St. Nicholas Church
Crkva Svetog Nikole
The main church of Perast with a tall belfry and bay panorama.
Built in the 17th century, the church is dedicated to the patron of sailors. Its 55-metre belfry is the town’s vertical landmark. From the terrace there are sweeping views of the islands and the bay, while inside are icons and works by local artists.
Description
Architectural Gem of the Main Square
The magnificent Church of Saint Nicholas dominates Perast's main square, serving as the true heart of this historic town. In its current form, the church was built in 1616 from Korčula stone with a beautiful Renaissance facade, though mentions of an earlier church date back to 1564.
Unique Architectural Ensemble
What makes this church special:
- Dual structure: the completed old church and the adjacent unfinished new church from the 18th century with a magnificent apse
- 55-meter high Baroque bell tower (1691) - one of the most beautiful examples of pyramidal-type bell towers on the Adriatic
- Rich artistic heritage featuring works by the famous painter Tripo Kokolja
- Historic treasury-museum with valuable church vestments from the 16th-17th centuries
Symbol of Maritime Tradition
The church served as the center of the seafarers' brotherhood and housed the sacred banner of the Holy Cross of the Venetian Republic. After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, the people of Perast ceremoniously buried the banner of Saint Mark within the church walls, symbolically ending almost four centuries of Venetian rule.
Living Traditions
Every May 1st, the ancient Perast custom of "Mađ" takes place by the church - the decoration of a young oak tree by the most recently married man as a symbol of joy for the arrival of the most beautiful spring month.
Architectural Details
- Bell tower designed by Venetian architect Giuseppe Beati
- 50,000 ducats spent on construction
- Largest bell (1713) - gift from Archbishops Andrija and Vicko Zmajević
- Clock brought from Venice in 1730
Experience the spiritual and cultural heart of Perast, where maritime history, baroque art, and living traditions unite in perfect harmony.
