Kotor is anchored in the very heart of the Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska), having a populace of around 13,000 it appears as a mere dot on a map. For that reason, some may find it hard to believe that a small town like this can offer so much, but its well-preserved medieval Old Town, stunning bay, and stunning landscape ensure that there is never a shortage of things to see and do.
Further in this blog, we will take a brief tour of Kotor that is bound to make your future trip there an unforgettable memory.
What does Kotor mean?
It is believed that Kotor was founded by the ancient Romans, which makes its history more than 2,000 years old, and the oldest in the whole of Montenegro. It has been under the rule of many great civilizations throughout the ages, such as the Byzantine Empire as well as the Venetian Republic.
Having been under a plethora of different cultural influences, the exact etymology of the name of Kotor is quite obscure. However, during the Byzantine rule the name was ‘Dekatera’, which stems from an old Greek word ‘katareo’ translating to ‘a rich source of warm water’. Throughout centuries its name took various forms, from an Italian version ‘Cattaro’ to the name that it bears nowadays.
What to see in Kotor?
Are you a history enthusiast? Because the very moment you arrive in Kotor, you will find yourself stepping back in time. The Old Town, inscribed as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1979, is the most treasured part of the city. It is bejeweled by numerous medieval piazzas and historic buildings fortified by stone walls. If you are not sure where to begin, the simple answer would be to just wander. Here are just a few of Kotor’s greatest landmarks to consider.
1. St. Tryphon Cathedral
Also known as Kotor Cathedral, it is a Roman Catholic church that has been overlooking the Old Town since 1166. It is also the seat of the Catholic Bishopric of Kotor. This Romanesque church is located on the square that bears the same name. It is of immense religious and cultural value, mainly due to its interior which is full of frescoes, some of which date back to the 14th century.
2. San Giovanni Fortress
San Giovanni Fortress (or simply Kotor Fortress) is a part of a fortification system containing citadels, ramparts, forts, and, finally, a castle. The castle is located on Saint John Hill, hence the name, and it is around 250 m above sea level. Today, you can reach it by climbing 1350 steps. Do not let the number taunt you, because the view of the city and the Bay of Kotor will be rewarding enough to forget you have endured any physical strain.
If you opt to conquer this path to the fortress, the official route starts at the North Gate of the city and the hike itself comes with a small fee.
3. Maritime Museum
A former baroque palace that belonged to a noble Grgurina family was adapted and turned into a museum at the very beginning of the 19th century. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Kotor’s seafaring past, displaying artifacts such as maps, weapons, pictures, and many more.
4. Cats Museum
This charming little museum is a perfect spot for all the feline lovers. It has a collection of cat-themed memorabilia, where you can explore the appreciation humans have had for these animals throughout centuries.
While these are the landmarks that appear in every Kotor guidebook, there are many more, and be sure that you will stumble upon them while strolling the town’s cobbled streets. What to do in Kotor?
Stone walls are not the only fortification system surrounding Kotor. The towering mountains, on one hand, and the serene beautiful water of the Bay Kotor, on the other, represent a natural fort of their own. Ergo, the opportunities to unwind and enjoy outdoor activities are infinite.
Let’s dive into the must-do things when visiting this fairy-tale-like town in Montenegro.
Hiking
Firstly, prepare yourself for a great day of hiking by putting on some sunscreen, loading up on water, and wearing your most comfortable shoes. If you love hiking and being in nature you can find multiple hiking paths in Kotor, varying in difficulty levels.
The most famous among the visitors is the Kotor Fortress hike. It is the path with a staircase that leads up to the previously mentioned San Giovanni Castle. The elevation is constant, and it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to finish.
If you are up for an even bigger challenge than climbing 1350 stairs, just outside the Old Town, there is an entrance to the path called ‘the Ladder of Kotor’. The trail contains around 70 switchbacks and it is the remains of an old military route connecting Kotor and Cetinje. It is not an easy challenge since the total ascent is around 950 m, and it may take up to 6 hours to finish it.
Nautical experience
The best way to experience the Bay of Kotor is by boat. You can take a guided tour or rent a boat to visit picturesque spots like Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island with a fascinating origin story. A boat trip is also a great way to admire Kotor’s dramatic fjord-like landscape from the water.
For a little underwater experience, you can book a semi-submarine tour. Perfect for families, this vessel provides its passengers with underwater views through specially designed glass windows.
Finally, if you prefer staying physically active while enjoying the landscape, you can rent a kayak or a paddleboard for the ultimate experience.
Unwind like a local
There is no truer way to experience Kotor’s charm than to embrace the local way of life. Spend an afternoon sipping coffee at a seaside café, or indulge in fresh seafood and local wine in an Old Town restaurant.
No matter what you decide that your Kotor itinerary will consist of, you are bound to enjoy every moment of it.