Tivat Churches
Tivat is home to numerous monuments of great historical and cultural value, primarily Catholic and Orthodox temples, with churches and monasteries standing out as key attractions. Moreover, the Tivat field features the significant archaeological site “Mala gruda” (Little Soil), where artifacts like a golden dagger and silver ax date back to the early Bronze Age (1900–1800 B.C.).
Notable Churches and Religious Sites in Tivat
Lady of Mercy Island
Situated between Krtoli shore and Sveti Marko Island, half of the island is occupied by a convent complex dedicated to the Virgin—Lady of Mercy. Indeed, until the end of the 19th century, it served as the residence of Kotor’s bishops. The convent houses an ancient wooden statue of the miraculous Virgin—Blessed Lady of Mercy.
The Complex of the Monastery Sv. Arhandjel Mihailo (St. Archangel Michael)
Located on the Prevlaka peninsula near Tivat, the monastery remains date from the medieval period. Built on a Benedictine temple site, it marked a key epoch from the 9th to 14th centuries. Consequently, Serbian saint Sava enthroned the Zeta episcopacy here in the mid-12th century. The Venetians ruined it in 1452, but ongoing archaeological digs have uncovered antique mosaics. In the 19th century, the Church of St. Trinity was added on the east side, owned by Countess Ekatarina Vlastelinovic.
The Church of Sveti Luka
Found on a hill above Tivat village Gosici, this site may have had an Illyrian edifice earlier. Written records indicate a Benedictine convent existed here in the mid-14th century. In 1776, an old structure was repaired and expanded. Until the mid-19th century, the church was decorated with paintings. Its monumental treasure includes a felon with golden embroidery, a gift from Montenegrin ruler Petar I Petrovic Njegos.
The Church of St. Lady
Situated in Tivat village Radovici, this church was built in 1843, though earlier dates of 1594 and 1605 are mentioned. An older temple likely stood here in the 16th or 17th century. The church features a belfry with a large clock in the middle.
The Churches of Sveti Jovan and Ivan
Located in Tivat village Bogisici, the Church of St. Ivan is older, with both Orthodox and Catholic priests conducting rituals. Medieval fresco remains were found here. The Church of St. Jovan is immediately next to it, separated only by a fence.
The Church of Sveti Petar
In Tivat village Bodgasici, this church site had a Benedictine abbey. An inscription in Old Slav language dates its construction to 1268–1269 under Zeta bishop Neofit. Many frescoes are preserved, some from the 13th century, though damaged. The vault features the composition “Coming down of the St. Ghost on the apostles.”
The Church of Sveti Srdja, Nikola and Dimitrije
Found on Djurdjevo brdo above Tivat, this church was built in the first half of the 9th century, surrounded by about 10 houses. Though neglected today, it remains a significant cultural-historic monument and a valuable urban corpus for Tivat.
The Church of Sveti Antun
Located in Tivat’s Kalimanj part, this church is part of the summer cottage of the Pima Pasquali noble family. It is Tivat’s smallest church but holds great importance. A 1373 inscription on the belfry vault mentions King Tvrtko. The interior was once covered with frescoes, now damaged by humidity, and featured 14 coats of arms of old Kotor noble families.
The Church of Sveti Antun Padovanski
Built in 1734, this church serves as the social center of Tripovici lodgment. It has a district bureau and a nicely paneled yard, offering a beautiful view over Boka Kotorska bay. A painting of Sveti Petar and Sveti Pavle by Italian painter Francesco is preserved, with the altar dedicated to Lady of Rozario.
The Church of Sveti Mihovil
Situated near the court and tower of the Buca noble family in Tivat, this church is made of stone.
The Church of Sveta Marija
Found in Gornja Lastva near Tivat, written sources date its construction to the 15th century.
The Church of Sveti Vid
On Sveti Vid hill above Gornja Lastva, this church dates to 1327, but experts suggest it may be older, from the Byzantine era, based on its construction style.
The Church of the Lady of Angels
Situated on a stone crag in the sea gorge Verige, this church’s construction is documented as 1585, but it likely existed earlier. A defense wall with a crenel was built around it for fortification and controlling passage through Verige. Known as Lady of Oriz or Lady of Smiles, legend says sailors smiled upon entering their territory here.
The Church of Sveti Rok
On the shore in Donja Lastva, Tivat, built in 1901, this church preserves an interesting icon of Sveti Trifun by a Greek painter and an altar painting by Mihailo Floria from Prcanj.
The Church of Sveti Sava
One of Tivat’s youngest churches, located in the town center, construction started in 1938 and finished in 1967.