Prcanj

The small but charming coastal resort of Prcanj is renowned for its rich naval history of ocean commerce. Situated halfway between Kotor’s Old Town and Tivat, Prcanj attracts predominantly cultural tourists with an interest in history and a desire for utmost serenity.

History and Culture of Prcanj

Already the first mention in Kotor’s 13th-century archives describes Prcanj’s inhabitants as skilled sailors and great warriors. One of its former citizens, Ivo Vizin, happened to be the first Southern Slav to circumnavigate the globe in a 30-meter-long sailing boat called Splendido.

When the forces of the Ottoman Empire advanced in the Mediterranean in the 15th century, they managed to occupy neighboring Herceg Novi and Risan but failed to take Prcanj. Interestingly, it was also Prcanj’s fearless seafarers who established the Adriatic’s first postal system in 1625.

Under the guise of Venice’s postal service, it soon grew to become an indispensable hub in the Republic’s communication network, responsible for forwarding mail and pieces of information between Constantinople (today: Istanbul) and the Venetian Lagoon.

According to historical records, Prcanj operated a fleet of more than 30 robust sailing cargo ships in the 18th century. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, however, this type of naval transport was no longer viable, setting the stage for Prcanj’s slow and gradual decline.

The decline was halted in the early 20th century when this beautiful settlement with its mild and good marine climate was rediscovered as a health resort by King Alexander I. Luckily, many of the traditional stone townhouses lined along the coastal promenade have been well-preserved.