Kotor Bay of Prcanj: A Coastal Town with a Rich Maritime History

Kotor Bay of Prcanj is a small town in Montenegro that lies along the Bay of Kotor, a stunning inlet of the Adriatic Sea surrounded by majestic mountains. The town has a long and proud tradition of maritime trade and seafaring, dating back to the medieval times when it was under the protection of the Venetian Republic.

The Origins of Prcanj

The first mention of Prcanj dates back to 1222, when it was involved in the construction of St Johan Church. The town was originally located in the upper level of the hill, where it relied on agriculture. However, in the early 15th century, Prcanj started to develop in the coastal region, where it became a hub for maritime trade and navigation.

Prcanj’s sailors were renowned for their skill and loyalty to Venice, which granted them many privileges and benefits. They participated in naval battles against enemies of the Republic, such as the Ottoman Empire and the pirates. They also traded various goods across the Mediterranean and beyond, such as cheese, wine, oil, candles, salted fish, meat, figs, silk and more. They visited ports such as Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Venice, Trieste, Corfu, Thebes, Corinth, Alexandria and Algiers.

Prcanj’s maritime success made many families exceptionally wealthy and influential. Some of them were Lukovic, Gjurovic, Sbutega, Lazzari, Mihnic, Florio, Verona, Milin, Petkic, Raffaeili, Beskuca and Marassi. They built magnificent palaces and villas along the waterfront, some of which still stand today. They also had trade houses and residences in other cities such as Venice, Trieste and Corfu.

The Legacy of Prcanj

Prcanj’s golden age lasted until the end of the 18th century, when Venice lost its power and influence in the region. The town then faced various political and economic changes under different rulers such as Austria-Hungary, France, Russia and Yugoslavia. It also suffered from natural disasters such as earthquakes and epidemics.

However, Prcanj never lost its maritime spirit and identity. It continued to produce skilled sailors and shipowners who contributed to the development of Montenegro’s naval industry. It also preserved its cultural and architectural heritage that reflects its glorious past.

Today, Prcanj is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors with its natural beauty and historical charm. It offers a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, hiking and sightseeing. Some of its main attractions are:

• St Johan Church: A Romanesque church built in 1222 that features a bell tower and a rich collection of paintings and icons.

• Birthplace of Marko Martinovic: A museum dedicated to the life and work of Marko Martinovic (1776-1846), a famous sailor and writer who was born in Prcanj.

• Gospa od Skrpjela: An artificial island created by locals who piled rocks around a submerged rock where an image of the Virgin Mary was found. It hosts a church with a museum that displays various votive offerings from sailors.

• Blue Grotto: A natural cave that can be accessed by boat. It is known for its stunning blue color that is created by the reflection of light through the water.

• Mosaics: A site that contains the remains of a Roman villa from the 2nd century AD with well-preserved mosaics depicting various scenes from mythology.

Kotor Bay of Prcanj is a town that combines history and nature in a unique way. It is a place where you can experience the legacy of a centuries-old maritime tradition and enjoy the breathtaking views of one of the most beautiful bays in the world.