Though small in size, Perast boasts an extraordinary collection of over twenty grand palaces. Built in the 17th and 18th centuries, they stand as timeless witnesses to an era when this coastal town was a center of wealth, maritime skill, and prestige. Noble families like the Smekjas, Zmajevićs, Viskovićs, and Bujovićs gained influence through trade and service in the Venetian navy, immortalizing their legacy in stone. The most imposing is the Smekja Palace – a baroque masterpiece built from Korčula stone, its grand façade commanding attention along the waterfront. Nearby, the Bujović Palace, one of the oldest, was completed in 1694 based on designs by a Venetian architect and now houses the Perast Maritime Museum. Each palace tells a story of glory and ambition. As you walk along the shore, the silence and stone speak of a time when Perast was not just a town, but a symbol of freedom, power, and enduring legacy.
