This charming medieval town is situated on the Bay of Kotor, on the Adriatic coast. From the land side, the city is surrounded by rocky hills reaching over 1000 m above sea level. Despite time lapses and several earthquakes, Kotor has not changed much since its greatest glory. Its heart is the Old Town, defensive walls and the citadel. Within the Old Town of Kotor, you can admire wide squares, narrow cobbled streets, historic churches, and tenement houses covered with red tiles. When visiting the Old Town, you feel you are walking in an Italian town. That is because the Venetians left a strong mark on the local architecture here.
The Old Town of Kotor – a Pearl of the Middle Ages
Even in the ancient period, Kotor was the dream of many rulers. At that time, the city’s advantages were its natural values, picturesque views, strategic location, and mild climate. On one side, the city was closed by high mountains. On the other side, Kotor had a port and convenient access to the sea. Even in the mid-nineteenth century, the only land road to the city led through winding paths high in the mountains. Nevertheless, Kotor frequently passed from hand to hand, 14 times. Among the others, Romans, Serbs, Venetians, Austrians, Russians, British and Montenegrins ruled the city.
In 1979, Kotor was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the UNESCO.pl website, we can read the following description: “Kotor – a natural, cultural and historical region. The natural port of Montenegro, on the Adriatic coast, was an important commercial and artistic centre in the Middle Ages. It was famous for its construction school and icon painting. Although some monuments, including four Romanesque churches and the ramparts, were severely damaged in the 1979 earthquake, the city was restored, mainly with the help of UNESCO. “
The Kotor region is a unique testimony to the extremely important role it has played over the centuries in spreading Mediterranean cultures in the Balkans.
Practical information – what is worth knowing before the visit
When is the best time to come?
Kotor is in the climatic Mediterranean subtropics. It is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. This makes Kotor eagerly visited by tourists all year round. The weather is always good during the summer months, and rainfall is practically non-existent here. In summer, the average temperature is 30 degrees C. In winter, it does not snow, and the temperature does not drop below 0 degrees C. But between October and April, it often rains.
How to get to the city?
Plane
Although there are two international airports in Montenegro, many people combine their stay in Croatia with a short visit to Montenegro. The airport in Dubrovnik (Croatia) is only 70 km from Kotor. Just remember – when crossing the Croatia-Montenegro border, all controls are taken, as required at the European Union border, which may take a long time.
The airport in Podgorica is 87 km away from Kotor, and the journey by car takes about 1.5 hours. Indeed, it is most convenient to rent a car at the airport or take a taxi, as there is no direct connection between the airport and Kotor. To use a bus in Podgorica, you must take a taxi from the airport (approx.. 12 km) to the city centre, where there is a bus station. Unfortunately, however, it is not a fast or economically attractive connection compared to the costs of renting a car or a taxi.
The closest is from the Tivat airport to Kotor. It is only 8 km away, about 10 minutes by car. Therefore, it is worth the money to take a taxi. , it is wise to order a transfer from the airport if you do not plan to rent a car on-site.
Bus
The small bus station is just outside Kotor, about a 10-minute walk from the Old Town walls. Buses from all major towns in Montenegro go there. International buses also run from Albania through Montenegro to Croatia, Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Boat
Boko Kotor Bay is a popular stop for many cruise lines. Many tourists visiting Kotor come to it by sea, as the port is open all year round.
Accommodation
It is worth spending some time in Kotor and visiting it peacefully; therefore, you should plan to stay there for two days. That is why many tourists decide to stay a short time in this city. The accommodation base is very varied and available all year round. The Old Town of Kotor itself offers stays in many apartments, small boutique hotels, and hostels. However, outside the city walls, you can also book guest houses and large apartments.
The Old Town of Kotor – a top-rated tourist attraction
At the outset, it is worth noting that the streets in the Old Town of Kotor have no names. Therefore, getting a map available at a large tourist information kiosk in front of the Sea Gate is worth it. Maps are free of charge. They briefly describe the most important attractions and are available in several languages. Do not forget to ask about a map with a specific language on the spot.
St. John fortress, defensive walls and city gates
The city of Kotor is on a triangular plan. From the Southern side, the city border is marked by the Gurdic River, on the North by the Skurda River, and on the West by a sea bay. The coastline is over 670 meters long. On the northern side of the bay, there is a historic 7-meter-high lighthouse.
