Stari Ras (Old Ras) was one of the first capitals of the medieval Serbian state of Raska. Founded sometime between the 9^th and 10^th centuries, and deserted in the 13^th, Ras sat in the middle of the growing empire, on the crossroads between the Adriatic and the state of Zeta, with Bosnia in the west and Kosovo in the east. It is near the present-day city of Novi Pazar, which was most likely founded as a nearby trading partner.

It is assumed that the medieval city of Ras was founded during the ruling time of Jovan II Komnin (118-1143).  Within the complex of old Ras there are three archeological localities: the fortification on Gradina, a cave together with the St. Arhanđel monastery situated beneath the fortification and the settlement Pazarište with the urban city like buildings. In the first half of the 12th century Ras became the main fulcrum of the Serbian state. Since then the fortification was further strengthened and new facilities were built.

Today the ruined city lies mostly unenclosed and unprotected, though further reconstruction is planned along with the hope that it may be included on the UNESCO World Heritage list like its neighbors, the Sopocani and Studenica monasteries and churches.