Palaces of Boka Bay

Dear Boka bay virtual passengers, at first glance, I am nothing more than an ordinary stone. And I do almost nothing to justify my existence – I defy the sun and the rain, I resist the wind motionless and, sometimes, my steadfastness tames the sea. Only to be looking at it peacefully again, in the very next moment. Because whenever the sea decides to imitate the glass- there I go, starting over. Enjoying the calmness in the Boka Bay, full of magic.

 

But, yet again, I said- almost nothing. And that’s fine if you don’t want to waste your time on my story.  But if you do decide to stay just a bit longer, I will speak. Telling you that I, indeed, am a part of a special palace which, by definition – is a beautiful and luxurious house. In my case, even more special, because this in fact, is the residence and the pride of the Bronza family, whose first ship was mentioned in the archives from the end of the XVI century. The family whose members, captains Ivan and Josip, were awarded by the Venetian Republic the Order of St. Mark for their bravery in battles against pirates.

The Bronza Palaca in the Boka Bay Family Foundation

As I said, I represent a very important part of this family’s foundation, and am trying to prove (to those who donated me their precious time) why the “ordinary stone” expression was only seemingly. Let me first reassure you by showing off my baroque suit, which dresses up the whole palace and makes me a proud hero, standing this close to that terrible force and synonym for unbridledness and moodiness, as it’s the sea. For centuries.

And it is, above all, the baroque spirit which inspired me to build this palace from the ground up – ground floor, first and, in the end, the second floor in the shape of a belvedere, whose dynamic volutes are synonym for baroque, pageantry and freedom in architecture. Deprived of the rules of symmetry and so absolutely free and unlimited in space, these moments gave my palace the opportunity to fit perfectly into the Pearl of Montenegro, as they call Perast, a long-time safe harbor for captains and their families. As a proud part of this entirety, which in the XIX century served to the Austro-Hungarians as the Customshouse (Dogana), which today has preserved the original layout of its space, I am proudly enjoying the view of the Mediterranean. Under this clear, picturesque sky, I testify variety or scenes during the day: fishermen sailing towards the horizon early in the morning, joyful tourists while enthusiastically taking new moments and memories from a place that so boldly watches the hills merge with water in the afternoon and then, in the evening, I will obviously send off a day to a new, endless journey into the quietness.

 

The Bronza Palace preserves the baroque of Montenegro, keeping all of its peculiarities and valuables intact while taking care of its unbreakable tradition with the sea. So again- I am just a seemingly ordinary stone that travels through time. Exposed to the sun, sea salt and the enchanting scents of the Mediterranean. Speaking an authentic language and carrying the fragments of eternity within me. Forever.

 

Explore the Boka Bay with Sotheby’s Realty

 

Look at the Sotheby’s Realty real estate in the Boka Bay. Owning a palace in Boka Bay means more than acquiring a home. It is an invitation to be part of Montenegro’s cultural fabric, where the past and present merge against a backdrop of crystalline waters and mountains that rise from the sea. Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to present these extraordinary residences to a global clientele seeking timeless elegance and exclusivity. These historic properties, once symbols of prestige, are today among the Adriatic’s most coveted real estate. Restored with respect for tradition, many palaces now serve as refined private homes or boutique residences, offering modern comfort within walls steeped in history. For discerning buyers, they represent more than just a property—they offer the rare privilege of inhabiting living heritage.

The palaces of Perast are perhaps the most iconic, with baroque façades overlooking the islands of Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Families such as the Smekjas and the Zmajevićs constructed residences that rivaled the grandeur of Venetian estates, adorned with ornate balconies, arched loggias, and grand staircases. In Kotor, palaces like the Grgurina—today home to the Maritime Museum—showcase the legacy of Boka’s sailors and merchants. Prčanj, with its waterfront lined by elegant 18th-century villas, retains a quiet grandeur where architecture and sea meet in harmony.

Boka Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is not only celebrated for its dramatic fjord-like landscapes but also for the palaces that grace its shores. These stone residences, built between the 15th and 19th centuries, stand as architectural testaments to Montenegro’s maritime nobility. From Perast to Kotor and Prčanj, each palace on the Boka Bay tells a story of seafaring families who brought wealth and influence back from their global ventures, blending local craftsmanship with Venetian refinement.

Global real estate brand Sotheby’s opens a representative office in Porto Montenegro

Montenegro Resort Properties is the second in the region, next to Croatia, that the Sotheby’s brand wants to present to the world public as a jewel of the Mediterranean and one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.

The global leader in the luxury real estate market, Sotheby’s International Realty, will have its representative office and office in the nautical resort of Porto Montenegro starting this March. This international community with a marina for superyachts, the Regent Hotel and luxury residences fits perfectly into the concept of Sotheby’s, which wants to offer its services to the Mediterranean and European markets, but also to present to prestigious clients all the benefits of life on the Montenegrin coast.

Sotheby's Montenegro

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