Kotor
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Kotor - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Kotor - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
On the hill behind Kotor, 853 feet above sea level, this fortress is approached via a series of bends and some 1,300 steps. The fantastic view from the top makes the climb worthwhile: the terra-cotta rooftops of the Old Town, the meandering ria, and the pine-clad mountains beyond. On the way up, you will pass the tiny Crkva Gospe od Zdravlja (Church of Our Lady of Health), built in the 16th century to protect Kotor against the plague. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and take plenty of water. The route up starts from behind the east side of the city walls.
Built in 1195, this delightful Romanesque church is the only building in the Old Town to have withstood all five major earthquakes that affected Kotor. Originally a Catholic church, the building later became an Orthodox place of worship.
Designed by a Russian architect and built in pseudo-Byzantine style between 1902 and 1909, this is Kotor's most important Orthodox church (the Cathedral, by definition, is Catholic). The gold used to gild the spires was a gift from Russia.
The Main Town Gate (also known as the Sea Gate because of its position on the coast), which accesses the Stari Grad via the western facade of the city walls, dates back to the 16th century, and comprises Renaissance and Baroque details. Originally, the outer gate bore a relief of the Venetian Lion, but in Tito's time this was replaced by the socialist star and dates, as well as a direct quote recording the liberation of Kotor on November 21, 1944, at the end of WWII. There are two other entrances to the Stari Grad: the Južna Vrata (South Gate) and the Sjeverna Vrata (North Gate).
Especially beautiful at night when they are illuminated, the well-preserved town walls were built between the 9th and 18th centuries. They measure almost 5 km (3 miles) in length, and reach up to 66 feet in height and 52 feet in width. They form a triangular defense system around the Old Town, then rise up the hill behind it to Tvrdjava Sv. Ivana (St. John's Fortress), 853 feet above sea level. You can walk up to the fortress along the walls; allow at least one hour to get up and back down, wear good hiking shoes, and don't forget to bring water.
Undoubtedly Kotor's finest building, the Romanesque cathedral dates back to 1166, though excavation work shows that there was already a smaller church here in the 9th century. Due to damage caused by a succession of disastrous earthquakes, the cathedral has been rebuilt several times—the twin Baroque bell towers were added in the late 17th century. Inside, the most important feature is the 14th-century Romanesque Gothic ciborium above the main altar. Also look out for fragments of 14th-century frescoes, which would once have covered the entire interior. A collection of gold and silver reliquaries, encasing body parts of various saints and crafted by local masters between the 14th and 18th century, is on display in the treasury.
Built in the 18th century, the Duke's Palace comprises almost the entire west side of the Old Town. Originally it was the official seat of the Venetian governor, but it now forms part of the Hotel Cattaro.
In the 18th century, tiny Kotor had some 400 ships sailing the world's oceans. This museum, housed within the 18th-century Baroque Grgurina Palace, traces Montenegro's cultural and economic ties to the sea. The exhibition extends over three floors and includes model ships; paintings of ships, ship owners, and local naval commanders; navigation equipment; and uniforms worn by Montenegrin admirals and captains. Audio guides are available in a variety of languages.
Built in the 17th century and considered a symbol of Kotor, the Clock Tower stands directly opposite the Main City Gate. In front of the Clock Tower, the "Pillar of Shame" was used to subject local criminals to public humiliation.
The Main Town Gate leads directly into the Square of Arms, Kotor's main square, today a large paved space animated by popular open-air cafés. Under Venice, arms were repaired and stored here, hence the name. Notable buildings on the square include the 17th-century Toranj za Sat (Clock Tower), the 19th-century Napoleonovog Pozorišta (Napoléon Theatre), and the 18th-century Kneževa Palata (Duke's Palace), the latter two now forming part of the upmarket Hotel Cattaro.
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