Church of St. John the Baptist

Church of St. John the Baptist is one of Budva’s oldest and most graceful landmarks, standing at the heart of the Old Town since the 7th century. Its present form, shaped by later medieval and Venetian rebuilding, reflects the layered history of a coastal community that blended local tradition with Adriatic influences. The tall bell tower, added in the 19th century, has become one of Budva’s defining silhouettes. Inside, the church holds several notable treasures. The main iconostasis features finely painted icons from the 18th century, created in a style that merges Byzantine heritage with the softer lines of Dalmatian workshops. A highlight is the icon of Our Lady of Budva, a revered piece believed to have arrived from Kotor and long associated with maritime protection. Visitors can also see fragments of early Christian mosaics discovered during restorations, subtle reminders of the site’s ancient origins. The church’s small museum displays liturgical books, silver vessels, and portraits of Budva’s clergy, offering a compact but engaging look at the town’s religious life.