10 Things to Do in St. Mary of the Sea Monastery, Kotor, Montenegro
Nestled in the spectacular Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, the St. Mary of the Sea Monastery is a stunning sight to behold. Built in the 13th century, the monastery is a beautiful example of medieval architecture and a testament to the country’s rich history. With its stunning views of the bay, the monastery is a popular tourist attraction in the area and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are 10 things to do in St. Mary of the Sea Monastery, Kotor, Montenegro.
1. Attend a Mass: The St. Mary of the Sea Monastery is an active religious site and visitors are welcome to attend one of the services held there. The monastery holds regular masses, which are conducted in the local language.
2. Explore the Monastery Grounds: The monastery grounds are open to the public and offer a wealth of history and culture to explore. Visitors can wander through the courtyard, explore the old church, and take in the stunning views of the bay from the terrace.
3. Take a Guided Tour: The monastery offers guided tours of the grounds and the surrounding area. The tours are conducted in the local language and provide a great opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
4. Visit the Museum: The monastery also houses a museum, which contains a variety of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of the monastery and the region.
5. Take a Boat Tour: One of the best ways to take in the beauty of the Bay of Kotor is to take a boat tour. There are several companies that offer boat tours of the bay, which provide a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the stunning scenery.
6. Hike the Old Town: The Old Town of Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to explore on foot. The old town is full of winding streets and alleyways, and visitors can explore the area and take in the stunning views of the bay.
7. Visit the Maritime Museum: The Maritime Museum of Kotor is located in the old town and is a great place to learn more about the history of the area. The museum houses a variety of artifacts related to the city’s maritime history, including models of ships, maps, and more.
8. Take a Day Trip to Perast: Perast is a small town located just a short drive from Kotor and is a great place to explore. The town is home to several historical churches and buildings, and visitors can take a boat ride to the small island of St. George, which is also located in the bay.
9. Visit the Kotor Fortress: The Kotor Fortress is located just outside of the city and is a great place to explore. The fortress is a great example of medieval architecture and offers stunning views of the bay.
10. Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Kotor is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, which offer a range of local dishes and delicacies. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Montenegrin meal or sample some of the local seafood dishes.
St. Mary of the Sea Monastery is a must-see destination in Kotor, Montenegro. With its stunning views of the bay, the monastery is a great place to explore and enjoy the local culture and history. Whether you’re looking to attend a mass, explore the monastery grounds, or take a boat tour of the bay, there is something for everyone in Kotor.