- Walls, towers, fortresses
- Religious buildings of Kotor
- Cute surroundings
- Museum expositions
- Note to shopaholics
- Delicious points on the map
It is no coincidence that the historical center of Montenegrin Kotor came under the auspices of UNESCO - the city has mixed many cultures and traditions, and its architectural appearance has been formed over the centuries.
The history of Kotor began in the 3rd century BC, when the Romans came to the coast of Boka Kotorska. Then it was built by the Byzantines, expelled at an enviable frequency by the Goths, then by the Arab pirates, then by the representatives of the First Bulgarian Kingdom. The rich historical past has not disappeared without a trace. The answer to the question of where to go in Kotor, you can easily find in local travel agencies that organize interesting sightseeing tours to the sights of the resort and the surrounding area.
Walls, towers, fortresses
Already in the IX century. They began to surround Kotor with fortress walls, which today limit the historical part. It is the territory of the old city that is protected by UNESCO as part of the World Cultural Heritage. The height of the Kotor walls in some places reaches two dozen meters, and the thickness is 10-15 m. The perimeter of the stone giants exceeds four kilometers. You could get into the city through several gates. Those that have survived to this day appeared in the 16th century. The main gate is called the Sea Gate. To the right of them, on the wall, there is a sculptural composition in the form of a bas-relief dating from the 15th century. The river gate is open on the northern part of the wall. They symbolize the victory of the Kotor over the Turkish admiral Barbarossa. An old bridge near the South Gate attracts attention.
There is a hill overlooking Kotor, where you should go not only for the sake of panoramic photos. On the hill you will find the ruins of a fortress built in the 6th century. Justinian I on the foundation of ancient Roman fortifications. The fortress is named after St. John. It was stormed and besieged by enemy troops more than once. The fort was owned by Napoleon and the Habsburgs, at the beginning of the 19th century. it was attacked by the British army. Almost fifteen hundred steps lead to the hill with the fortress of St. John, so it is better to climb in the early morning.
Much younger is another attraction, which is often called the symbol of the city along with red tile roofs. The clock tower at the entrance to the historical part of Kotor appeared at the beginning of the 17th century. The tower is adorned with a coat of arms, placed above the entrance portal and containing the initials of Antonio Grimaldi. The Venetian Republic entrusted him with the honor of ruling Kotor as governor. Looking at the tower, you will certainly notice the slightly concave edges of the stone blocks: during the Renaissance, this special masonry was very popular among architects.
Religious buildings of Kotor
Christian churches of the Montenegrin resort are of special value for believers not only because of the relics stored in them, but also because they have withstood several devastating earthquakes. Some churches appeared in Kotor in the Middle Ages, others were built later and their history is often associated with legends and miraculous events.
One of the oldest churches in Kotor bears the name of Mary on the River and keeps the relics of Blessed Hosanna within its walls. The Saint of Kotor is considered the patroness of the city. She saved its inhabitants from epidemics, natural disasters, and even organized the Kotor people to protect them from the troops of Barbarossa. The temple was built in the first third of the 13th century.
Slightly older is the Church of St. Luke, which appeared on the Montenegrin land in 1195. The old church was and remains Catholic, but since the 17th century. there is also a Christian side-chapel in it.
A church, famous for its library, was consecrated in honor of Saint Clara. It contains hundreds of ancient books, including handwritten ones. The oldest exhibit is dated to the 10th century, and the first printed copies were published in the 15th century.from the printing house of Andriy Paltashich, a South Slavic book printer and educator. The temple was built in the 18th century.
Going on an excursion to the Church of St. Michael and looking at the coats of arms of noble families who have lived in Kotor for many centuries is another great way to diversify your beach vacation. The temple is also worthy of attention for its architectural features. It was built in the XIV century. in full accordance with the traditions of the late Middle Ages.
Only a miracle can explain the history of the appearance in Kotor of the Church of the Mother of God on the Rock. In the middle of the 15th century. the sea threw the icon of the Virgin on the reefs near the coast, and the sailors who found the image were miraculously healed of the disease. They began to collect stones, and soon a small island appeared in the place of the found treasure. For two hundred years, residents continued to fill it, until in the middle of the 17th century. the island did not reach sufficient size for the construction of the temple. The small church became a symbol of hope for the sailors, and the rich families of Kotor, one way or another connected with the sea, luxuriously decorated the temple. Its walls are covered with gold and silver plates.
