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Meridiela.

Doclea Ruins

The remains of a Roman city north of Podgorica, laid out on a plain between two rivers.

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WhereCentral Montenegro
Nearest cityPodgorica
Best seasonApril to June and September to October
Time to allowTwo hours
Getting thereA few kilometres north of Podgorica between the Zeta and Moraca; car or walk
EntryFree

Doclea was a Roman city founded in the first century on a triangle of ground between the Zeta and the Morača, capital of the province and the birthplace, by tradition, of the emperor Diocletian. It was destroyed by earthquake and then by Avar and Slav incursions and never rebuilt. The forum, basilicas, baths, a triumphal arch and the town walls can be traced across the site, which is open ground with no fence.

What you actually see

  • The forum - the paved civic square at the centre of the plan.
  • The basilicas - early Christian church remains across the site.
  • The baths and arch - the surviving public buildings and the triumphal arch.
  • The river triangle - the defensive position between the Zeta and the Moraca.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the most comfortable; the site is exposed and summer is very hot. Mornings are best. It is open ground at all times.

Honest expectations

The site is unfenced, unstaffed and without interpretation of any kind. It has suffered badly from looting and neglect. Vegetation obscures much of it in summer.

Nearby

Podgorica is south, and Medun is northeast.

What to pack for Doclea Ruins

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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