Kotor is a town located at the south end of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, known for its walled structure, seaport, resort and rich history. The town is situated on the Adriatic coastline and is surrounded by the cliffs of Orjen and Lovcen mountains, creating a picturesque view. Kotor, the oldest town in Montenegro, was founded by the ancient Romans and ruled by various powers, including the Venetians, Hungarians, French and Austrians. In 2006, Kotor was incorporated into the newly established Montenegro after being part of Yugoslavia for many decades. Despite being seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1979, much of the town has been restored.
Double UNESCO Heritage Site
The old town of Kotor holds a dual UNESCO Heritage Site status, recognised as part of both the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor and the Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th centuries. The latter designation includes six defensive components in Italy, Croatia and Montenegro, spanning over 1,000 kilometres along the Adriatic Coast. The fortifications of Kotor in Montenegro are part of this UNESCO site.
Intrigued? Check out my practical guide to visiting Kotor!
City walls
Many of the medieval fortifications in Kotor are still intact, with the city walls spanning approximately 4.5 kilometres, varying in thickness from 2 to 15 metres and reaching about 20 metres in height. The city walls were constructed sometime between the 9th and 18th centuries. Visitors have the opportunity to walk along most sections of the city walls and admire the views of the old town from above.
The city walls of Kotor are equipped with three gates.
Sea Gate
The Sea Gate in the old town of Kotor, rebuilt in Renaissance style in 1555, is a significant entrance representing the town's history. Originally adorned with the Venetian winged lion, it now features a quote from former Yugoslav president Tito: ''What belongs to others we don’t want, what is ours we will never surrender."
Inside the gate, visitors can admire a 15th-century relief depicting the Virgin Mary with Christ, St Tryphon and St Bernard.
River Gate
The River Gate, also called the North Gate, constructed in the 16th century as a tribute to the unsuccessful Ottoman assault in 1539, stands on the northern outskirts of the town overlooking the River Skurda.
Surrounding the gate are historic stone walls and a quaint bridge that spans the river, making it an ideal spot to capture images of the fortifications of Kotor.
Gurdic Gate
The Gurdic Gate, also known as the South Gate, is unique in that it consists of three passages constructed during different periods. It was once connected to the mainland by a drawbridge that could be lowered over the River Gurdic.
One can fully enjoy the attractions of Kotor by exploring the old town without a map and wandering through its maze-like streets. Your journey will likely begin by passing through the Sea Gate and arriving at the main square, Trg od Oruzja.
Main square
The main square, also known as the Square of Arms, was historically used for storing arms and artillery for Kotor's defence, hence the name. 
This picturesque square is bustling with cafes, gelato stands, historic structures, a 17th-century clock tower (tilted due to an earthquake in the 1600s) and a medieval pillory used for public shaming and punishment.
Old town
The historic district of Kotor is widely recognised as the most prominent area in the city, where the rich history, culture and traditions of Kotor are carefully maintained. This area boasts numerous well-preserved monuments of medieval architecture, including churches, cathedrals, palaces and museums.
The charming atmosphere is further enhanced by the maze of narrow streets, squares and markets. The old town of Kotor is widely regarded as the most well-preserved medieval urban area in the Mediterranean region.
Cats of Kotor
In Kotor, one of the first things you may notice is the cats that roam the streets. As you navigate through the historic old town filled with museums, shops, bars and restaurants, you may come across bowls of biscuits left out on street corners for the well-fed felines. These cats have been a part of Kotor for centuries, helping to protect the town from pests like rats and mice. Over time, the cats have become a symbol of good luck, prosperity and resilience.
The first cat-themed souvenir shop opened in 2012, and since then, many more shops dedicated to cats have emerged, along with a cat museum that supports the feline population with its profits.
Churches of Kotor
St Tryphon Cathedral
Kotor is home to numerous historic churches, the most prominent being St Tryphon Cathedral, built in 1166 in honour of the town's protector, St Tryphon. The cathedral features a collection of frescoes and a treasury of jewels.
St Nicholas’ Church
The Orthodox Church of St Nicholas was constructed between 1902 and 1909, replacing an abandoned Dominican monastery from the late 18th century.
St Luke’s Church
Located next to St Tryphon Cathedral and St Nicholas’ Church, St Luke’s (Sveti Luka) may appear modest in comparison, but it holds significant importance in Kotor. Constructed in 1195, the church features original frescoes dating back to its inception. Initially a Catholic church, St Luke’s converted to Orthodox in 1657.
Remarkably, it remained intact during the devastating 1979 earthquake that ravaged buildings along Montenegro’s south coast, from Dubrovnik to Bar.
St Claire Church
St Claire Church, constructed in the 17th century, showcases a stunning marble altar dating back to the 18th century, a remarkable artwork by Francesco Cabianca. 