Kotor Cathedral belongs to Catholics. It was founded in the XII century, and during the construction they adhered to the original Romanesque style. Numerous reconstructions have brought many new features to the cathedral's appearance, and connoisseurs of architectural trends will easily guess in its appearance both Baroque elements and Gothic notes. The relics of St. Tryphon, called the patron saint of Kotor, rest in the chapel at the temple.
Cute surroundings
Kotor is not the only resort nestled on the banks of the Boka Kotorska. The sea bay of amazing beauty, Boka Kotorska is often called the pearl of the Adriatic coast and walks along it are invariably included in the list of excursions offered by local travel agencies. On the shores of the bay there is also the town of Risan, famous for its antique ruins.
Risan shone on the Adriatic coast during the Roman Empire. Noble nobles lived here, who preferred to build residences on the seashore. Wall paintings and mosaic floors of one of the Roman mansions have survived to this day, allowing you to imagine the luxury in which the wealthy citizens of the empire lived.
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Museum expositions
Historically, Kotor was a city of sailors and almost every family is connected with the sea in one way or another. It is not surprising that the Montenegrin Maritime Museum opened in Kotor. The exposition is located in the Gregurin mansion, which belonged to the rich Kotor dynasty and was built in the first third of the 18th century. For the first time the museum opened its doors in 1880. The Maritime Brotherhood "Bokelska Mornarica" provided the townspeople with the opportunity to get acquainted with the collection of rarities collected in the name of preserving maritime traditions. The museum presents the history of the development of Montenegrin navigation and everything connected with it. In the halls of Gregurin's mansion, you will see portraits of famous captains; coats of arms of surnames associated with the sea; models of ships on which the ancestors of today's seafarers sailed the seas; old maps and navigational instruments; weapons that have become trophies of military Montenegrin sailors.
The Cat Museum also appeared in Kotor for a reason: Montenegrins have a special love for tailed fluffy pets. The resort even considers the cat to be its symbol. In a small mansion in the old town, you will meet numerous artistic testimonies of the love of the inhabitants of Kotor for cats - postcards and paintings, reproductions and stamps with images of pets. The museum sells themed souvenirs and postcards.
Note to shopaholics
Where else to go for souvenirs and gifts for friends and family? In the area of the historic center of Kotor, there are dozens of shops selling works of local artisans, delicacies, clothing and genuine leather goods. Cheese and honey made in monastic apiaries, wine and dried ham, prosciutto, clothes made of natural fabrics, belts and bags are traditionally brought from Montenegro. As souvenirs, the most popular among tourists are women's “chemere” belts made of silver with semi-precious stones, national hats with gold embroidery, handicrafts from sea shells and olive oil.
Sales at the resort start, as elsewhere in Europe, in the middle of summer and before Christmas, and therefore July and August is the best time to combine beach holidays and shopping in Kotor.
The largest shopping center in the resort is called Kamelija. In addition to boutiques and shops selling clothes, shoes, souvenirs, jewelry and children's toys, you will find a good food court with many cafes and an entertainment area with attractions and a corner for kids.
What to bring from Montenegro
Delicious points on the map
Everyone, without exception, likes Montenegrin cuisine. The local housewives cook from products grown on small farms, and therefore the food turns out to be hearty, tasty and healthy. In the restaurants of Kotor you will find meat, fish and vegetable dishes.
Top 11 Montenegrin dishes
Small establishments in the old town are very popular with tourists:
- Portobello is very often on the list of the most popular cafes in Kotor. Choose a table outside to enjoy desserts and coffee while watching the life of the townspeople.
- Galion is more suitable for wealthy tourists. Its cuisine is capable of competing with Michelin-starred establishments, and the level of service is quite worthy to invite at least a movie star to a restaurant.
- The favorable location and magnificent views of Boka Kotorska from the windows and from the terrace of Bokeski Gusti attract a huge number of visitors here. Book a table in advance and come on time: the mouth-watering fish plate is the largest and most delicious in Kotor, and there are plenty of people willing to take your place.
- The Old Winery in the heart of the old town will delight gourmets with the best Mediterranean cuisine and an excellent selection of wines.
Local wines generally favorably set off Montenegrin dishes, especially if you have chosen cheeses or appetizers with prosciutto from the menu.
