As you walk through Perast, the influence of Venice is easy to see – not only in the architecture, but in the very spirit of the town. For more than three centuries under Venetian rule, Perast adopted the style, order, and elegance of its powerful maritime ally, while keeping its own identity. Stone palaces with decorative windows, family crests, baroque churches, and open squares reflect the mark of Venice. Perast enjoyed special privileges – a naval academy, the right to trade, and the freedom to appoint its own captains. The Venetians saw Perast as a loyal ally, and Perast saw Venice as a strong protector. Their connection was more than political – it was cultural. In every carved balcony, church bell, and mosaic shine, the spirit of Venice still lingers. Perast remains not only a guardian of the coast – but a guardian of elegance.
