Kotor, one of the most impressive cities of Montenegro, is located next to one of the most beautiful gulfs in the world. The city, which is highly developed in terms of tourism, is also a port city. The old city center, surrounded by walls bearing traces of Venetian architecture, has a charming medieval atmosphere.
So what are the places to visit in Kotor? What are the hotel options in Kotor? Where to stay in Kotor, the fascinating city of the Balkans? Here is the Kotor travel guide…
Where Is Kotor?
Kotor, the favorite city of the Balkans, is located in the country of Montenegro. Montenegro also draws attention as a Balkan country. Located on the outskirts of a region surrounded by high mountains, the city of Kotor is also situated in one of the most sheltered corners of the Bay of Kotor.
Transportation In The City
One of the most curious things about the Kotor travel guide is the transportation in the city. We would like to clarify this issue immediately. Since the places to visit in Kotor are within walking distance, let us give you the good news that you will not need a motorized vehicle in this city. However, if you plan to travel from Kotor to other nearby cities, you may need to rent a car.
Where To Go?
San Giovanni Castle
Located in Kotor, the coastal town of Montenegro, San Giovanni Castle, also known as John’s Castle, is one of the impressive historical buildings that you should visit and see if you come to the city. However, we would like to remind you that you may have to climb 1300 steps to reach this castle, which is 20 meters high. It is possible to see traces of the Middle Ages on the walls of the castle. Located on Mount St. John’s, this castle is a great choice for a bird’s eye view of the Old Town. Let us tell you in advance that a magnificent sunset awaits you at the castle.
Square of the Arms
Kotor is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Montenegro. The first place you will set foot in the center of this ancient Balkan city as soon as you enter the city walls is the Square of the Arms. There is the town hall, a hotel that used to serve as a theater, and a clock tower built in the 17th century. There are also many cafes and restaurants in the square. Do not leave Kotor without visiting the famous Square of the Arms.
Clock Tower
The clock tower, which will greet you as soon as you step inside the entrance of the city, is one of the must-see structures in Kotor. Moreover, the same Austrian family has been maintaining the tower for more than 300 years. At the base of the clock tower, a triangular column stands out. The honor was very important in Kotor. For this reason, since the crime was very rare, there was no need to build a prison in the city. Instead of building a prison in the city, when someone committed a crime, they were brought to this pillar and publicly shamed. This tradition continued for a long time during the Middle Ages. Built-in 1602, the tower was still unfinished in 1667 and was damaged by the earthquake in recent years and leaned sideways. Although it was tried to be repaired in time, it returned to its leading position in another earthquake.
St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
Kotor is one of the places where the Croatian population is denser than the country in general. St. Tryphon’s Cathedral is also known as the church of Croatian Catholics. The bones of St. Tripon are exhibited in this church. In the past, it was considered very important for cities to have objects or bones of saints. St. Trifon lived in Anatolia and spent his last days here.
Maritime Museum
Another must-see point in our Kotor travel guide is the Maritime Museum. In the museum known as Kotor Maritime Museum, there are many artifacts about the culture of the region; local costumes, embroidered decorative weapons, furniture… At the entrance, 4 metal reliefs depicting the historical moments of Kotor by a Kotorese artist stand out. Among these reliefs, the one with a turban depicts Barbarossa Hayrettin Pasha.
River Gate
In the past, the Ottomans tried very hard to take Kotor. Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha came to Kotor 17 times for the siege but he was not successful. To celebrate the people’s resistance to the Ottomans, this historic River Gate was built. It is possible to see the historical building, one of the symbols of the town, in the city center.
Church of St. Nicholas
Montenegro has a multicultural identity. Montenegrins, Serbs, Bosniaks, Croats, and Albanians live together in this city. The Church of St. Nicholas belongs to the Orthodox living in the city. There was once an Orthodox church where the Church of St. Nicholas stands today. After the church was destroyed in a fire, St. Nicholas was built in 1902 and the construction of the church was completed in 1909.
When to go?
Kotor is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Montenegro! We complete our Kotor travel guide list with one of the most curious questions about the city. When to go to Kotor? For vacationers who will travel especially in summer, let us remind you that they can visit the city early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid overcrowding. On the other hand, Kotor is a wonderful four-season city to be preferred for summer tourism between May and October and for skiing in winter.
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