Things to Do at Cathedral of Saint Tryphon

Complete Guide to Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in Kotor

About Cathedral of Saint Tryphon

Two bell towers of slightly different heights frame a Romanesque facade of pale stone - the earthquake of 1667 knocked down the originals and the replacements were built at different times, which is why they do not match. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon was consecrated in 1166, making it one of the oldest churches on the Adriatic coast, and the relics of its patron saint have been here since Venetian merchants purchased them in 809 AD. Inside, the nave is bare stone with Romanesque arches and a stone baldachin over the altar carved with figures of Saint Tryphon's life. The 14th-century frescoes in the side chapels survived the earthquake but were painted over and only rediscovered during 20th-century restoration. The treasury upstairs holds one of the finest collections of medieval goldwork on the Adriatic: reliquaries, chalices, and processional crosses from the 12th-15th centuries. The gold-and-silver reliquary of Saint Tryphon, studded with semiprecious stones, is the masterpiece - it has not left this building in 800 years.

What to See & Do

Romanesque Stone Reliefs

The cathedral's facade features intricate stone carvings depicting biblical scenes and saints. The tympanum above the main entrance is particularly impressive, showing Christ in majesty surrounded by symbols of the evangelists.

Treasury and Reliquary Collection

The cathedral museum houses an remarkable collection of gold and silver reliquaries, including pieces dating back to the 14th century. The crown jewel is the elaborate reliquary containing the remains of Saint Tryphon himself.

Frescoes and Religious Art

Inside, you'll find a mix of Byzantine and Western religious art, including frescoes that have survived various reconstructions. The altar area contains some particularly well-preserved examples of medieval religious painting.

Bell Towers and City Views

The cathedral's twin towers, though rebuilt after earthquake damage, offer a commanding presence over Kotor's main square. While you can't climb them, they provide excellent photo opportunities and help orient you within the old town.

Ciborium and Altar

The stone ciborium (canopy) over the main altar is a beautiful example of medieval craftsmanship. The altar itself contains relics and is still used for regular religious services, giving visitors a sense of the cathedral's continuing spiritual importance.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally open daily 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM during summer months, with shorter hours in winter (typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Hours may vary on Sundays and religious holidays, and the cathedral occasionally closes for special services.

Tickets & Pricing

EUR 3 adults, includes cathedral and treasury museum upstairs. Children under 12 free. Cash preferred, some card terminals available. Open daily 9 AM-6 PM in summer, shorter hours in winter. The treasury museum alone is worth the fee - the medieval goldwork collection rivals any in the Adriatic.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (9:00-10:00 AM) or late afternoon tend to be less crowded. The lighting inside is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon. Avoid visiting during cruise ship arrivals when the old town gets quite busy.

Suggested Duration

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the cathedral properly, including time to appreciate the treasury collection. If you're particularly interested in religious art or architecture, you might want to allow up to an hour.

Getting There

The cathedral sits right in the heart of Kotor's Old Town on the main square (Trg od Katedrale), so you'll likely stumble across it while exploring. If you're coming from outside the old town, enter through the main Sea Gate and follow the marble-paved streets - the cathedral's towers are visible from most points within the walls. It's about a 3-4 minute walk from the main entrance. The old town is pedestrian-only, so you'll need to park outside the walls. There are several paid parking areas near the old town, though they fill up quickly during peak season.

Things to Do Nearby

Maritime Museum
Located in the Grgurina Palace just steps from the cathedral, this museum tells the story of Kotor's seafaring heritage with ship models, nautical instruments, and maritime artifacts.

Clock Tower
The 17th-century clock tower stands at the main square's northern end and serves as a popular meeting point. You can climb it for views over the old town's red rooftops.

Saint Luke's Church
A smaller but equally charming 12th-century church just a few minutes' walk away. It's notable for having served both Catholic and Orthodox congregations simultaneously for centuries.

Kotor City Walls
The medieval fortifications that snake up the mountainside behind the old town. The hike to the top takes about an hour and offers spectacular views over the Bay of Kotor.

Prince's Palace
Now housing part of the Maritime Museum, this 17th-century baroque palace showcases the wealth and influence of Kotor's noble families during the Venetian period.

Tips & Advice

Dress modestly as this is an active place of worship - shoulders and knees should be covered, and hats should be removed inside

The treasury museum is actually more impressive than many visitors expect, so don't skip it if it's included in your ticket

Photography is generally allowed but flash photography may be restricted, especially near the religious artifacts

If you're visiting during a religious service, be respectful and consider returning later for a proper tour of the interior