The Allure of Bar Riviera, Montenegro

• HelloZdravo
  [ZDRAH-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [doh-VEE-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim te
  [MOH-leem teh]
• Thank youHvala
  [HVAH-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [EES-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [KAH-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [DOH-bro. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Da li govorite engleski?
  [dah lee goh-VOH-ree-teh ENG-lehs-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [neh rah-ZOO-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih meni, molim
  [MOH-lee-oh bee meh-nee, MOH-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [neh YEH-dem MEH-so]
• Cheers!Živeli!
  [ZHEE-veh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim da platim, molim
  [ZHEH-leem dah PLAH-teem, MOH-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [POH-mohtch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [EE-dee oh-DAHV-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [POH-zoh-vee-teh poh-LEE-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [POH-zoh-vee-teh DOHK-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [EES-GOO-byoh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [boh-LEHS-tahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Htio bih kupiti...
  [H-tee-oh bee KOOP-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [SAH-moh GLEH-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [KOH-lee-koh KOSH-tah]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [toh yeh preh-VEE-sheh SKOO-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [moh-ZHEH-teh lee SPOO-stee-tee TSEE-yeh-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [KOH-lee-koh yeh SAH-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [YEH-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [POH-lah (DEH-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [YOO-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [POH-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [VEH-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [YOO-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [DAH-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [SOO-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [YEH-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Četiri
  [CHEH-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [peht]
• 6Šest
  [shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [SEH-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [OH-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [DEH-veht]
• 10Deset
  [DEH-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [gd-yeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [KO-yah yeh ah-DEH-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [moh-ZHEH-teh lee mee poh-KAH-zah-tee (nah KAHR-tee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [KAH-dah yeh SLYE-deh-chee (OW-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (za ....)
  [YEH-dnoo KAHR-too (zah)]

The history of Bar, a coastal town in Montenegro, reaches back to ancient times when it was inhabited by the Illyrians, an ancient group of tribes that occupied the western Balkans. By the 3rd century BC, Bar had become an important settlement in the Roman Empire. Known then as Antipargal, it was a significant Roman trading post due to its strategic location along the Adriatic Sea.

In the 6th century, the Byzantine Empire took control of Bar, incorporating it into the vast territories of the Eastern Roman Empire. The town was fortified with strong walls and towers, remnants of which can still be seen today. This era was marked by the construction of many early Christian basilicas, indicating the spread of Christianity in the region.

During the 11th century, Bar became part of the Kingdom of Duklja, an early medieval state that laid the foundation for Montenegrin statehood. Under the reign of King Mihailo I, Bar flourished culturally and economically. It was during this period that Bar was granted an archbishopric, establishing its importance as a religious center.

The late Middle Ages saw Bar under the influence of the Venetian Republic and later the Ottoman Empire. In 1443, Bar fell to the Venetians, who renamed it Antivari. The Venetians fortified the town and influenced its architecture, leaving behind a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. In 1571, the Ottomans captured Bar, marking the beginning of over three centuries of Ottoman rule, during which the town's cultural landscape was significantly influenced by Islamic traditions.

In 1878, following the Congress of Berlin, Bar was officially ceded to the Principality of Montenegro. This marked a new chapter in Bar's history as it became part of a modernizing and independent Montenegro. The Montenegrin authorities undertook significant efforts to restore and develop Bar, transforming it into a vital port and commercial hub.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Bar, especially during and after World War II. The town saw reconstruction and modernization efforts that transformed it into a key economic and tourist center. The construction of the Belgrade-Bar railway in 1976 further boosted its importance, making it a crucial link between the interior of the Balkans and the Adriatic coast. Today, Bar is known for its blend of historical sites, such as the Old Town of Bar, and modern amenities, making it a vibrant destination for visitors.

Bar Riviera is located on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. The nearest international airport is Podgorica Airport, approximately 45 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use shuttle services to reach Bar. Additionally, Tivat Airport is another option, around 58 kilometers away. There are also regular bus services connecting Bar to major Montenegrin cities and neighboring countries.

Bar Riviera offers several transportation options. Local buses and taxis are readily available for getting around the town and nearby areas. Renting a car is a convenient option if you wish to explore the surrounding regions independently. For a unique experience, consider taking a scenic train ride from Bar to Belgrade. Cycling is also popular along the coast, with rental bikes available.

The official currency in Montenegro is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Bar Riviera. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the town.

Bar Riviera is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While the town does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always wise to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Bar. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Cover your head and shoulders when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and considerate. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bar Riviera like a local, visit the local markets where fresh produce and traditional Montenegrin goods are sold. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Old Town of Bar, the King Nikola's Palace, and the nearby Skadar Lake. For a unique experience, take a boat tour along the coast.