Centuries-Long Tale
After 300 years of roaming the unsettling seas, Leon Coronato finally sailed into a safe harbor, Perast. The size, sea-faced position, and original architectural style of the heritage hotel reflect the typical Baroque style characteristic of the 17th century. Once named Vasel, Leon Coronato (the Crowned Lion) is the bequest of a Montenegrin family Martinovic-Brajkovic-Radulovic.
On the original stone building, one can see 1623 engraved as the construction year. Though this part of the complex was reconstructed in 1866, the remains prove that it was built more than 2 centuries earlier.
One Family’s Tradition
With its original style and construction methods, the building reflects the early Baroque architecture, typical of 17th-century Perast. At the same time, the city blooms and becomes widely known for its rich maritime. The family Markovic-Martinovic owned close to 40 sailing ships, and Leon Coronato was the home to one of the most reputable captains of that time, Marko Martinovic.
In the 17th century, Perast maintained strong connections with the Venician Republic. But after the fall of the republic, the power of the city was diminished. Still, the people of Perast remained strong-spirited and continued to nurture their culture and heritage. The successors of the Markovic-Martinovic-Brajkovic family remained on the path to success.
The Vessel That Ruled The Seas
Vasel was one of the most important merchant ships and was designed with three masts. The ship was decorated with a crowned lion on the bow, and Perast coat of arms on the stern - a cross held by two hands. On each side, there were 10 cannons and 5 massive riffles.
Vasel was in possession of Vicko Smekja’s family. His son Petar sailed under the flag of the Venetian Republic and established strong connections with important Baltic harbors. The ship allowed him to transport wheat, sugar, salt, raisins, and other merchandise. Vasel was also his reliable ally in wars against pirates and severe storms until it was damaged by fire during the pirate battle which occurred in 1748, close to the Spanish shore.
Traditional Spirit With Modern Flare
The spirit of the time radiates from the building’s stone facade, which was reconstructed in the 19th century to maintain an unspoiled exterior. As you enter the corridors and reside in one of Leon Coronato hotel rooms, you are transcended to a different era, away from the bustling traffic noise and murmuring city streets. Once again in July 2019, it opened its doors to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the typical Perast culture.
Are you ready to travel back a few centuries and hide from your troubles and burdens, for just a little while?
Celebrations in Perast
Tradition is of great importance for the people of Perast and every year they celebrate 4 important events - and we recommend visiting Perast on these dates, to truly experience the spirit of the town:
Mad
Every year, on May the 1st, the people of Perast decorate the oak tree in front of St. Nicola’s Church to welcome the most beautiful spring month, as well as a better tomorrow. Traditionally, the tree is set up by the last man who got married in the city, and the act is accompanied by the sound of tamburitza. Later, the entire town goes to a restaurant to enjoy a cup of white coffee and a dry cake.
Mad
Every year, on May the 1st, the people of Perast decorate the oak tree in front of St. Nicola’s Church to welcome the most beautiful spring month, as well as a better tomorrow. Traditionally, the tree is set up by the last man who got married in the city, and the act is accompanied by the sound of tamburitza. Later, the entire town goes to a restaurant to enjoy a cup of white coffee and a dry cake.
The Latter-day of the victory over the Turks
Every year, on the 15th of May, the people of Perast celebrate the Latter-day of victory over the Turks in 1964. On this day, the young gather in front of the church to decorate the bell tower and square with flags. In the church, in front of the image of Our Lady, a bouquet of flowers is laid for the people to pray until late at night. The next day, the city is overflown with pilgrims from Kotor and surrounding places to participate in silent sacred masses that culminate in the Great Night Mass.
The Great Lady
On the 15th of August, Perast celebrates the Great Lady, a holiday also known as the Assumption of Mary. On this day, the young get up early in the dawn to decorate the island. A number of silent masses are organized during the day, and worshipers from the Perast area find a priest for that occasion to conduct the Sacred mass. The Sacred mass is conducted in the early morning and is followed by many other silent masses.
The Great Lady
On the 15th of August, Perast celebrates the Great Lady, a holiday also known as the Assumption of Mary. On this day, the young get up early in the dawn to decorate the island. A number of silent masses are organized during the day, and worshipers from the Perast area find a priest for that occasion to conduct the Sacred mass. The Sacred mass is conducted in the early morning and is followed by many other silent masses.
The Day of Virgin Mary Magdalen - Fasinada
People celebrate the Day of Virgin Mary Magdalen on the 22nd of July. The celebration is also known among townspeople as Fasinada, which marks the first day the island-building started. Men fill their boats with rocks, decorate them with Lombardy tree branches and flags, after which they tie all the boats together. While singing, they row up to the island and throw the rocks to symbolize its renewal and honor the Lady, protector of sailors.
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Obala Marka Martinovica 117, Perast 85336 Montenegro
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