Church of St. Nicholas
A striking Serbian Orthodox church in Kotor's Old Town, known for its twin bell towers, black domes, and beautifully adorned interior.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Quieter experience
Church of St. Nicholas
Best Time
Quieter experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking Serbian Orthodox church in Kotor's Old Town, known for its twin bell towers, black domes, and beautifully adorned interior.
"St. Nicholas Church is a peaceful place to experience Kotor’s spiritual heritage with its beautiful frescoes and ornate chandeliers. "
Free Entry & Respectful Dress
:ticket: Entry is free! Remember to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
Morning for Peace
:sunrise: Visit in the morning for a quieter, more serene experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stunning Iconostasis
Interior
Admire the beautifully decorated interior, featuring a stunning iconostasis and ornate chandeliers that showcase the church's spiritual artistry.
Impressive Twin Bell Towers
Exterior
The striking exterior, with its prominent twin bell towers and distinctive black domes, makes St. Nicholas Church a landmark in Kotor's Old Town.
Serene Old Town Location
Kotor Old Town
Nestled in the heart of Kotor's historic Old Town, the church offers a peaceful retreat amidst the charming cobblestone streets and surrounding mountains.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Respectful Attire is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry & Respectful Dress
:ticket: Entry is free! Remember to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
Morning for Peace
:sunrise: Visit in the morning for a quieter, more serene experience.
Charming Cats Nearby
:cat: Keep an eye out for the friendly cats often seen strolling around the church grounds.
Religious Icons Stall
:shopping_bags: A small stall inside sells religious icons, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry & Respectful Dress
:ticket: Entry is free! Remember to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
Morning for Peace
:sunrise: Visit in the morning for a quieter, more serene experience.
Charming Cats Nearby
:cat: Keep an eye out for the friendly cats often seen strolling around the church grounds.
Religious Icons Stall
:shopping_bags: A small stall inside sells religious icons, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find St. Nicholas Church to be a beautifully decorated Serbian Orthodox landmark in Kotor's Old Town, appreciated for its free entry and serene atmosphere. While some note its relatively recent construction and the souvenir-shop feel at the entrance, the stunning interior with its iconostasis and frescoes is consistently praised. The charming presence of local cats adds a unique touch to the experience. +2
"This Serbian Orthodox church was completed in 1909 replacing the previous church on this site which burnt down on Christmas Eve of 1896. Fairly simple inside but with a beautiful altar piece. There is a small stall on the left as you enter selling religious icons."
Miles Macdonald
"St. Nicholas is a nice charming church of a solid looking structure on the outside and beautifully decorated on the inside, too. On the entrance, it felt like a souvenir shop than a church is my only complaint. There are some cute cats strolling around this church as well. Beautiful square and the incredible mountains all around."
Buster Got it
"St. Nicholas Church is one of the most important religious landmarks in Kotor, Montenegro. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this Serbian Orthodox church was built in 1909 and stands out with its impressive twin bell towers and striking black domes. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes, ornate chandeliers, and a stunning iconostasis. The church is a peaceful place to experience Kotor’s spiritual heritage and learn about its diverse cultural influences. Entry is free, but remember to dress respectfully. Visiting in the morning offers a quieter experience, allowing you to fully appreciate its serene atmosphere."
Hsyn Shn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Nicholas Church is conveniently located in the heart of Kotor's Old Town, Montenegro. You can easily walk to it once you are inside the old city walls. +1
While there isn't direct public transport to the church within the Old Town, Kotor is well-served by buses. Once you arrive in Kotor, the church is a short walk from the main bus station.
Exploring Kotor's Old Town on foot is the best way to discover its charm. The church is a central point from which you can wander through the narrow streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St. Nicholas Church is free. It's a welcoming space for all visitors to experience its spiritual heritage.
While specific hours can vary, visiting in the morning is recommended for a quieter experience. It's best to check locally for the most up-to-date opening times.
Since entry is free, no advance booking is required for St. Nicholas Church. You can visit at your leisure during its opening hours.
Yes, as a place of worship, it's important to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a beautifully decorated interior with a stunning iconostasis, ornate chandeliers, and impressive frescoes that reflect the church's spiritual significance.
St. Nicholas Church is a significant religious landmark in Kotor, built in 1909. It replaced a previous church that burned down. +1
The church's exterior is notable for its impressive twin bell towers and striking black domes, making it a distinctive feature of Kotor's skyline.
While not explicitly mentioned for Kotor's St. Nicholas, some churches named St. Nicholas have traditions like writing letters to saints.
Photography policies can vary. It's always best to be discreet and respectful, and check for any posted signs regarding photography inside the church.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior with its bell towers and domes offers great photo opportunities. Inside, the iconostasis and chandeliers are visually striking, but be mindful of photography rules.
Yes, the church's location in Kotor provides opportunities to capture it with the dramatic mountain backdrop of the bay.
Early morning light can be beautiful for exterior shots, and it also offers fewer crowds for interior photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind the need for respectful attire, so ensure children are dressed appropriately with shoulders and knees covered. The church's central location means it's easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in the Old Town, like exploring the ramparts or enjoying local ice cream.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Visiting in the morning is highly recommended to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance. The church's role as an active place of worship means you can witness or partake in services if your visit aligns.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The interior is equally impressive, featuring a beautifully decorated space with an ornate iconostasis, which is a wall of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary. Visitors often remark on the beauty of the frescoes and the chandeliers, which add to the sacred atmosphere. The recent renovations, including new frescoes added in 1998 with sponsorship from the Russian Patriarch, ensure the church feels well-maintained and vibrant.
While relatively new compared to some of Kotor's ancient structures, St. Nicholas Church is a vital part of the city's spiritual and cultural landscape. Its presence in the heart of the Old Town offers a glimpse into the diverse religious influences that have shaped the region.
Community and Spiritual Heritage
Visitors often note the peaceful atmosphere within the church, making it a welcome respite from the bustling Old Town. The presence of a small stall selling religious icons further enhances the spiritual experience, allowing visitors to take a piece of this sacred place home with them.
The church's location in Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site, also highlights its role in the broader cultural tapestry of the region. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith and artistic traditions of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
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