St. Tryphon Cathedral
A 12th-century Romanesque Catholic cathedral in Kotor, Montenegro, known for its history, frescoes, and relics.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
St. Tryphon Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12th-century Romanesque Catholic cathedral in Kotor, Montenegro, known for its history, frescoes, and relics.
"Beautiful cathedral, worth visiting for its history and unique frescoes."
Cash for Museum Entry
Bring cash for the museum fee; card payments are not accepted. :moneybag:
Explore the Upper Level
Don't miss the small museum upstairs for relics and a great square view. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baroque Bell Towers
Exterior Facade
Iconic baroque bell towers, added after the 1667 earthquake, frame the cathedral's entrance.
Upstairs Museum & Balcony
Interior
Discover religious relics and enjoy a unique view of the Kotor Old Town square from the balcony.
Romanesque Architecture
Interior & Exterior
Admire the enduring beauty of this 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece, rebuilt after earthquakes.
Orthodox-Style Frescoes
Interior Walls
Rarely seen in Catholic churches, these ancient frescoes offer a glimpse into historical artistic influences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to St. Tryphon Cathedral
Tickets and What to Expect Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash for Museum Entry
Bring cash for the museum fee; card payments are not accepted. :moneybag:
Explore the Upper Level
Don't miss the small museum upstairs for relics and a great square view. :camerawithflash:
Weekday Visits Recommended
Weekdays offer a more peaceful experience than crowded weekends. :clock1:
Admire Exterior Details
The cathedral is stunning from the outside, even if you skip the museum. :star:
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash for Museum Entry
Bring cash for the museum fee; card payments are not accepted. :moneybag:
Explore the Upper Level
Don't miss the small museum upstairs for relics and a great square view. :camerawithflash:
Weekday Visits Recommended
Weekdays offer a more peaceful experience than crowded weekends. :clock1:
Admire Exterior Details
The cathedral is stunning from the outside, even if you skip the museum. :star:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Kotor's Old Town is best explored on foot, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find St. Tryphon Cathedral to be a beautiful and historically significant landmark within Kotor's Old Town. While the exterior is widely praised, the small museum upstairs offers added value with its relics and unique square views, though some feel it's optional. The modest entrance fee is considered reasonable by most.
"Worth a visit. Lots of interesting artifacts on display including some 1200yr old human remains. A good view of the square"
Richard Wiles
"Only €4 entrance per person (cash only), pretty cathedral with a small museum upstairs with balcony overlooking the square."
Poppy Johnston
"Saint Tryphon's Cathedral is located in the v center of the Kotor Old town. It was built in 1166 and one of Montenegro's picturesque sites. It has been reconstructed several times after several earthquakes. In the
earthquake in 1667, the entire frontage was destroyed, it was reconstructed with addition of the baroque bell towers. Worth visiting it."
Soudamini Mohapatra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Tryphon Cathedral is located right in the heart of Kotor's Old Town (Stari Grad). If you're arriving by cruise ship, it's a short walk from the port through the main gate of the city walls. If you're driving, park outside the Old Town walls and walk in. :bus: Many visitors find it easiest to simply walk once inside the historic center. 
The cathedral is situated in the main square of Kotor's Old Town, making it very accessible by foot. The Old Town itself is pedestrian-only, so be prepared to walk.
Kotor is well-connected by bus to other major Montenegrin cities like Budva and Podgorica. If arriving by plane, Tivat Airport (TIV) is the closest, followed by Podgorica Airport (TGD). From the airport, you can take a taxi or pre-booked transfer to Kotor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main cathedral area is typically free. However, there is a small entrance fee of around €4 per person (cash only) to access the museum upstairs and the balcony.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the cathedral is open daily. It's best to check locally or look for signs upon arrival, especially if you plan to visit the museum.
No, advance booking is generally not required for St. Tryphon Cathedral. You can purchase tickets for the museum and balcony on-site if you wish to visit those areas.
Many visitors find the small museum upstairs worthwhile for its religious relics and the unique perspective from the balcony overlooking the square. However, some consider it a 'nice to have' rather than a 'must do' if time is limited.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautiful Romanesque architecture, ancient frescoes on the walls, and religious artifacts. The upstairs museum houses gold and silver relics, and offers a balcony with views of the square.
Yes, St. Tryphon Cathedral is an active Roman Catholic cathedral and a significant religious site in Kotor. Services are held regularly.
Built in 1166, it's one of the oldest cathedrals in the region and a symbol of Kotor. It has been rebuilt multiple times after significant earthquakes, most notably in 1667 and 1979.
Absolutely! Kotor boasts numerous churches, including St. Nicholas Church (Orthodox), St. Luke's Church, and the Church of Our Lady of Health, each with its own history and architectural style.
To avoid the peak crowds from tour groups, aim for early mornings (before 10 AM) or late afternoons (after 3 PM). Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior facade, especially with the baroque bell towers, is a prime photo opportunity. The balcony of the upstairs museum offers a unique elevated view of the cathedral square.
Photography is generally allowed inside the main cathedral area, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers. Check for any specific signage regarding photography in the museum section.
Golden hour light in the early morning or late afternoon can create beautiful lighting on the cathedral's stone facade. Midday sun can be harsh, but still offers good visibility.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Architecture
+2Inside, the cathedral preserves elements of its original design, including ancient frescoes on its walls. Interestingly, some of these frescoes exhibit an Orthodox style, which is quite rare to find in a Roman Catholic church, hinting at the complex cultural and religious influences of the region throughout history.
The cathedral is dedicated to St. Tryphon, the patron saint of Kotor, who is believed to have protected the city. This deep connection to its patron saint further solidifies the cathedral's importance as a symbol of Kotor's identity and resilience.
Exploring the Cathedral's Interior and Museum
For a small fee (around €4, cash only), you can access the cathedral's museum, located upstairs. This area houses a collection of religious relics, including gold and silver artifacts, and provides a fascinating glimpse into the church's treasury. A highlight for many is the balcony attached to the museum, which offers a fantastic elevated view of the bustling Kotor Old Town square, a perfect spot for photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit