"The Past of Perast" Top 5 Page for this destination Perast by karenincalifornia

Perast Travel Guide: 103 reviews and 244 photos

On the shores of Boka Kotorska

Perast, Montenegro is one of the little coastal towns along the long route around the Bay of Kotor. "Quaint", "charming" and "sleepy" are all perfectly suitable adjectives for this town consisting mostly of centuries-old stone buildings with red tile roofs, some of which are falling into disrepair.

The natural setting is breathtaking. The town was built into the steep flanks of the mountains which drop directly into the sea. Perast is a museum town with a rich history. Fortunately, the town received preservation funding during the second half of the 20th century, so many of the monuments to its past have been restored and preserved.

A visit to Perast is well worth the side trip off the road that circles around the Bay. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours in this delightful town that personifies the strength and independence of the Montenegrin people.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Interesting and totally unexpected history for such a small town
Cons:No cons if you love quiet. If you are looking for a lot of activity and a party atmosphere, go to Budva or Kotor.
In a nutshell:Relatively well preserved museum town in an amazingly beautiful setting

Last visit to Perast: Jul 2004
Intro Updated Dec 15, 2004
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Reviews (18)

Bay of Kotor - looking toward Perast - Perast

Another view of the verige Favorites (3)

This picture was taken from the end of the verige (channel) opposite the view in the picture above. In this picture, we... more travel advice

View of verige from bell tower in Perast - Perast

Strategic position Favorites (3)

Perast's ability to defend itself from marauding Turks was owed partly to its strategic location. Perast sits on the... more travel advice

Crkva Sv Nikole, Perast, Montenegro - Perast

Crkva Sv. Nikole Off The Beaten Path (2)

The Church of St. Nikola, or Crkva Sv. Nikole, as it is called in Serbo-Croatian, is located in the center of town.... more travel advice

Walk about town, Perast, Montenegro - Perast

Explore on your own Favorites (3)

Perast is a wonderful town for simply walking and exploring. You won't run into huge tour buses or groups of gawking... more travel advice

Comments (10)

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JLBG Apr 4, 2009 at 10:07 PM

I did not stay enough in Perast and should stay longer another time. Thanks for sharing your photos and knowledge about this superb little city! Top of the belfrey is outstanding!
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Dabs Apr 1, 2007 at 9:31 AM

It's hard to take a bad photo in Montenegro, it's all so breathtaking! Wish we had spent more than a day there, time to make a return trip I think.
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1courage Feb 26, 2007 at 1:47 AM

I wasn`t really familiar with these parts of the ex-Yugoslavia, but I think that a future visit is to be considered. Cool page and a priceless main pic>;-)
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deecat Jun 29, 2005 at 10:11 AM

What an endearing location. Your descriptions are wonderful. "smuggled" car made me smile. Articulate, interesting, and informative. Like the historic information as well.
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Aurorae Jan 8, 2005 at 3:03 AM

Wow! Another impressive page! Perast is one of my most favourite towns ever, I go there every year...
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peterdhduncan Jan 5, 2005 at 5:25 AM

We have booked a week at the Boka Bay Bed & Beakfast in Perast for next August/September, and your pages are whetting our appetite!
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ATXtraveler Jan 4, 2005 at 9:01 AM

Wonderful pictures and tips.... looks like your son was tired after the 55m walk to the top!
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belgianchocolate Dec 29, 2004 at 1:47 AM

History in words and pictures. You sure did a nice job on this less know city. frank.
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mtncorg Dec 16, 2004 at 10:28 AM

What a pretty town - and to think it is really not far from the masses encamped in Dubrovnik. If you want to see driving customs more to what your once noted - try Buenos Aires! They take the art of driving to another level;-\
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850prc Dec 13, 2004 at 5:34 PM

I gotta love a page that references both the Roman Empire and Gilligan's Island. I saw a statue of Diocletian once. He looked like Mr. Howell. Great page, ST. : )