The construction of the defensive walls began in the 9th century and continued over the following centuries. However, the defensive walls and all gates have been well preserved to this day. In total, the walls are 4.5 km long, 2 to 15 meters wide, and up to 20 meters high in some places.
The city is divided into three parts. Two of them are in the historic Old Town of Kotor – the lower city (from the bayside) and the upper one, where the fortress of St. John is. The third part of the city has a modern face. It is modern architecture, with a shopping centre, a yacht marina and a seaport.
St. John fortress
The crowning glory of the defence system is the St. Jan fortress, located at an altitude of 260 m above sea level. Access is through 1,350 serpentine-shaped steps leading high up into the mountains. The stairs lead along a trail 1,200 meters long. On the way, you will pass the church of Gospa od Zdravlja (Our Lady of Health), situated at an altitude of 110 meters, and the tower of Sveti Ivan.
From the top of the fortress, there is a beautiful view of the entire bay and houses covered with red tiles.
St. John can be visited from Monday until Friday, from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. The entrance ticket is 8 Euro (about 8.5$).
The hike to the top and back takes about 1.5 hours, but in the summer months, it is best to do this early in the morning. Due to the road’s southern location, the sun is out all day long, and in the heat, climbing the mountain is difficult.
Along the route, there are roads of varying difficulty and risk levels. The blue trail only leads to the lower parts of the wall, but this part of the road is in the best condition and is relatively easy to walk. The yellow and red routes are hard to cross. Therefore, it is better to enter the higher parts of the wall with caution and be aware of the risks involved.
The trail has two entrances, and both start from the Old Town of Kotor. Below are photos of Gate A (see the marking on the map), located near the church of St. Mary of the River.
Arms Square (Trg od Orużja)
Visiting the Old Town usually starts from the main square – the Arms Square, where the Sea Gate leads. This square is the heart of the Old Town. Cobbled streets, tall tenement houses, green-coloured wooden shutters, a clock tower and many gardens where you can hide under an umbrella and experience a bit of shade. It is a place that is vibrant with life all year round. All trips start here, and they end here as well.
Several souvenir shops, exchange offices, banks, and jewellery stores are within a short distance of each other. There are also benches, a large openwork lamp, ice cream carts, colourful balloons, and street musicians. In general, it is bustling here, and in the summer season, crowds of people try to push through the gate in both directions.
Trg od Orużja is the largest square in the city. Although it was once the city’s main commercial market and a primary meeting point for residents, its central function has remained until today.
The square’s name (Arms Square) comes from the arsenal building that stood here during the reign of the Venetian Republic. Weapons were also stored and repaired in the square market. In the nineteenth century, the arsenal turned into a large bakery that served the army.
Clock tower and medieval ridge
After passing the Sea Gate, you directly enter the clock tower from 1602. The clock tower is considered the symbol of the city.
There is a medieval, pyramid-shaped pillory in front of the tower. It is believed that a “pillar of shame” used to be on this site during the Middle Ages. In the past, criminals were tied to the pillory and exposed to public ridicule, which was a severe punishment.
Duke’s Palace
It is worth paying attention to the Duke’s Palace, the largest building in the square. It is easy to recognize because, from the outer side of the walls, it has a balcony over 50 meters long. Consoles in the Renaissance style supported the balcony. During the Venetian Republic, the palace was the seat of the Venetian providers. In the 19th century, it was used for military purposes.
Former theatre
There is an impressive building on the square—the former French Theatre. The building was built in the 18th century. During the French occupation (in 1810), authorities converted it into one of the first theatres in this region. During reconstruction works, the northern facade had to be torn down so the building could serve its purpose. Due to an earthquake in 1979, the building was partially destroyed. After reconstruction works, it became the seat of the luxurious Hotel Catarro.
Flour Square (Trg od Braśna)
The square’s name comes from the flour traders who occupied it in the past. There were flour warehouses and a market around it.
There are two fascinating palaces of noble families on this square.
Buca Palace (Palata Buća)
In former Kotor, each influential family had its palace that testified to the family’s wealth. One of the Buca family members, Mihailo Buca, was the wealthiest inhabitant of the city. The other family member, Trifun Buća, was an emissary at the papal court in Avignon.
The spacious palace was built in the 14th century but has not survived in its original form to the present day. In the 17th century, after a large earthquake, the Buca family had insufficient financial resources to rebuild the palace. Due to this reason, after many years, the building underwent further damage and reconstruction. Over time, the building has lost its valuable decorations and luxurious character.
