Looking like a chunk of Venice that has floated down the Adriatic and anchored itself onto the Bay of Kotor, Perast hums with melancholic memories of the days when it was rich and powerful. Despite its diminutive size it boasts 16 churches and 17 formerly grand palazzi.
Sveti Ðorđe & Gospa od ŠkrpjelaISLANDS
Just offshore from Perast are two peculiarly picturesque islands. The smaller, Sveti Ðorđe (St George), rises from a natural reef and houses a Benedictine monastery shaded by cypresses. Boats (€5 return) ferry people to its big sister, Gospa od Škrpjela (Our-Lady-of-the-Rocks), which was artificially created in the 15th century around a rock where an image of the Madonna was found. Every year on 22 July the locals row over with stones to continue the task.
St Nicholas’ ChurchCHURCH
(Crkva Sv Nikole; treasury €1; h10am-6pm)
This large church has never been completed, and given that it was commenced in the 17th century and the bay’s Catholic community has declined markedly since then, one suspects it never will be. Its treasury contains beautifully embroidered vestments and the remains of various saints. Climb the imposing 55m bell tower for views over the bay.
Perast MuseumMUSEUM
(Muzej grada Perasta; adult/child €2.50/1.50; h9am-7pm)
The Bujović Palace, dating from 1694, has been lovingly preserved and converted into a museum showcasing the town’s proud seafaring history. It’s worth visiting for the building alone and for the wondrous photo opportunities afforded by its balcony.
Paid parking is available on either approach to town; car access into the town itself is restricted.
Buses stop at least hourly on the main road at the top of town. Expect to pay less than €3 for any journey within the bay between Kotor (25 minutes) and Herceg Novi (40 minutes).
0 comments:
Post a Comment