The Žugića Bare necropolis is a striking field of over 300 medieval tombstones known as stećci, scattered across a gently rising plateau in the heart of Durmitor. This is a rare glimpse into a shared medieval culture where Orthodox, Catholic and Bosnian Church believers alike were buried beneath these carved monoliths.

The setting is quiet and wide open, with rolling terrain typical of the Durmitor highlands. In summer the stones are covered in lichen and patches of moss, blending into the landscape almost like natural rock formations. In winter, snow transforms the site into something almost meditative. It's a rewarding stop for history lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful walk away from the crowds.

How to get there

• From the hamlet of Novakovići - via the local road Novakovići–Njegovođa, easy access on flat terrain
• The Grčko groblje necropolis lies about 2,230 metres away, making it possible to combine both sites in one visit

Practical information

• Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016
• Located within Durmitor National Park and the Tara River Biosphere Reserve
• An Orthodox church with a local cemetery stands directly across the road
• Contains 300 stećci: 240 slabs, 50 chest-shaped tombs and 10 ridged tombs

Only 23 of the stones are decorated, carved with crosses, arrows, vine motifs and concentric circles - the rest stand in silent, weathered simplicity, waiting for a curious visitor to notice their details.