Kotor, the awe-inspiring medieval city, is located along one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays. It is a city of traders and well-known sailors. It is situated on the south east part of the Adriatic Coast and it is surrounded by limestone cliffs and mountains on its northwest and southeast sides, effectively creating a unique fjord in the Middle of the Adriatic.
Together with its surrounding areas it forms a picturesque Mediterranean landscape. The Republic of Venice had built an impressive city wall surrounding the old Mediterranean port city.
The Old Town has well preserved monuments and medieval architecture, with Venetian influence, which has made UNESCO to list it as a “World Natural and Historical Site.”
Perast, the old Venetian town near Kotor
The city is a typical Mediterranean town full of narrow and criss-cross streets, squares, small shops, romantic bars and restaurants, antique monuments, churches and picturesque buildings.
The summers are warm and dry, and winters are mild and humid.
The amazing fjord, in the middle of the Adriatic Sea!
The Gulf, Boka Kotorska, is one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea and is called the southernmost fjord in Europe, but it is actually a submerged river canyon.
A Little Bit Of History
The city has a rich history, with many conquerors arriving and disappearing due to its favorable location at the heart of a fascinating fjord.
The first rulers were the Illyrians in the 3rd and 2nd century B.C. Then came the Roman rule and the city was under the Romans until 476 A.D.
Byzantines ruled until 1185 and they named the city Dekaderon. It became a part of the Medieval Serbian state and was under the Nemanjic dynasty from 1185-1371, who developed it as a seaport to maintain connections with the west, and gave the city its present name.
Medieval fortress above the Old Town
The city experienced economical and cultural boom during this period. The Hungarians, the Venetian Republic, Austrians, French, and Russians were the next successive rulers of this port city.
Petar I Petrovic, the ruler of Montenegro, helped the people of Kotor fight against the French Monarchy.
However, after the Paris Peace Congress the city was given to Austria and it was under Austrian rule for a hundred years.
During this reign there were numerous rebellions and uprisings of the local people. After World War II, Montenegro became a part of ex-Yugoslavia, and in 2006 it has become an independent state.
The city gets an additional charm with the celebration of carnivals and festivals each year. Thousands of tourists visit the Summer Carnival or Bokeljska Noc, which is celebrated with great pomp and show in the city.
The Old Town is filled with taverns, cafes, nightclubs and pubs, attracting tourists to the vibrant and easy-going nightlife.
Where is Kotor?
- 14.2 miles/ 23 km from Budva, Montenegro
- 8.6 miles/ 14 km from Perast, Montenegro
- 33.5 miles/ 54 km from Cetinje, Montenegro
- 26 miles/ 42 km from Herceg Novi, Montenegro
- 229.2 miles/ 369 km from Split, Croatia
- 4.9 miles/ 8 km from Tivat Airport, Montenegro
- 56.3 miles/ 90.7 km from Podgorica Airport, Montenegro
- 43.9 miles/ 70.8 km from Dubrovnik Airport, Croatia
Things to See
- Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
- St Nicholas Church
- Maritime Museum
- Fortress Sveti Ivan
- Church of St Luke
Beaches
- Morinj Beach
- Risan Beach
- Bajova Kula Beach
- Orahovac Beach
Excursions
- Old Town
- Perast
- Risan
This amazing port city has a steady flow of tourists coming by cruise ships and they are highly inspired by the natural beauty and historical charm of Kotor.
It is one among the best preserved and beautiful medieval fortified towns in the Mediterranean, which is steeped in history and tradition.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!