Roman Necropolis | Budva

Information

Landmark: Roman Necropolis
City: Budva
Country: Montenegro
Continent: Europe

Roman Necropolis, Budva, Montenegro, Europe

The Roman Necropolis of Budva is a significant archaeological site located just outside the walls of the Old Town, discovered beneath the modern city center. It represents the most substantial evidence of the Greco-Roman settlement of Butua.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of over 450 excavated graves, ranging from simple burials to elaborate stone tombs. The most prominent visual elements currently accessible are the stone sarcophagi and the structural foundations of tomb complexes. Most of the smaller artifacts-jewelry, glassware, and coins-are displayed in the nearby Archaeological Museum, while the physical site remains integrated into the urban fabric near the Hotel Avala and the main town square.

Location & Access Logistics

The necropolis is situated in the area between the Hotel Avala and the northern gates of the Old Town.

Access: Parts of the excavation are visible from the public sidewalk and through glass floor sections in the Hotel Avala complex.

Museum Link: The associated findings are concentrated in the Budva City Museum (100m away).

Admission: Exterior viewing is free; museum entry is approximately 3 €.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site was discovered by accident in 1937 during the construction of the Hotel Avala and was further exposed by the 1979 earthquake. It contains two distinct layers:

Hellenistic (Greek) Layer: Dating from the 4th to the 2nd century BC.

Roman Layer: Dating from the 1st to the 4th century AD.

The cemetery was established on the sandy alluvial plain just beyond the rocky peninsula of the ancient town, following the Roman custom of burying the dead along the main roads leading out of the city.

Key Highlights & Activities

Glass Floor View: Within the Avala Hotel, visitors can view preserved sections of the necropolis through glass panels.

Roman Sarcophagi: Several massive stone tombs are displayed in the open air near the entrance to the Old Town.

Illyro-Greek Gold: The site yielded the famous "Budva Gold," including intricate earrings depicting the eagle of Zeus carrying Ganymede, now a centerpiece of the local museum.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is located in the busiest commercial and tourist zone of Budva. 4G and 5G cellular coverage is excellent. Information boards in English and Montenegrin are located near the visible ruins. Public restrooms and cafes are within 50 meters.

Best Time to Visit

The outdoor stone sarcophagi can be viewed at any time. For the best context, visit the Archaeological Museum first (09:00–15:00) before walking the physical site.

Facts & Legends

The discovery of the necropolis confirmed the 2,500-year continuity of Budva as an urban center. One of the most significant finds was a series of Roman "tear bottles" (lacrimaria)-small glass vessels believed to collect the tears of mourners, though they were actually used for expensive perfumes and oils.