Church of St. Luke
Montenegro, Kotor

The Church of St. Luke is a historically significant ecclesiastical building located in the heart of Kotor's Stari Grad (Old Town), on St. Luke's Square. Its foundation dates back to the 12th century, with construction traditionally placed around 1195, during the rule of the Serbian Nemanjić dynasty. This makes it one of the oldest preserved structures within the fortified city.


Architecturally, the church is a notable example of the Romanesque style prevalent in the Adriatic region during the medieval period. It was originally built as a Catholic church, dedicated to St. Luke the Evangelist. For centuries, it served the Catholic community of Kotor, reflecting the city's historical and cultural ties to the Roman Catholic tradition, particularly under Venetian influence.


A pivotal moment in the church's history occurred in the 17th century, following the Great Earthquake of 1667 and subsequent demographic changes. From 1657 onwards, the church began to be used concurrently for Orthodox Christian services to accommodate the growing Orthodox population in Kotor. This unique arrangement led to the installation of two altars under one roof.


For over 150 years, the Church of St. Luke functioned as a dual-purpose place of worship, a rare and remarkable testament to religious coexistence. This period of shared use continued until the early 19th century. Following the departure of the last Catholic priest from the city, the church was fully transferred to the Orthodox Christian community, which it has served continuously ever since.


The interior of the church houses valuable religious artifacts and iconography. Of particular importance is the iconostasis, a wall of icons separating the nave from the sanctuary. While parts of it date from later periods, it incorporates elements from the 17th century. The church also preserves a collection of icons, some of which are attributed to notable artists from the post-Byzantine tradition.


Today, the Church of St. Luke stands not only as an active Orthodox parish church but also as a protected cultural monument. Its enduring presence through earthquakes, changes in political rule, and evolving religious demographics makes it a profound symbol of Kotor's layered history, architectural heritage, and spirit of tolerance.

Location
Church of St. Luke