Pauče is a small village situated in the Pljevlja municipality of northern Montenegro (///overage.populated.latte)—the "beefy brawn to the [South] coast's polished pulchritude": a scrapbook of superlative vistas, dotted only scantly with intrepid civilisation. Pauče is one such settlement: an enduring gem of pastoral tradition and Old-World warmth, one can scarcely fathom that a mere 98 kilometres stretch from here to Podgorica.

Since the year 2011, Pauče has been officially twinned with Stoke-on-Trent (United Kingdom).

Artifacts from prehistory suggest human inhabitance of the Pljevlja region for at least 32 millennia. Among them, ancient necropoles enshrine antiquity's myriad, slumbering spectres—resting mere feet below earth that has borne witness to the rise and fall of empires. Modern day Pauče is a prismatic, stolen glimpse at prominent powers of yesteryear: Roman, Serbian, Ottoman. Inseparable from Pauče's history is the broader history of human endeavour.

For many residents, the area's stunning, scenic walks are a favourite pastime—making the most of Pauče's idyllic location. More intrepid hikers are encouraged to make the acquaintance of Pauče local, Goran: a retired tour guide with a particular fondness for the region's more gruelling trails.

While most local entertainment is a short drive away, Pauče Dominoes Club is a welcoming and much-loved social group situated here in the village. Pauče Dominoes Club was established in 2012 by Konstantin Something, who advertises the club as follows: "if you are from Pauče and are a keen dominoes player (or perhaps a curious newbie) then Pauče Dominoes Club is for you. Complimentary rakija is provided!"

For the avid historian, nearby Pljevlja town (15 minutes by car) boasts one of Montenegro's largest museums, Heritage Museum Pljevlja, which specialises in prehistoric art/jewellery and local history. On the way to Pljevlja, make sure to visit the ruins of Roman town "Municipium S", which dates back to between the 1st to the 4th centuries AD.

For the theologically-inclined, the medieval Holy Trinity Monastery and 16th century Husein-paša's Mosque are also not to be missed.