Visit-Montenegro.com : Town of Remarkable Beauty

Budva – No person stays indifferent about the town of Petrovac and its’ unique Mediterranean architecture. For years, this town has been one of the most popular tourist destinations on Montenegrin coastline. After being neglected for no apparent reason during this past decade, Petrovac is now experiencing its’ tourist renaissance.

Tucked in a small bay, Petrovac has the most beautiful beach. Furthermore, this city has rich cultural and historic heritage, part of which dates back to Roman times. City also prides itself with gorgeous nature and luxurious hotels.

First written mention of this settlement, with its’ name “Lastva”, dates back to “Ljetopis Popa Dukljanina.”

During the rule of Venice, in 16th century, a fortress named “Castio” has been built, as well as “Lazaret”, which occasionally served as a hospital.

Settlement gained its’ contemporary look at the end of 18th and beginning of 19th century, when gradual development towards a place attractive for tourists has begun.

Above the Riva covered in stone, which encircles the beach covered with unusual reddish sand, there is a line of stone-made houses, which have now been turned into contemporary tourist capacities.

Testimony to vivid history of this city is the presence of a Roman Mosaic at Miriste location in the heart of this town, which stands as a testimony that great civilizations have been present in this area. Mosaic has been discovered more than a hundred years ago, at the land of local Gregovic family.

Much more recently, remains of Roman Vila Rustica have also been recovered at the same location. Apart from this mosaic, there is also a lot of material dating back to 4th century, money from the era of Constantine II, ceramics and glass remains and many other interesting discoveries for such a small area.

Many Orthodox Christian churches are testimony to the zenith of Christian culture in this region.

Most important are Churches of St. Thomas and St. Elias, both dating back to 14th and 15th century, as well as the church of Holly Cross in Novoselje, built back in 14th and painted with frescos in 17th century.

Witnesses to History

Special landmark of Petrovac are its’ two islands, which look like anchored vessels in front of this wonderful Mediterranean town.

These two islands, situated at around half a mile away from the mainland are called Katic and Holly Sunday, which shelters the church bearing the same name. Both are witnesses to history of people who lived in this area.

Small church of Holly Sunday had been rebuilt several years ago and now stands as Petrovac’s guardian.

Built in the ancient time, with rustic outlook, this tiny church, which defies the strength of the sea and waves for centuries, has simple architectural construction. According to the legend, it has been built by donations of seamen.

Legend has it that this unusual little church had been built by a Greek sailor, many centuries ago, after he found rescue on this island after a shipwreck.

Evidence to the claim that this church remains an ongoing inspiration for the locals to tell legend about it is another story that it has been built as a witness to the rule of Turkish conqueror, Mahmut-Pasa Busatlija, who attacked and looted area inhabited by Pastrovici clan.

(1 September 2008, “Ljeto”)

By: V. L.