On the main town square in the old town, Herceg Stjepan Square, popularly called Belavista (beautiful view), is one of the jewels of Boka architecture, special for its architectural and artistic significance - the Church of St. Michael the Archangel. It is surrounded on all four sides by 100-year-old palm trees, which give the stone square a refined beauty. Construction of the church began in 1883 and many architects worked on the erection of the church and eventually it was finally erected in 1905 and designed by Milan Karlovac. It is in the shape of a Greek cross with all equal sides. The church is made of fine carved blocks from Korcula and the construction was completed and the church was consecrated in 1911. With its general spatial conception of the Byzantine style, decorative elements of the Romano-Gothic and Islamic reminiscences, this building of eclectic spirit represents an extremely successful and imaginative blend of styles and is one of the most beautiful churches in the area. The iconostasis made of white and Italian marble was made by master Bilinić from Split and the icons were made by the Czech painter Franjo Ciglar. Next to the church is the home of the parish as well as the bookstore Svetigora. Liturgies in this church are held on Sundays and before all major holidays the night before as well as on the day itself at 10 am. Christmas Eve is celebrated here by the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree on the plateau in front of the church.
Address: Trg Herceg Stjepana, Belavista, Herceg Novi
