A private dining experience in Kotor during your yacht charter in Montenegro

The city of Kotor, located on the Adriatic Sea,  is characterized by its authentic Old Town: a maze of cobbled streets, narrow lanes, stone churches and orange-roofed houses encased in a fortification wall and set against a backdrop of towering mountains. The heart of Kotor is enveloped by stone fortifications, with most of what still stands today built in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Venetians. 

Take a moment to explore Gurdić Bastion, the south gate, Valier Bastion and Kampana Tower on the Scurda to admire the intricate stonework up close and get an appreciation for the time and energy that went into the construction. The Venetian-era walled city is a must-see, so bring your family and friends and visit the Old Town first thing in the morning, when you will have the place to yourselves.

Kotor is famous for the Saint Tryphon Cathedral, also known as the Kotor Cathedral. The temple is mentioned for the first time in the 9th century, when the relics of the Saint Tryphon, who died in martyrdom during the era of the Roman emperor Decije, in the 3rd century, found their home in the temple. The chroniclers testify that the temple most probably disappeared in a fire in the 10th century, and was rebuilt in the 12th century. The cathedral of Saint Tryphon is built in Roman style, with  elements of the Byzantium architecture. Especially visible on the cathedral are the elements of the renaissance and baroque periods. Both the European Union and the Europa Nostra organization gave the cathedral a diploma for great reconstruction and great seismic security measures of the oldest Roman cathedral on the Adriatic coast in 2002. Admire the gilded altar and baroque frescoes while making your way through the temple, while your guide fills you in about the history of the building. 

The Church of Saint Nicholas is the most important and significant Orthodox Church in Kotor. Located in the northern part of the old town, it stands proudly on St. Luke’s Square. The church was built in the early twentieth century, on top of the foundations of the old edifice that was destroyed by fire in the nineteenth century.

The building of the church started in 1902, following the plans of Ciril Ivekovic and according to the inscriptions on the façade it was finished in 1909. It was built in the Pseudo-Byzantine style as a one-nave church. The church has and a large cupola that rises upabove the rooftops, and the details are done in Roman style. The main façade of the church is framed with two bell towers, with its black domes topped by golden crosses that were a gift from Russia. On the second floor hangs a Serbian flag. Don’t forget to check the area just above the entrance, where you can find a marvellous mosaic. The silver pieces that can be found in the church are impressive, ranging from small and large candle holders to enormous chandeliers.

Nearby the church itself is the church treasury, with a rich collection of icons, artefacts, documents and ecclesiastical gowns. The church possesses numerous other valuables which were mostly donated by the wealthy families of Kotor. Breathe in the smell of incense and beeswax in this mesmerizing Orthodox church. The silence, the iconostasis with their silver bas-relief panels, the dark wood against grey walls, the filtered light through the dome and the simple stained glass create a mystical atmosphere.

Let’s cross the bay and visit the next church, with a similar name, the Church of Saint Nicholas in Prcanj. This medieval Franciscan monastery offers an extensive library and museum and many activities to enjoy as a family in a private setting. How about minting your own authentic medieval money, take an archery class, or learn all about the different historical types of fencing, with swords and equipment made by Simon Atherton, the same person who designed swords for the Braveheart movie? 

With its unique 18^th century cloister, the monastery and the museum provide an exciting venue to celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary, a milestone birthday, or just the fact that you are visiting Montenegro cruising on your own luxury yacht. Why not stay for a unique private dining experience at the terrace, all lit up with torches? Feast on delicious local seafood specialities, while being swept away by the tunes created by the Symphony Orchestra, performing just for you. What an unforgettable day and evening in Kotor and Prcanj!