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The Charming Town of Kotor, Montenegro

Kotor, Montenegro was an almost accidental destination for me.  The anchor destination for the trip was Italy but my wanderlust wanted me to go further to new places (even though Pompeii was new to me).  So I added Croatia by visiting the gem of the AdriaticDubrovnik.  But then I found out about day trips to Mostar (in Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Montenegro.  It didn’t take much for me to say “sold!”  Kotor was a very picturesque and “alive” town with its cafés and old architecture.

Café scene in old town Kotor, Montenegro Canon EOS Rebel
Part of the café scene

Kotor sits between the bay of the same and the mountain of St. John which was fortified as early as the 6th century.  This town has passed from empire to empire from Roman times, Byzantine times, Republic of Venice’s time, Hapsburg times, Bulgarian times, Ottoman times and Yugoslav times among others (even if not all those officially had the name “empire”…).  You get the picture of the changes this places must have gone through over two millenia!

Sea Gate in Kotor, Montenegro part of the fortifications city wall Canon EOS Rebel
The Sea Gate which dates from the 16th century
Madonna with Child in the Sea Gate of Kotor Montenegro carving Canon EOS Rebel architecture detail
Madonna with Child in the Sea Gate
fortification wall tower Kotor Montenegro St. John history Canon EOS Rebel
Fortifications consist of large walls interspersed with towers along the water and up the mountain

Its architecture, heavily influenced by the Venetian style, contributed to it being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site which seconds my recommendation that this is a place that ought to be checked out – the trip to reach it is both, worth effort AND beautiful as Kotor Bay is a unique setting – in and of itself worth seeing in person.

Architecture in Kotor, Montenegro Canon EOS Rebel balcony

Architecture in Kotor, Montenegro tower Canon EOS Rebel

Architecture in Kotor, Montenegro street Canon EOS Rebel

Architecture in Kotor, Montenegro Canon EOS Rebel

Churches in Kotor

Kotor has quite a few churches from different times – 11 if I counted correctly on the tourist map for this town of around 13,000 inhabitants.

St. Tryphon's Cathedral in Kotor, Montenegro - crucifix, museum Canon EOS Rebel
Crucifix in the small gallery on the second level of St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
St. Tryphon's Cathedral - alter and crucifix in Kotor, Montenegro Canon EOS Rebel
Altar and crucifix in St. Tryphon’s Cathedral
St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in front of St. Lucas in Kotor, Montenegro Canon EOS Rebel
St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church (facing St. Lucas Church) in Kotor, Montenegro
Church of St. Lucas in Kotor, Montenegro Romanesque architecture photo Canon EOS Rebel
12th century Church of St. Lucas – Romanesque style

Getting lost in Kotor -and is true in many places – is a neat way to see this town and, trust me, you won’t be lost for too long as you are bound by the mountain, the moat or the Sea Gate!

Comments

12 responses to “The Charming Town of Kotor, Montenegro”

  1. Erin at The World Wanderer Avatar

    What a beautiful place! My family is from Croatia, so I’ve been, but only in the North. I would love to make it further down, and also visit the surrounding countries as well. You’ve definitely brought Kotor, Montenegro to my radar. It’s really beautiful!

    1. Raul Avatar

      I didn’t know your family was from Croatia! You will need to give me tips on where to see, especially away from the coast – off-the-beaten path!

  2. Pola (@jettingaround) Avatar

    You had me at “cafes and architecture,” Raul! Your post reminds me that another trip to Croatia is overdue for me. It’s been over 10 years and I only got to see Zagreb. I’d love to explore some of the smaller towns, and this one looks beautiful.

    1. Raul Avatar

      I need to explore other parts of Croatia and more about its neighbors! A Montenegro return is a must for me!

  3. Anita Mac Avatar

    Very cool…everyone told me that I had to go to Montenegro on my Croatia trip last summer, but I just didn’t have the time! Would love to go back – that entire region fascinates me so much after a 2 week intro!

    1. Raul Avatar

      Isn’t that the challenge, Anita? Never enough time!!! I only could spare a day but that’s all it took for me to find Montenegro a place I would like to return.

  4. Traveling Ted Avatar

    Very lovely and looks quite off the beaten path. Reminds me a bit of Toledo, Spain.

    1. Raul Avatar

      It is a lovely town indeed. I love Toledo and a dish called carcamuza that my friends introduced me to!

  5. the lazy travelers Avatar

    i love love loved kotor. we also went to budva for two days, and montenegro was one of my favorite stops on our trip. kotor was much less touristy than budva, though both were filling up with cruise shippers around mid-day. were you able to hike up to the castle?

    1. Raul Avatar

      Yes, Budva felt more touristy. Also more modern and big. While it may be fun to spend a day and night there exploring, Kotor is where the charm really is!

  6. Lola Avatar

    so charming. i need to hit up some new places in the world. 😉

    1. Raul Avatar

      Yes, you do! Paris and Prague are superb but these little jewels are so awesome to discover.

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