Prčanj Churches
Prčanj Churches
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Tatiana Torgonskaya
Translation: Vera Root
Photo: Tatiana Torgonskaya
28.02.2020

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the most important religious site in a town of Prčanj. This grand, richly decorated temple stands proudly at the center of the seaside promenade.

Prčanj Churches

The construction of the church began in the late 18th century and took more than 120 years. It was financed by the residents of Prčanj, who dreamed about big and beautiful shrine.

Prčanj Churches

In 1909, the church was opened for worship and later consecrated.

Prčanj Churches

Famous Venetian architect oversaw the project. The building has the shape of a cross; it is a basilica with three naves.

Prčanj Churches

A round dome at the central part of the structure is crowned with a lantern.

Prčanj Churches

The original plan included bell towers, but the town was short of money. So, a simple traditional belfry was erected near the church.

Prčanj Churches

A wide staircase leads to the doors. Gracious sculptures, including figure of Christ, adorn the entrance.

Prčanj Churches

The staircase takes visitors to a spacious terrace with an eye-catching balustrade.

Prčanj Churches

More sculptures on the terrace, busts of famous historical figures.

Prčanj Churches

The central facade of the church, exquisitely decorated in the Renaissance and Baroque styles, looks at the Adriatic.

Prčanj Churches

Two marble apostles guard the entrance to the temple. St. Paul at the left side,

Prčanj Churches

and St. Peter at the right, holds the gospel and the keys to heaven.

Prčanj Churches

About a hundred meters from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, you can see another Catholic church.

The temple, consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas, was built in 1728-1735 on the site of an older house.

Prčanj Churches

The structure was seriously damaged in horrific 1979 earthquake, but was restored in 2005-2011.

Prčanj Churches

The church is designed in the Baroque style. Nice rose-shaped window embellishes the facade.

Prčanj Churches

This is a UNESCO Heritage site and well worth a visit.

Prčanj Churches

Behind the Church of St. Nicholas stands an Orthodox church of St. Peter of Cetinje. It was built quite recently — in the 70s of the last century.

The round-shaped structure mimics the Njegoš Chapel, which was once rising on Mount Lovćen.

Prčanj Churches

Church bells at the high free-standing tower.

Prčanj Churches

In addition to these three important architectural sites, there are several more churches, small in size and modestly decorated. They served as private chapels for wealthy citizens of Prčanj.

One of these chapels is the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Prčanj Churches

It was built by the noble Luković family in the middle of the 17th century. The family coat of arms flaunts over the entrance.

Prčanj Churches

The church of St. Anthony of Padua was a property of another rich and respected family — Lazari.

Prčanj Churches

Traditionally built St. John Church has one nave and a tower with a small bell above the main entrance.

Prčanj Churches

Amazingly, these temples are still privately owned.

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Culture Kotor Prčanj architecture monasteries and churches