Today, the palace consists of three different buildings, each of various heights, with different facades and diverse architectural styles. Therefore, it is hard to believe that it used to be one building in the past. Currently, the palace houses a boutique hotel.
Pima Palace (Palata Pima)
Just across the street from the Buca Palace stands the Pima Palace.
The Pima family was a noble family from which came, among others, poets and writers (Bernard Pima, Jeronim Pima, Ljudevit Pima). Family members also included a law doctor and vice-chancellor at the University of Padua in the 17th century.
The Pima Palace was built in 1667 and combined several architectural styles. It was built in the Renaissance style, but the window frames and the supports of the long balcony are in the Baroque style. The black balustrades were made of steel by local blacksmiths. The coat of arms of the Pima family, held by two angels, is above the front doorways. An arcaded portico is at the front of the building, with a terrace upstairs.
Although the palace was damaged during the last earthquake in 1979, it was rebuilt according to its original layout.
St. Tryphon Square
The most important municipal institutions of Kotor are located in St.Tryphon Square. There is, among others, the City Hall, the seat of the Bishops, the seat of the Regional Institute for Monument Protection, the City Archives, and the Cathedral of St. Tryphon.
Cathedral of St. Tryphon
St. Tryfon is the finest example of Romanesque architecture in Montenegro. It is a three-nave basilica ending with a semicircular apse. The church was built in 1166 on the remains of a Romanesque temple from 809.
Part of the cathedral was destroyed during an earthquake in the 17th century. At that time, one of the church’s walls and two bell towers had to be rebuilt entirely. The reconstruction was carried out in a combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Unfortunately, for financial reasons, the rebuilding of one of the bell towers was not completed. Only after the last earthquake, in which the cathedral was again destroyed, was the church rebuilt, as well as its bell towers, but it kept the original character from the 17th century.
The cathedral is very austere inside but has some valuable relics. Among them are a gilded altar from the 14th century, a Romanesque-Gothic ciborium (liturgical vessel), fragments of 14th-century frescoes, and a baptismal font from the 9th century.
St. Tryphon
A statue of St. Tryphon, Kotor’s patron, is in front of the cathedral’s entrance.
St. Tryphon came from Phrygia, in Asia Minor. As a Christian, he travelled to countries where he spread the faith and converted pagans to Catholicism. In the 3rd century, during the reign of Emperor Decius, Tryphon was arrested, tortured, and beheaded. His relics came to Kotor thanks to one of the town’s inhabitants.
Saint Tryphon became the city’s patron. On February 3, the city celebrates its annual celebrations in his honour. Residents pray to the saint, among other things, to protect the fields and orchards from pests.
Drago Palace
The Drago family was famous for its cultural, artistic, political, and economic activities. Among them were princes, bishops, and judges. The Drago family also established important international contacts, among others, with Dubrovnik, the Principality of Zeta (Principality of Montenegro), Bosnia, and Dalmatia.
Their residence was built at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries and consisted of two wings: Gothic and Renaissance. The last earthquake caused extensive damage to the residence building. After a thorough reconstruction in the early 1980s, the palace became the seat of bishops and the Regional Institute for Monument Protection.
Museum Square
On this square, the Montenegrin Maritime Museum is in the Grgurin Palace. In the old days, Kotor was considered a “breeding ground” for excellent sailors and captains who used to sail in all waters in the world. At its peak, the local navy numbered over 300 ships. At the time, one of the most famous sea fleets in Europe—the Bokotorska Fleet (Bokeljska mornarica)—was created.
The sailors from Kotor became famous, among other things, for their participation in major sea battles, fights with pirates and Turks, and setting new trade routes.
Boka Navy
Boka Navy is a traditional non-governmental maritime organization founded in Kotor in 809. Its origin is related to the arrival of the relics of St. Tryphon. Comprising a community of seafarers with military, economic, educational and humanitarian functions, the Boka Navy has played a commemorative role for two centuries. During that time, it was mainly focused on preserving and promoting maritime history and tradition. Membership is voluntary and open to men, women and children.
The organization’s principles are respect for human rights and religious, national and cultural diversity. During ceremonial celebrations, organisation members wear colourful, traditional uniforms and historical weapons and perform traditional dances. These celebrations combine with celebrations in honour of St. Tryphon. Between January 13 and February 3, a solemn procession and liturgical rituals happen in the cathedral. The outside festivities begin with the traditional naval dance of Boka, followed by a solemn procession through the streets of the Old Town of Kotor, carrying the relics of St. Tryphon. A significant part of the city’s inhabitants participates in the preparations. Thousands of spectators attend processions in the historic centre and watch the festive events.
