Crkva Svetog Mihaila (Church of St. Michael), Kotor

Saint Michael's Church stands as a testament to centuries of history, with its origins tracing back to the early Christian era. Originally built in Romano-Gothic style at the end of the 13th century, it stands upon the foundations of a 12th-century Romanesque church, which itself was erected on the remains of a 6th-century basilica. In the mid-15th century, a distinctive bell tower in the shape of a distaff was added above the entrance, housing two bells. Records indicate that the church once stood alongside one of Kotor's principal medieval streets.

Archaeological excavations have unveiled numerous stone artifacts from the pre-Romanesque era, including fragments of parapet slabs, columns, altar partitions, and architectural decorations. Inside the church, remnants of fresco paintings from the 15th depict Christ Pantocrator and the Assumption of Christ, attributed to the renowned Gothic painter Lovro Dobričević.

Despite facing challenges, such as serving as a storage area for French occupying troops in the 19th century, the church underwent extensive restoration in the 1980s, returning it to its original condition. Since 2004, it houses the Kotor Lapidarium, showcasing a remarkable collection of artifacts spanning various historical periods, making it a significant cultural attraction open to the public.