Church of St Elijah Stoliv
A historic hilltop church offering breathtaking bay views, reached by a scenic, rewarding hike through ancient woods.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views are magical
Church of St Elijah Stoliv
Best Time
Golden hour views are magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic hilltop church offering breathtaking bay views, reached by a scenic, rewarding hike through ancient woods.
"The most homely place of worship I've ever visited, with an incredible view from the village."
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The climb is steep and the path is made of stone steps. Comfortable footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your hike up to the church. There are limited facilities on the way.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 88 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Elijah Church
Stoliv
Dominating the hilltop, this historic church is a symbol of community effort and offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Scenic Stone Path
Ascent to the church
An ancient, moss-covered stone road with steps, leading through a tranquil forest filled with birdsong.
Panoramic Bay Views
Hilltop near the church
Spectacular vistas of the bay, especially captivating during sunset, offering a moment of serene reflection.
Remains of Clergy House & St. Anne Church
Church complex
Explore historical remnants, including an old clergy house and the ancient St. Anne Church, hinting at centuries of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Climb is Part of the Charm
A Community's Labor of Love
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The climb is steep and the path is made of stone steps. Comfortable footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your hike up to the church. There are limited facilities on the way.
Check Church Hours
The church may be closed, but locals might open it for you. Be patient and respectful. 🙏
Enjoy the Journey
The path itself is beautiful, with mossy stones and birdsong. Take your time and soak it in. :deciduous_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The climb is steep and the path is made of stone steps. Comfortable footwear is essential! :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water
Stay hydrated during your hike up to the church. There are limited facilities on the way.
Check Church Hours
The church may be closed, but locals might open it for you. Be patient and respectful. 🙏
Enjoy the Journey
The path itself is beautiful, with mossy stones and birdsong. Take your time and soak it in. :deciduous_tree:
Sunset Views
Visiting at sunset offers incredible light and colors over the bay. A truly memorable experience. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Church of St. Elijah Stoliv as a 'hidden gem' with incredible bay views, especially at sunset. The challenging but rewarding hike up an ancient stone path through a beautiful forest is a significant part of its charm. The community's dedication to renovating the church adds a unique, homely atmosphere, though information about the site can be limited.
"The family next door and the whole community is helping renovate this church. Probably the most homely place of worship i've ever visited. The view from the village is incredible."
Drew K
"It took 30 minutes to climb up to the church but the way is also attractive: the stone old road with steps throw the the old wood, where the trees and stumps were covered with moss and everywhere you hear singing birds.
At the top you will find the dominante St. Elijah Church, remains of the old Clergy house, big rainwater pond, St. Anne church( dates XII-XIIIcenturies), old olive mill and the Cross.
There is not enough information about the church (there were qr-Codes, but the information didn’t uploaded) and its unknown when the church was founded but according to the information above the front door it was expanded in 1556 and the bell tower was built in 1833.
Also there abandoned old stone houses near the Church, some of them are under restoration. Earlier in this area lived approximately 1200 of inhabitants in the 14th century, there were 4 shops, 4 bakeries and 2 olive mills. Now only few people live here.
Also you could admire a scenic view on the bay from the hill and have a rest on the bench near the church to admire it with singing birds.
There was a caffe with a terrace but we were at dawn and there were no people.
Recommend to visit this place on the sunset and enjoy the view."
Elena *
"Beautiful place, authentic, I would call it hided jam of kotor bay"
Kate Khakhuliak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located above the village of Stoliv. Access is primarily via a scenic, albeit steep, stone path that starts from the village. It's a hike, so be prepared for an ascent.
Parking is generally available in the village of Stoliv. From there, you'll need to walk to the trailhead for the church.
No, the final approach to the church is a pedestrian path, not accessible by car. The hike is part of the experience.
Stoliv is accessible by car or local bus services from nearby towns like Kotor and Perast. The journey offers beautiful coastal views.
The path is generally discernible, often described as an old stone road with steps. While not always explicitly signed, its distinct nature makes it followable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no admission fees for the Church of St Elijah Stoliv. It's a place of worship and historical interest, generally open to visitors.
Specific opening hours can be inconsistent. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours. Sometimes, local families may open the doors if you inquire respectfully.
The church may not always be open, as it's a community-maintained site. However, the grounds and surrounding historical elements are usually accessible.
No, there are no entrance fees. The site is a testament to local heritage and is freely accessible to visitors.
While there are no strict hours, visiting during daylight is recommended for safety and to appreciate the surroundings. Sunset is particularly popular for the views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides the main church, you can see the remains of the old Clergy house, St. Anne Church (dating back to the 12th-13th centuries), an old olive mill, and a prominent cross.
The church itself was expanded in 1556, with the bell tower built in 1833. The area was once a thriving settlement with a large population in the 14th century.
Facilities are very limited. While there might have been a cafe with a terrace, it's not consistently operational. It's best to come prepared.
The hike is described as a climb, taking about 30 minutes. The stone path can be steep and uneven, so moderate fitness is recommended.
You'll be rewarded with a scenic and dominant view of the bay, especially beautiful during sunset. There are benches to sit and enjoy the scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of the bay, especially at sunset, are spectacular. The ancient stone path and the church itself also make for beautiful shots.
Absolutely! Many visitors recommend visiting at sunset to capture the stunning light and colors over the water.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting. Midday can be harsh, but the historical elements still offer great photographic subjects.
If the church is open, photography inside is usually permitted, but it's always respectful to be mindful of any ongoing services or worshippers.
Photos capturing the church with the bay in the background are very popular. The winding stone path leading up also provides a unique perspective.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit