Perast: The Timeless Jewel of Montenegro

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvini
  [Eez-vee-nee]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Go-vo-ree-teh lee eng-les-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih meni, molim
  [Moh-lee-oh bee meh-nee, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vyeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleasePlatio bih, molim
  [Plah-tyoh bee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-moh-ch]
• Go away!Otiđi!
  [Oh-tee-jdee]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-leet-see-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh/la sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/na sam
  [Boh-les-tahn/nah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Htio bih kupiti...
  [Htee-oh bee koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-shta]
• That's too expensiveTo je previsoka cijena
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-soh-kah chee-yeh-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee chee-yeh-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (10)
  [Poh-lah]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-vet]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je ...?
  [Gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh slyeh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedna karta (za ...)
  [Yehd-nah kahr-tah (zah)]

From 1420 to 1797, Perast was under Venetian rule, which significantly influenced its architecture and culture. The Venetians fortified the town to protect it from Ottoman incursions and established it as a key maritime hub in the Adriatic Sea. The baroque buildings and Venetian-style palaces that line the coast are lasting testaments to this period.

In 1654, Perast was the site of a significant battle between Venetian forces and the Ottoman Empire. Led by Captain Krsto Zmajević, the local defenders successfully repelled the Ottoman fleet, marking a pivotal victory in the region. This event is commemorated in Perast's annual celebrations and remains a source of local pride.

The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is a key cultural and historical landmark in Perast. According to legend, the church was built on an artificial island created by sailors who, upon returning from each successful voyage, laid a rock in the bay. The church, completed in 1630, houses a museum with artifacts and paintings that highlight Perast's maritime heritage.

The 17th and 18th centuries marked the golden age of Perast, when it became a thriving maritime center. The town's shipyards produced numerous vessels, and its sailors were renowned for their skills. During this period, Perast's wealthy families built grand palaces and churches, many of which still stand today, showcasing elaborate baroque architecture.

After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, Perast briefly came under French control during the Napoleonic Wars before being annexed by the Austrian Empire in 1814. The Austrian rule brought stability and integration into the larger Habsburg realm, although the town's maritime importance diminished over time.

Perast, like much of the Balkans, was affected by the upheavals of the 20th century. During both World Wars, the town saw periods of occupation and conflict. Following World War II, Perast became part of socialist Yugoslavia. The town's historical importance was recognized, and efforts were made to preserve its cultural heritage.

Today, Perast is a picturesque town that attracts visitors from around the world. Its well-preserved historical architecture and stunning coastal scenery make it a popular destination. Efforts to conserve its unique cultural and historical heritage continue, ensuring that Perast remains a living monument to its rich past.

Perast is located in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. The nearest international airport is Tivat Airport, which is about 20 kilometers away. Another option is Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia, approximately 60 kilometers away. From Tivat, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to Perast. Public buses also run from Tivat to Kotor, and from there, you can take a local bus or taxi to Perast. If you are coming from Dubrovnik, you can take a bus or hire a private transfer to reach Perast.

Perast is a small town, and the best way to explore it is on foot. The town is pedestrian-friendly with its narrow streets and beautiful coastline. For trips outside Perast, local buses and taxis are readily available. Renting a car is another option, especially if you want to explore the surrounding areas like Kotor and Budva. However, parking can be limited in Perast, so plan accordingly.

The official currency in Montenegro is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Perast, but it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash in larger towns like Kotor or Tivat.

Perast is generally a safe destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but like any tourist destination, petty theft can occur. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Avoid isolated areas at night and always be aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Perast, but it is always best to exercise standard precautions.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The nearest hospital is in Kotor, about 14 kilometers away. There are also pharmacies in Perast where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies while visiting Montenegro.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Perast like a local, visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the town is less crowded. Engage with locals at cafes and learn about the town’s history and culture. Don’t miss a boat trip to the islets of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. For a unique experience, attend a local event like the Fasinada boat procession in July. Enjoy local seafood dishes and take a leisurely walk along the promenade for stunning views of the Bay of Kotor.