It is worth adding that in 2019, the Boka Navy organization was submitted as a candidate for inclusion on the UNESCO list as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It was finally listed there in 2021 – UNESCO Boka Navy Kotor.
Maritime Museum of Montenegro
The museum is in a baroque palace from the 18th century. Its collection of six bronze reliefs depicts the city’s most important events and characters. There is also an exhibition dedicated to Kotor seamen and rooms dedicated to famous families from the Bay of Kotor. There is also an ethnographic exhibition and a collection of weapons.
The Maritime Museum of Montenegro website has more information about the museum, including opening hours and ticket prices.
At the back of the museum, the Karampana Well is another symbol of the city. In the old times, it used to be the only source of clean water in Kotor. This baroque-style well was built in the 17th century.
St. Luke’s Square
Two Orthodox churches are located in St. Luke’s Square, hence the colloquial name “Church Square.”
St. Luke’s Church
St. Luke’s Church is in the central part of the square. It was built in 1195 in the Romanesque-Byzantine style. It is a tiny temple with a single nave, covered with a dome and finished with a small, semi-circular apse. The building’s small size has stood the passage of time. It was the only building in the Old Town that had not suffered any damage from the last earthquake.
Until the 17th century, the temple was Catholic, but then it was taken over by Orthodox Christians. For this reason, the church has two altars, one for Catholic and one for Orthodox rites.
The church has preserved small fragments of frescoes from the 12th century and iconostasis from the 17th century. The floor consists of gravestones, with the tombs shared by Kotor people buried here until the 1930s.
Saint Luke is the patron of, among others, doctors, surgeons, painters, sculptors, graphic artists, historians, notaries, and goldsmiths.
St. Nicholas Church
It is worth highlighting that St. Nicholas Church is relatively “young.” It was completed in 1909, at the beginning of the 20th century, and was constructed in the pseudo-Byzantine style. The church was built on the site of the Dominican Monastery, which was abandoned at the end of the 18th century and destroyed by fire in 1896.
However, the most valuable work inside is the iconostasis from 1908. The silver candlesticks and giant chandeliers are also worth noticing.
St. Nicholas is an important patron saint for Montenegrins. It takes care of travellers, sailors, shipwrecked people, fishermen, and craftsmen. The faithful believe that it has the power to tame storms, lightning, storm winds, and dangerous sea waves.
It is also worth looking at the church from the side of the defensive walls.
The monastery and the church of St. Clara
This Catholic church was built between the 14th and 17th centuries. It is located near the Church of St. Nicholas. St. Klara Church is a quiet place to visit. Particularly noteworthy in the church is the baroque altar of the Cabianca sculptor. It is also worth going out to its inner courtyard. The church also looks impressive from the side of the defensive walls.
The Old Town of Kotor with three gates
There are three city gates around the Old Town of Kotor, but the Western Gate (Sea Gate) is the largest one. Although there are triple gates in the Northern and Southern Gates, each was built at a different time. The oldest one is the Central Gate, which dates from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries.
Western Gate (Sea Gate)
The history of the Western Gate (Main Gate) dates back to the Middle Ages. It was constructed in 1555, during the reign of the Venetians. In the past, the sea line ran much closer to the city walls than it does today. Waves often hit the gate, and access to it was only possible directly from the ship deck. Hence, its common name is the Sea Gate (Morska Vrata).
Above the entrance, there is a plaque showing the date 21.11.1944. That date indicates the day of the city’s liberation from Nazi occupation. There is also an inscription above the gate: “Tuđe nećemo, svoje ne damo“, which means “Theirs we don’t want, ours we don’t give“. At the top, there is a coat of arms belonging to the anti-fascist organization NOVJ – the National Liberation Army of Yugoslavia.
Northern Gate
The Northern Gate (the River Gate) is much smaller than the Sea Gate. It was erected in 1539 as a memorial to the city’s victorious defence against attacks by Turkish troops.
The city walls were fortified from the side of the Skurde river, with the Citadel and the Bembo Bastion dating from 1540. Currently, there is a summer theatre stage in the bastion.
Citadel
The citadel dates back to the 13th century and has been rebuilt many times. Its final architectural character comes from the 19th century. Currently, it houses a restaurant and a disco.
