Perast – “the idyllic little village”

Perast, with just under 600 inhabitants, is a magical little place. It lies below St. Elias Hill (873 m) on the shore of the impressive Bay of Kotor and is connected to Risan in the north and Kotor in the south-east by the embankment road. Perast is built on a slope: the coastal road runs above, below the traffic-calmed promenade. And in between: steep, labyrinthine steps and old houses. There are no street names in this part of Perast.

This idyllic little village captivates visitors with its well-preserved architecture, fascinating history and majestic panorama. In addition, it is much more tranquil here than in Kotor, since fortunately no cruise ships can dock here.

Perast has a history that goes back to ancient times. As a former center of maritime trade and maritime power on the Bay of Kotor, Perast attained great prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries. This is reflected in the architecture of the numerous palaces, churches and other historic buildings that dot the cityscape. Particularly impressive are the two islands “Gospa od Škrpjela” (“Our Lady of the Rock”) and “Sveti Đorđe” (“St. George”), which are part of the cultural heritage of Perast with their churches and legends.

“Gospa od Škrpjela” (Our Lady of the Rock): This man-made island is the result of a long tradition of burying rocks and shipwrecks to lay a new foundation for the church. The baroque church of the same name houses valuable works of art, paintings and treasures.

Sveti Đorđe (St. George):Across the bay is the island of Sveti Đorđe, home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery.

Perast’s well-preserved fortification walls invite for a stroll along the coast and offer spectacular views of the bay and surrounding mountains.

The old town (especially the promenade) presents itself quite spruced up. Historic baroque palaces and a number of buildings worth seeing can be found here, and you can enjoy the local cuisine in the cozy restaurants along the promenade. Be sure to try “Brodet” – this is a hearty fish stew typical of the region. The fresh seafood is also an absolute highlight and should be enjoyed! And best of all taste a glass of the local wine!

The “Maritime Museum” is also very interesting – it offers a fascinating insight into seafaring history and the glory days of the merchant fleet.

The surroundings of Perast are a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. One can go hiking in the nearby mountains or walk along the coast.

Simply immerse yourself in the past, enjoy the picturesque beauty and enjoy the unique flair of Perast! Whether you are a history buff, nature lover or foodie, Perast will exceed expectations and provide unforgettable memories. You just have to be enchanted by the beauty of this place!