Old Olive Tree (Mirovica)
Stara Maslina
An ancient olive tree and a symbol of Bar.
The tree is believed to be remarkably old and stands in a small landscaped area. Visits are often combined with Stari Bar and the aqueduct.
How to Get There
On foot from Bar center ~33-50 min.
From Virpazar by taxi ~27 min.
From Ulcinj by taxi ~27 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~49 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~73 min.
Description
What this place is
Stara maslina (the Old Olive Tree) is an ancient olive in the Mirovica area by Stari Bar, a landmark of Bar and a popular natural attraction in Montenegro. Local tradition puts its age at over 2,000 years, hence its status as the country’s most famous old olive.
Key features
- Located near Stari Bar – easy to combine with the fortress and aqueduct visit.
- Traditional age claim exceeds two millennia – a strong symbol of local identity.
- One side of the trunk is charred – local folklore attributes this to a match thrown during a card game.
- Small, arranged park – fencing, paths, info boards, and a viewing spot.
- In 2023, the municipality launched conservation measures – drainage and arboricultural care to stop dieback.
What to see
- A massive, hollowed, sculptural trunk.
- A compact fenced garden with young olive trees and information panels.
- Views towards Stari Bar’s slope and the Topolica area.
History
The tree was likely planted in antiquity and long served as a communal landmark and meeting point. Exact dating is not fixed in sources – the locally accepted figure is “over two thousand years”.
In the 20th century, it became a protected natural monument and a tourist symbol of Bar. A popular legend explains the charred trunk as the result of a lit match tossed by card players.
In 2023, parts of the tree showed dieback; an expert commission was formed and engineering works began to improve drainage and growing conditions.