Next to the church is St Claire's Convent. The church is now separated from the convent and Franciscan monastery, which includes a well-equipped library containing thousands of books, including 100 incunabula.
Karampana Well
In the past, Kotor received its fresh water supply from the River Skurda and the Gurdic Spring. Wealthy families had their own wells, while the Karampana Well was the main public water source until 1917 when the Austrians installed modern plumbing. Besides providing water, the well also served as a social gathering place where locals, particularly women, would meet and chat.
Market
The Kotor Market, located just across the waterfront and harbour in the old town, has historically been a place for exchanging and trading various goods. Today, the market primarily sells fruits, vegetables and fish, as well as costume jewellery and other miscellaneous items.
Take a cable car to Lovcen
The Kotor Cable Car began operations in July 2023, offering an 11-minute scenic ride above the Bay of Kotor and up Mount Lovcen to a height of 1,348 metres. The Lower Dub Station is about 4 kilometres from the old town of Kotor, while the Upper Kuk Station is 18 kilometres from Cetinje, Montenegro's historic Old Royal Capital. 
The cooler climate at the top provides a pleasant escape from the coastal heat, with a restaurant at the upper station serving gourmet dishes on a spacious terrace with a panoramic view of the bay. 
From the upper station, visitors can explore Lovcen National Park, with hiking trails, excellent viewpoints for taking pictures and cycling routes available for adventure seekers. 
The Njegos Mausoleum and Lovcen National Park, two major Montenegrin attractions, are a 10-minute drive from the upper station and can be reached by transfer or taxi.
Practical tips for a cable car ride
If your schedule is flexible, try to visit Mount Lovcen on a clear day when the view is not obstructed by clouds. It is recommended to check the weather forecast and cloud coverage on the mountain before heading there. Remember that the weather conditions in Kotor may differ from those at the mountain's summit. 
To reach the Lower Dub Station from Kotor, you will need to take a taxi. The word is that a bus service may be available in a few months, so you can inquire about it at the bus station during your visit. Be aware that the tunnel between Kotor and Dub can experience heavy traffic, so it is advisable to allow extra time for your journey.
Take a boat trip to Perast
Perast town, a small and elegant coastal town located at the foot of St Elijah Hill, is easily accessible by boat from Kotor, which is just 12 kilometres away. Situated opposite Verige, where the innermost bays of Risan and Kotor converge, Perast is known for its maritime trade history and Baroque architecture. 
The town's wealth was built through maritime trade, and it is home to numerous lavish palaces and houses. There are two islands off the coast of Perast, the island of St George and Our Lady of the Rocks, with the latter housing a church. 
A short boat ride will take you to this man-made island, where you can explore the church.
Where to eat in Kotor
I recommend two quite different places that I tried myself.
Pepe Nero
Experience the delights of Mediterranean cuisine in a sophisticated setting at Pepe Nero, located in Milk Square, right in the heart of the old town of Kotor. Treat yourself to a variety of local and international dishes while selecting from a wide range of prestigious local and foreign wines from their cellar. Enhance your dining experience by enjoying some cocktails from their extensive cocktail menu.
Pier65 Gastrobar
Pier65 Gastrobar in the old town features a variety of dishes from Turkish cuisine and serves a range of meals throughout the day. The restaurant offers a selection of authentic Turkish flavours through its unique recipes.
Where to stay
Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro is situated in the main square of the old town and features uniquely decorated rooms. The hotel is part of the Cattaro Complex, which includes Restaurant Citadel, Maximus nightclub and Pub AS. Several historic monuments of Kotor are incorporated into the hotel complex, such as the Town Guard Tower, Rector's Palace and the Old Town Hall - Napoleon Theatre. These buildings were renovated and transformed into the hotel in 2006, with an interior design inspired by the early 18th century. 
The hotel is adorned with pictures of famous ships and naval battles and portraits of captains and admirals. 
Surrounding the hotel are various shops, beach bars, cafés, restaurants and lounges.
Practical information
Kotor is a popular destination that is worth visiting. The best time to visit Kotor is the shoulder season, like, May and September, when you will get the perfect mix of nice weather, fewer people and good deals on hotels around the Bay of Kotor. Kotor attracts many visitors, particularly those arriving on cruise ships, which can make the old town quite crowded.
People travelling by bus to Kotor from other Montenegrin cities like Herceg Novi, Budva, Cetinje, Podgorica, and Tivat usually disembark at the Kotor bus station, which is a short walk away from the old town.
Traffic jams are the main challenge in getting to Kotor by land, so be prepared and allocate additional time.
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Author: Anita Sane
About the author
Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Bloglovin.
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