A narrow strait connects the Bay of Kotor and the Adriatic Sea. It bears the name Verige (veriga – chain), because in ancient times it was actually blocked by chains, blocking the passage to the cities of Risan and Kotor. Exactly opposite this strait is the city of Perast, it was the ancient guardian of the entrance to the bay. Yes, in fact, the whole life of this city is connected with navigation and shipbuilding. He gave the world a whole galaxy of outstanding navigators, including Admiral of the Baltic Fleet Matias Zmaevich, who helped Peter the Great create this very Baltic Fleet and was one of the Tsar’s close friends. The monument to Zmaevich stands on the central square of Perast, which is called Admirals Square, which is quite logical for a city whose whole life is connected with the sea.
History
The famous maritime school of Marko Martinovich was also located in Perast. Peter the Great sent his midshipmen to study there. Later, Marko Markovic became one of the most outstanding teachers at the Maritime Academy in Venice. Involvement in the nautical business was the reason for the unprecedented flourishing of the city in the 17-18 centuries.
According to wholevehicles.com, the city of Perast is small, and the fleet had a huge, more than 100 sailing ships. The fleet took part in many famous battles, and its sailors were famous for their virtuosity in their profession. In this era, the city became extraordinarily beautiful, its architectural appearance took shape, beautiful palaces were erected, the owners of which were mainly fleet captains. A lot of money was invested in the construction of cathedrals and monasteries. In the 17th century, a bell tower was added to the church of St. Nicholas, built much earlier, in the 15th century. The bell tower not only adorned the city, but also became its pride: it surpassed all buildings in the Bay of Kotor in height, and the ringing of its bells reached Herceg Novi.
Nowadays, those who wish can climb the bell tower and make sure that the coast of the bay is extraordinarily beautiful.
A global restructuring of the church was started, but the existence of the Venetian Republic ceased, funding also ceased, the church of St. Nicholas remained unrebuilt. Of interest are also the Church of Our Lady on the Reef, parish, St. George. All of them are bright touches in the image of the city.
Perast Islands
The peculiarity of the local landscape is such that the city is no longer growing: the rocks rise almost to the water itself, there is only room for 3-4 streets that were built a long time ago. But the territory of the city is also considered to be two islands. The island of Gospa from Shkrpjela is artificial, created by a pile of stones. From time immemorial, the legend has been passed from mouth to mouth that an icon of the Virgin Mary was found on the island. In honor of her, a church was built on the island, and every year, on July 22, a kind of holiday is celebrated: the inhabitants of the surrounding villages bring new stones to the island in boats to strengthen it. The holiday is very picturesque, many tourists date their vacation to coincide with its date.
The island of St. George is famous for the Benedictine abbey, located here for a long time. You can get to both islands by charter boat, with an excursion, or by agreeing on a boat with the locals.
Hotels and apartments in Perast
The tiny city of Perast, which has stuck to the mountains, literally grown into the rocks, of course, cannot offer a large number of hotels, but in the vicinity of Perast you can find accommodation that will satisfy the most demanding taste. As throughout Montenegro, these can be modern hotels, villas on the seashore, more or less modest apartments. In any case, tourists are welcome here, and hospitality is not ostentatious.
Restaurants
On the embankment there are several restaurants offering a menu that is not extensive, but pleasant. The cuisine is mostly Mediterranean, rich in seafood. Civilization is not empty words here: most restaurants accept plastic cards, some have Wi-Fi. Despite the almost ridiculous size of the city of Perast, there are properties for sale here, and a few Russians among the residents.
Holidays in Perast are unlikely to suit lovers of a vibrant and noisy life, but for natures prone to contemplation, romance, lovers of maritime history, this city suits perfectly. There are many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful nature, clean air, delicious seafood and think about “feats, valor, glory…”
