The name Belavista (Bellavista), which translates to “beautiful view”, perfectly captures what awaits all who decide to visit this site. Another lesser known name of this square is the Herceg Stjepan Square, but everyone seems to prefer the former.
The square is located in the historical part of town, and is separated from the main Nikola Đurković Square by the Clock Tower. This square, as well as the wonderful view it offers, are reached from the main square by climbing the steps of the passageway under the Clock Tower. The design of the square is elegant and unusual, almost reminding one of a pearl made out of white stone. At the center of the square sits the Church of Saint Archangel Michael, the construction of which lasted between 1883 and 1911, when it was blessed. The church is a work of the Byzantine architectural style, adorned with Roman-Gothic and Islamic details, making it unusually beautiful for the beholder. The iconostasis inside the church was carved out of white Italian marble.
The square can be said to contain everything. Apart from the church, one can also find a library, a town gallery, the city archive, the town radio, a pharmacist, a restaurant, as well as many private stone buildings and houses nestled within its domain. The stairs leading down the square will lead you to the sea, as well as the Catholic Saint Jerome and Saint Leopold Mandić churches. In addition, the square is decorated by palm trees, oleanders, a mimosa tree, as well as one unusual living-fossil tree specimen, a ginkgo biloba tree. The Belavista square is a favorite gathering place of the locals, a place where the locals and the tourists alike enjoy their time, and the starting point from which the freshly-graduated students from local primary and secondary schools begin their celebratory walk around town, followed by the town’s musicians.
Author of the text:
Marijana Niković licensed tourist guide for Montenegro.
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