Perast is a small town with just a few hundred of people living in it and situated near Kotor in the Kotor Bay. Founded by Illirians the town has a long history. Due to its strategic position in the Kotor Bay, Perast was powerful during the Venetian epoque. Now we can definitely call Perast a hidden gem of the Kotor Bay.
Being a small town, Perast can be overcrowded in summer so if you have an opportunity to visit it in other time of the year, you’ll get much better impression of it.
Perast is well-known for two islands near it, St. George (Sveti Đorđe) island and Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) island. You can visit these islands during the boat trip, boats regularly sail from Perast coast.
St. George island has a long history (the small island belonged to Venice, France, Austria, Yugoslavia and finally Montenegro) and there are multiple legends related to it. Currently it is in the possession of Catholic church.
Our Lady of Rocks is the only artificial island in the Adriatic Sea. It was made from stones, parts of old ships and by sinking the ships loaded with stones. And even now each year a special event is held here for adding some new stones to this artificial island. Current temple on the island was built in the end of 17th – 18th centuries after the earthquake of 1667 destroyed the previous one.
It is wonderful to sit on Perast shore in one of its cafes and enjoy the picturesque views around.
St. Nikola square is the main square of Perast. Here you can find sculptures of Perast famous citizens: Marko Martinovic, Matija Zmajevic and Tripo Kokolja.
On St. Nikola square you will find St. Nikola Catholic church, consisting actually from church and museum. The 55-meter high bell tower is one the main attractions in Perast and its symbol.
Another interesting Catholic church in Perast with impressive architecture is St. Mark’s Church.