On this private excursion, explore the old town of Perast, located in the northwest part of the Bay of Kotor. You will have the option to visit the island of "Our Lady of the Rocks", which is an island made by the locals. Before returning to your cruise port, your guide will walk with you through the Old Town of Kotor and tell you about its amazing history.
Departing from your Kotor cruise port, your friendly guide will drive you to the old town of Perast. This baroque town is only 20 minutes away from Kotor and lies beneath the hill of St. Elijah which towers more than 2800 feet above it. The town history dates to the 15th century when the Ottoman Empire and the Venetian Republic shared the Bay of Kotor and its habitats protected the Venetian territory. This gave Perast privileges such as tax-free trading on all Venetian markets which make the city very wealthy and invest in their magnificent palaces and churches. Today, the city represents one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architecture in the Adriatic coast.
You will have the option to visit one of the churches that deserve special mention, the St. Nicholas church. Its architecture, though incomplete, reveals the design of Giuseppe Beati, who earns a Venetian-Roman version of the baroque XVII-XVIII centuries. The construction of this church began in 1691 with an impressive 55 m (179 feet) tall belfry with five stories and a divided of lodges. Although left open to the sky, the great apse of the main altar with its two sacristies makes a significant contribution to the coastline of Perast. After your visit to the church, you will have some free time to explore on your own.
Another attraction of the area is the nearby island of Our Lady of the Rocks. You will not only have a different view of Perast but you will visit the only artificial island in the Adriatic Sea and the chapel. The story tells that two sailors from Perast happened by a small rock jutting out of the bay after a long day at the sea and discovered a picture of the Virgin Mary perched upon the stone. Around the stone, citizens of Perast began to sink ships and transported stones to the site for over 200 years! Subsequently, the chapel of Our Lady of the Rocks was built in 1630 and today it holds a baroque appearance. The church also holds a museum with a rich collection of stone monuments. Please note the boat trip is not included, please consider an additional 4 - 5 Euros per person.
After your time in Perast, you will return to Kotor where you will walk its medieval streets. It is said that the founding of Kotor says there is data that the city is 2 millenniums old and it was governed by many such as the Illyrians, Venetians, Austrians and French. Due to its well-preserved buildings, monuments and rich culture, the city is considered a UNESCO World Natural and Historical Heritage Site. One building that stands out from the landmark is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon and its walls protecting this town are a fortification masterpiece up to 49 ft (15 meters) wide and 65 ft (20 meters) high each. Some other buildings and monuments you will be able to see are the Napolean Theatre, Pima Palace, Clock Tower and many more.
When time is over, your guide would happily make suggestions for you to continue exploring on your own. Or they will return you to your Kotor cruise pier.
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