeline – site allocated after the 1979 earthquake; construction began 2006; first concrete poured 3 July 2009; consecration 25 September 2016 (marking the 1,000th anniversary of the saint’s martyrdom).
- Bells – 11 in two towers (largest ~800 kg), dedicated to Ss. Constantine & Helena and Ss. Cyril & Methodius.
- Fresco technique – traditional buon fresco on long-aged lime plaster (lime over 40 years old from the Spuž area), ensuring durability.
What to see
- A vast interior with a cohesive fresco cycle, a large iconostasis, and stone floors with mosaics.
- Twin bell towers and the central dome composition.
- The forecourt and contemporary urban setting of Bar’s new center.
History
After the 1979 earthquake, priest Bogić Femić submitted the first location request; following refusals, a rally and petition were held in 1981. A plot of about 2 hectares in Bar’s center was eventually allocated.
Construction started in 2006 and accelerated after the first foundation concrete was poured on 3 July 2009. The works were supported by donations and community efforts.
The cathedral was consecrated on 25 September 2016; the service was led by Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem with many hierarchs, clergy, and thousands of faithful in attendance.
Practical information
Location: central Bar, within the new urban district, walkable from the main streets.
Getting there: on foot from the center; city buses and taxis to nearby boulevards; street parking in the vicinity.
Access: active church; free entry, with possible restrictions during services.
Visiting hours: daytime outside liturgies; service schedule posted on site.
Duration: 20–40 minutes.
Best time: morning or late afternoon for softer light.
Special conditions: modest dress; keep silence; photography and flash use may be restricted inside.
