The Cult of Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Montenegro

This work raises issues and points to the basic guidelines referring to the possibilities of bringing to life particular characteristics of the Christian cult of Saints Sergius and Bacchus on the territory of Montenegro, especially relating to the south-eastern area of the Adriatic. The purpose and goal of this research is to transform the theoretical construct focused on the aforementioned cult in the area of the Montenegrin coastline into a practical, concrete tourist offer of the cross-border region of Montenegro and Albania, which in the early Christian period was territorially and historically unique, by selecting and developing the most significant holy places dedicated to the abovementioned saints. The basic methodological hypothesis of the work is a description of the most significant sacral monuments or their remains on the Montenegrin coastline which are dedicated and devoted to Saints Sergius and Bacchus, analysis of what these sites signify in terms of this cult and how they may be developed for pilgrimage-based tourism. It goes without saying that this is taking place in order to explore new possibilities to develop and improve cultural tourism. The sacral monuments dedicated and devoted to Saints Sergius and Bacchus, as well as the affirmation of the saints’ cult, represent a special significant cultural potential that requires protection, adequate presentation and particular positioning within the overall cultural tourism offer. Furthermore, this would serve as a precondition for additional and advanced possibilities in regard to the development and improvement of pilgrimage-based tourism as a special segment of cultural tourism, and this also includes the highlighted valourisation and affirmation of cultural and historical heritage.