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St. Nicholas Church Perast

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Saint Nicholas Church in Perast is the central landmark of this historic maritime town, famous for its grand but unfinished structure and its soaring bell tower. The current church was begun in 1616 on the site of an earlier 15th-century chapel, intended to be a large cathedral-like building. However, due to shifting economic fortunes, only the apse and the bell tower were fully realized, creating a unique architectural silhouette. The bell tower, completed in 1691, stands 55 meters tall and remains the tallest in the Bay of Kotor, offering wide-open panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and islands. Inside, the church houses a prestigious treasury containing silver liturgical items, silk vestments, and baroque paintings by the local master Tripo Kokolja. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, the church underscores Perast's deep-rooted naval traditions. Its massive stone blocks and elegant baroque carvings make it a testament to the town's golden age under Venetian influence. The church serves as both a place of worship and a museum of Perast's glorious nautical past.

Location: Montenegro
Top sights: Bujović Palace · Muzej Grada Perasta · View over Perast
Nearby: Prcanj (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	5	8	12	16	20	24	24	19	14	10	6
Rain mm	156	152	138	103	89	67	42	43	116	138	187	178

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

St. Nicholas Church in Perast is a striking building on the waterfront. The interior is usually accessible, and the bell tower can be climbed.

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Typical hours

The church is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. In winter months, opening hours may be shorter.

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Photography

Photography inside is allowed without flash. From the bell tower you have a fantastic view of the Bay of Kotor.

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Time needed

Visiting the church and climbing the tower takes about 30 minutes. Those who enjoy the view stay longer.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a walk along the Perast waterfront. The nearby Maritime Museum is also interesting.

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Getting there

The church is right on the waterfront street of Perast and easily accessible on foot. Parking is available at the town entrance.

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Insider tip

Climb the tower towards the end of the day to experience the sunset over the bay. The light is most beautiful then.

Geography

Coordinates

42.48640, 18.69420

Facts

The bell tower was completed in 1691 and stands at a height of 55 meters.
Construction on the larger church structure began in 1616 but was never finished.
The treasury contains a rare collection of baroque paintings by Tripo Kokolja.
It is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers and children.
The tower's architecture was heavily influenced by Venetian bell towers.
Inside, visitors can see original banners from the legendary 1654 Battle of Perast.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. Mark Church Perast<1 km · SExplore →

Risan3 km · NExplore →

Bay of Kotor Flora5 km · EExplore →

Prcanj5 km · SEExplore →

Porto Montenegro6 km · SExplore →

Bay of Kotor6 km · SExplore →

Dobrota7 km · SEExplore →

Vrmac Fortress9 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town St. Nicholas Church Perast (10)

Bujović Palace 🏰 castle

Palace in Perast, Montenegro, built in Baroque style, belonged to the Bujović family.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-18:00

Muzej Grada Perasta 🏛 museum

Town museum of Perast, exhibits the history and culture of the port town.

View over Perast

Viewpoint with panoramic view over Perast and the Bay of Kotor.

Zmajević Palace🏰 castle

Palace in Perast, built in the 17th century, belonged to the noble Zmajević family.

St. Nicholas Church

Church building in Perast, Montenegro, dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

Sveti Križ🏰 castle

Fortified island off Perast, with a former monastery.

Our Lady of the Rocks

Artificial island in the Bay of Kotor, with a 17th-century church.

Island Our Lady of the Rocks

Artificial island in the Bay of Kotor, known for its church and museum.

Gusina (abandoned village)

Abandoned village near Perast, ruins of old stone houses.

Plaža 2B

Beach resort near Perast, with sun loungers, umbrellas and restaurant.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the bell tower of St. Nicholas Church?

The prominent bell tower is 55 meters high and features a panoramic view over the Bay of Kotor.

Can you climb the bell tower?

Yes, for a small fee of about 1 Euro, you can climb the stairs to the viewing platform.

What is special about the church's structure?

The current church remained unfinished; you can see the originally planned, larger nave right next to it.

Is there a museum inside the church?

Yes, the treasury houses valuable liturgical vestments, silver objects, and paintings from the 16th century.

When is the best time to visit?

Morning is the best time for photos of the facade and the bay due to the lighting.

St. Nicholas Church Perast: where is it located?

St. Nicholas Church Perast is located in Montenegro.

St. Nicholas Church Perast: what is there to see?

Highlights include Bujović Palace, Muzej Grada Perasta, View over Perast.

St. Nicholas Church Perast: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

St. Nicholas Church Perast: why is it worth visiting?

Saint Nicholas Church in Perast is the central landmark of this historic maritime town, famous for its grand but unfinished structure and its soaring bell tower.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

St. Nicholas Church Perast

Best time to visit & climate