Visiting the citadel without any special occasion is worth it because you can easily relax here. From the terrace, you can view the city walls, the former theatre, the Prince’s Palace, and the seaport.
St. Maria of River
Nearby the City Gate, there is the Church of St. Maria of River, whose patron is Ozana Kotorska. Today’s church was built in 1221, but it was rebuilt and extended several times over the centuries. Few fragments of frescoes from the 14th century have been preserved in the church. Inside, it is undoubtedly worth paying attention to the 14th-century crucifix. Also, two baroque altars covered with coloured marble and a dozen or so paintings from the times of the Venetian Republic are valuable assets here.
The double entrance door, made of bronze, deserves special attention. It has bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Ozana Kotorska (Blessed Catherine of Montenegro), a Serbian blessed Catholic church.
Southern Gate
The triple Gurdic Gate (Vrata od Gurdića) is in the southern part of the Old Town of Kotor. Its name comes from a small river that flows nearby. However, the Southern Gate did not have only one gate (like other gates in Kotor), but a mechanism of three gates constructed in different periods and styles. The inner gate is the oldest one and dates to the 16th century. The middle one dates to the 17th century. However, the outer gate and a tiny wooden drawbridge over the spring of the river Gurdic were made in the 18th century. Behind the outer gate, there is a narrow passage. One can imagine that in the past, breaking into the city by force was difficult, not to say almost impossible.
The Southern Gate is where the road towards Budva and Cetinje begins. It is also at the foot of the steep eastern wall that leads to Fort Giovanni and the bastion.
The Southern Gate is the first gate to cross for those who come to the city by bus. It is also a perfect place to explore the Old Town of Kotor. The bus station is approximately 300 meters away. It is also worth noting that the entrance to the Old Town from this side is less crowded. In other words, it may be a wise choice during the high season.
Near the gate, narrow, steep stairs lead up to the city walls. From here, there is a fantastic view of the marina.
Kotor, what else is worth seeing?
Kotor Bay
The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) is in the southern part of the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro. The word Boka comes from Italian (bocca) and means Mouth. Venetians visiting these regions in the Middle Ages saw the bay in that shape.
Above the bay are, among others, the medieval cities of Kotor and Perast, as well as Risan—a city that still remembers ancient times. Resorts such as Tivat and Herceg Novi are also on the bay. In 1979, the entire landscape of the Bay of Kotor, resembling the fjords of the north, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.
Thanks to its geography, coastal towns, and numerous monuments, the bay is the most important tourist region in Montenegro.
Kotor’s great advantage is its location at the end of the Bay of Kotor. That means that all possible vessels come here. The port in Kotor is open 24/7 all year round. Above all, large cruise ships dock here. The marina is only 100 meters from the Old City walls.
There are high-class restaurants and bars near the port. The port’s capacity is 80 berths for yachts from 8 to 300 m in length. Often, large, multi-story cruise ships dock at the seaport, the size of which is a tourist attraction.
The Nautica Yacht Club is located on-site and provides services to private yacht owners. There is also a water police station and a small beach.
Kotor Ladder
Even in the last century, the only land route from Cetinje to Kotor ran through the steep peaks of the mountains. The road dates back to 1822, when Austrians built it. It was the shortest route leading to the Krstac Pass. This mountain pass was at an altitude of 940m above sea level, from where the road continued to Cetinje. In the past, to get to the pass from Kotor, it was necessary to overcome 70 turns at an angle of 180 degrees and a height difference of 900 meters.
Currently, this route is popular only with tourists tempted by the promise of stunning views. The entire trail is 6.4 km long and has good markings prepared for tourists. The tour starts near the city’s Southern Gate (there is a road sign showing the direction). Due to the big difference in altitude, this route may take up to 3 hours one way.
The Old Town of Kotor – the pearl in the crown of Montenegro
Kotor is a town where people willingly come back. It offers a perfect blend of natural, cultural, and historical beauty. In that small area, there is an unusual concentration of historic buildings, churches, palaces, and tenement houses covered with red tiles. Cats are everywhere, roaming the cobbled, winding streets of the Old Town of Kotor. Wide squares, narrow streets, small restaurant gardens, cafes hiding in small squares, and many culinary offerings create a pleasant atmosphere here.
It is often said that Kotor City has fairy-tale scenery. It is also known as a tourist Mecca and the pearl of Montenegro. Undoubtedly, it is a place worth visiting, and you should experience its charm for yourself.
Montenegro, my other posts
I encourage you as well to read my other posts about Montenegro