Plizio Visual Lab

Church of St. John Budva

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Church of St. John the Baptist is one of the oldest and most significant religious structures in Budva's Old Town. While its foundations likely date back to the 7th century, the current Gothic and Romanesque appearance is primarily from the 15th century, with further modifications made following the catastrophic earthquake of 1667. Until 1828, the church served as the cathedral for the Diocese of Budva, highlighting its historical prestige. Its most prominent feature is the slender bell tower added in 1867, which dominates the town's skyline. The interior is a treasure trove of sacred art, most notably the 'Madonna di Punta' icon, which has been venerated as the protectress of Budva for over 800 years. The altar area features a striking modern mosaic of St. John the Baptist by Croatian artist Ivo Dulčić. Located adjacent to the citadel and other ancient churches, St. John's is a central element of the town's cultural and religious identity, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually.

Location: Montenegro
Nearby: Przno (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	5	8	12	16	20	24	24	19	14	10	6
Rain mm	156	152	138	103	89	67	42	43	116	138	187	178

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

St. John's Church is located in the historic center of Budva and is open. You can visit the interior and the bell tower.

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Typical hours

The church is usually open during services, morning and evening. On weekdays it is often open only briefly.

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Photography

Photography without flash inside is permitted. From the bell tower there is a nice view of the old town.

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Time needed

A visit lasts about 15-20 minutes. For the climb to the bell tower, allow an extra 10 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine with the citadel and the Church of the Holy Trinity. All are within Budva's old town.

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Getting there

The church is in the middle of the pedestrian zone of the old town. The nearest parking is at the old town entrance.

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Insider tip

Ask for the key to the bell tower if it is locked. The church is one of the oldest in Budva - take your time.

Geography

Coordinates

42.27810, 18.83510

Facts

The church functioned as a cathedral for the Budva diocese until 1828.
The current bell tower was constructed in 1867 in a neo-Gothic style.
It houses the 'Budva Madonna,' an icon believed to have originated in the 12th century.
A large-scale mosaic by Ivo Dulčić adorns the sanctuary wall.
The building was extensively renovated after the 1667 earthquake.
The parish library contains valuable archives and rare incunabula from the 15th century.