The old town of KOTOR is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. It was succeeded in preserving its original form, so typical of towns between the XII and the XIV century. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the numerous valuable monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “The world natural and cultural inheritance” list. The cultural inheritance of this town is enriched by the unique architectural styles and the ambient atmosphere. The fortification system of Kotor, which protects it from the sea, is actually a wall 4.5 km long, 20 m high and 15 m wide, and is preserved as one of the world’s historic values.

The Gulf of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) cuts deeply into the coastline of the southern part of the Adriatic Sea, creating four spectacular bays ringed in mountains, the “fjords” of the Mediterranean. The little town of Perast is situated at the foot of St. Elijah Hill (873 m), opposite the narrow Verige strait, where the innermost bays of Risan and Kotor converge. This easternmost shore was the earliest inhabited area in the Boka. The remains of a Neolithic culture (3500 BC) have been discovered in the caves of Spila above Perast and various archeological finds provide evidence of civilization dating from Illyrian, Roman and early Christian periods.

The town is rich in Venice-like architecture which includes sixteen Baroque palaces, seventeen Catholic churches, several important Orthodox structures and a series of nine defensive towers, all set in stone and seemingly untouched by the scourge of modern-day tourism.

Preceded by two jewel-like islands, Perast is focused on the sea. From the interaction between mainland and bay, the inherent contrast of stone and water, the dialogue of island and wave, sometimes in harmony but often in conflict, this sea-faring town has derived its unity, strength and sense of purpose. Despite its size, a sophisticated urban structure has arisen, demonstrated by the proportion, scale, massing and rhythm of the great number of public buildings, especially along the waterfront.

Probably the most distinctive standard bearers of the identity of Perast are the two magical islands situated between the Verige strait and the town. Although differing in many respects, they lie in harmonious conjunction, united by the vastness of the sea. Like husband and wife, they display the historic attributes of male and female. The island of St. George is an intense, stalwart, dark and inward-looking natural island while Our Lady of the Rock is a slender, gay, light-filled “floating” island – that man has made.

Abbey of St. George – Established by the Benedictines, the abbey was first mentioned in 1166 in documents describing the consecration of the new, second Romanesque church of St. Tryphon in Kotor. However, in studying various ornamentation on this structure, it can be concluded that the abbey was already in use by the Benedictines as early as the 9th century. Except for certain details, the appearance of the old church has not been preserved. The island was constantly under attack both by invaders and earthquakes, especially the great earthquake of 1667 when the ceiling and apse collapsed during the Easter service. Following this catastrophe, a simple church was built. The island remained a burial place until 1866, when a new graveyard was built in the northern part of the town.

Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rock) lies about 150 m northeast of the island of St. George. The stone plateau in the middle of the sea with a church on it is the result of the enduring efforts of generations of mariners “… to leave there, in the very heart of the Bay of Boka Kotorska, a testimony of their Christian faith and culture…”

The island was built artificially by scuttling old ships and depositing stones around a small crag. The name of the island derived from the word skrpjel – an old word for a crag. The construction of a sanctuary began in the first century of the Venetian rule. The sanctuary was dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin because this cult ( was greatly venerated by the Venetians.

The original church was built in the mid-15th century and was of modest proportions. Over the centuries, the “island” was constantly enlarged and reinforced by both deposits of stones and scuttled sailing ships until it provided a sufficient base for a bolder architectural undertaking. Most of the present-day church was erected after the great earthquake of 1667 when the original sanctuary was destroyed. It is a single-nave, modestly proportioned church in the Byzantine style. An octagonal 11m domed presbytery and a bell tower were added around 1725. These gave the Our Lady of the Rock the distinctive baroque appearance that can be seen today. The interior of the church was decorated by Tripo Kokolja, a famous 17th-century painter from Perast. On the altar is the famous icon of Our Lady of the Rock, a 15th century work by Lovro Marinov Dobricevic. It is the most valuable work of art in the church because its history is so closely related to that of the island.

Njegusi village is a very special place because of it’s well-reserved folk architecture, but also because it continues the traditions of Montenegrin cuisine. In Njegusi, you will find traditional farms for Njeguski sir and Njeguski prsut (cheese and prosciutto).

Lovcen Mountain itself is a grand testament to Montenegro’s beauty. From Lovcen you can enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar, Podgorica, Mount Runija, Mount Durmitor, and the towns of Cetinje and Njegusi. You can practically see all of Montenegro from the top of Mount Lovcen!

Lovcen is ideally placed on the border between Montenegro’s sea and the mainland. Because Lovcen enjoys the climate of both the sea and the interior, spectacular views are often combined with an abundance of flora and fauna.

Finally, perched atop Mount Lovcen we find Petar Pretovic-Njegos’ tomb, a grand mausoleum designed by the world-famous sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. The impressive mausoleum is built against the wishes of Njegos himself. Montenegro’s supreme Prince-Bishop and poet, Petar II Petrovic-Njegos wanted to be buried in a simple chapel at the Lake Summit of Mount Lovcen.

Once inside the Lovcen Mausoleum you will find a stone statue of Njegos, contemplating eternity while sitting near his sarcophagus, surrounded by the stone representations of Montenegro’s long history and culture.

With the area ranging from 370 to 530 square kilometers, Skadar Lake is the biggest lake in the Balkans. Due to its geographic position and sub Mediterranean climate, it is one of the most important habitats of swamp birds in Europe, right after the river Danube delta. There are around 280 bird species on the lake, including the rare curly pelican, which became a trademark of the National Park. Southern hinterland of the lake (Crmnica) is famous for the best vine in Montenegro. Together with the lake carp, this will satisfy even the most demanding gourmands. The lake has numerous extraordinary beaches, particularly those in the village Murići, not less attractive than beaches on the coast…

George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by DUBROVNIK: for him, it was paradise. Millions of people also take home happy memories from this “jewel of the Adriatic”.

Dubrovnik has a remarkable history. An independent, merchant republic for 700 years (abolished by Napoleon in 1806), it traded with Turkey and India in the East (with a consul in Goa, India) and had trade representatives in Africa (in the Cape Verde Islands). It even had diplomatic relations with the English court in the middle ages. (There is a letter from Elizabeth I on display in the City Museum in Dubrovnik). Its status was such that powerful and rich Venice was envious of this Croatian-Slav city.

The old town was completed in the 13th century and remains virtually unchanged to the present day. Tall ramparts surround it and there are only two entrances to the old town which lead to the Stradun, the city’s promenade. One of the greatest pleasures for many visitors is to have a drink in one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by, whilst they themselves are being watched by the city patron, St. Blaise, or Sveti Vlaho as the locals call him. But whatever we say, our words do not give justice to this dazzling place. So come soon and see it with your own eyes!