Kalafatska Radionica Bokovac

Kalafatska Radionica Bokovac in Bar is one of the most unusual heritage sites on Montenegro’s coast—a fully preserved wooden‑boat workshop that has been operating for generations. “Kalafati,” the traditional masters of ship repair and waterproofing, were once essential to every Adriatic port, and the Bokovac family kept this craft alive long after it disappeared elsewhere. Visiting the workshop feels like stepping into a living museum of maritime craftsmanship. Inside, the scent of timber and tar sets the atmosphere. The most interesting feature is the collection of original tools: handmade adzes, caulking irons, mallets, and wooden clamps used to seal and shape hulls. Many of these tools have been passed down through the family, each marked by decades of use. You can also see partially restored boats, their ribs exposed, showing how traditional vessels were built layer by layer. Another highlight is the display of photographs documenting Bar’s maritime history—old fishing boats, coastal traders, and portraits of local craftsmen. The workshop also preserves notebooks filled with measurements, sketches, and repair notes, offering a rare glimpse into the technical side of Adriatic boatbuilding.