Žugića Bare is a small village located approximately 7 kilometres southeast of Žabljak, situated on the plateau of Mount Durmitor. Near the local village road lies a necropolis containing nearly 300 stećci (medieval tombstones), making it one of the largest necropolises of its kind. Locally, it is also known as the Greek Cemetery.
Due to the absence of epitaphs or other precise dating markers, the stećci of Žugića Bare are estimated to date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Owing to its size and well-preserved state, Žugića Bare is one of only three necropolises in present-day Montenegro included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The necropolis at Žugića Bare is dominated by amorphous stećci, varying in size, with some being notably large. Most are either uncarved or roughly carved, placed directly over graves. The site compile 10 gabled tombstones, 50 chests, and 10 slabs among them. Additionally, several graves are marked by one to three unprocessed stones.
The more finely crafted monuments are concentrated in the central and northern parts of the necropolis, while the southern and southeastern sections contain simpler ones. The stećci are arranged in rows, with a predominant west-east orientation.
Among the total number of stećci, 23 bear decorations: 6 gabled tombstones, 16 chests, and 1 slab. This is a relatively small proportion given the overall size of the necropolis. Due to centuries of exposure to the elements, many motifs have become weathered and difficult to discern. However, a few notable examples remain visible.
One heavily damaged chest with a base feature a relief carving of a dog on its horizontal surface. On its northern side, a rare composition depicts a round dance of two male and two female dancers, with a rider on a deer in front of them and a dog behind the deer. This motif is uncommon but has been observed in stećci near Stolac and Nevesinje, suggesting a connection to certain funerary rituals.
A toppled gabled tombstone with two bases is also noteworthy, as it features a rare four-sloped roof. Its roof edges and ridge are reinforced with twisted and plain bands, while its upright sides display rectangular frames filled with diagonal lines.
The cross is the most common decorative motif in this necropolis, appearing in various forms. A simple cross with equal or slightly longer lower arms is the most frequent variation.
Other notable motifs include bows with arrows on seven stećci and a sword on one, likely indicating the status or occupation of the deceased. Bands, borders, rosettes, circular wreaths, and other decorative elements also enrich the necropolis.
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