Kotor: Where History Beckons and Legends Thrive

Kotor has nestled itself between the gray mountains and the sea, hiding its life behind high and wide ramparts. Its bulwarks appear as if they are eternal rock tendrils growing along the hillside, leading up to the old fortress that overlooks the town

A dramatic town of contrasts, Kotor is where the present intertwines with medieval churches, cathedrals, Venetian palaces, and pillars. Old squares blend seamlessly with modern cafes, serenades mix with live music, and cobblestone alleys echo with the sound of footsteps and the lazy purr of cats lounging under balconies adorned with petunias. In the evening, the walls of Kotor are illuminated like torches from a pagan ritual, especially during carnivals when the streets come alive with crowds and fireworks, transforming the town into a dazzling spectacle.

Kotor was ruled by Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Austro-Hungarians, and Venetians. These conquerors have left behind a wealth of architectural treasures, from Renaissance palaces to Baroque towers. One of its most monumental legacies is the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, which predates the discovery of America by over three centuries. Kotor’s abundance of cultural and artistic monuments has earned it a place on UNESCO’s list of protected cultural heritage sites.

Kotor’s fortifications, which date from the 9th to the 19th century, climb up St. John’s Hill. There are 1350 steps to the St John’s Fortress at the top for those craving for magnificent views over the town and the bay. There are three gates at the Old Town that lead to the nearby towns scattered around the Bay of Kotor.

Above the town, there is the Fairy Gate, an arching rock where legend says only the fairy’s favorites, direct descendants of the old sailors and founders of the town, can see her waiting for the golden ship to set sail into the distant world. Many myths and legends surround Kotor and its surroundings. Visit Kotor and experience all of them yourself!