In 1654, Perast faced a grave threat. An Ottoman force, several thousand strong, landed near the town with the intent to conquer it. Though vastly outnumbered, the people of Perast refused to surrender. With the help of a Venetian garrison and fierce local resistance, they defended the town in one of the most significant battles on this part of the Adriatic. Among those who took up arms to defend the town was Tripo Kokolja – remembered not only as a painter, but as someone willing to stand up for his home. The battle raged for hours before the Ottomans were forced to retreat. Perast remained unconquered, its loyalty to the Venetian Republic further solidified. This battle lives on in local memory as a symbol of honor, bravery, and the determination of a small town to defend its identity. As you walk through Perast, the signs of battle may be subtle, but the spirit of that resistance still echoes in its stone walls.
