Budva tour guide

Located within Budva’s Old Town, St John’s Church is one of the oldest and most historically significant churches on the Montenegrin coast. Tradition dates its origins to the 7th century, likely referring to an earlier three-nave basilica, whose floor mosaics suggest construction during the 6th or 7th century. The current church structure, with Gothic features such as pointed windows and a high, slender bell tower, was completed in the 15th century and served as the cathedral of Budva until 1828. Inside, the church houses valuable works of art, including the revered icon of the Virgin with Child—known as “The Budva Madonna.” Legend attributes the icon to St Luke, and it is venerated by both Orthodox and Catholic communities. Other treasures include paintings from Venetian and Greek iconography, and a striking wall mosaic by Ivo Dulčić portraying St John amid the Budva landscape.