The Old Town of Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval urban complexes on the Adriatic coast. It lies within defensive walls approximately 4.5 kilometers long and is part of the protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Below is a list of 10 places that should be on your must-see route when visiting Kotor.
1. St. John Fortress (San Giovanni)
The climb to the fortress (about 1,350 steps) offers the most spectacular panoramic view of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor. The fortification walls were built and expanded between the 9th and 19th centuries.
2. Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
Built in 1166, this cathedral is one of the most important Romanesque monuments on the eastern Adriatic coast. Its treasury preserves valuable sacred artifacts and relics of Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of Kotor.
3. Square of Arms
The main city square and the central gathering place in Kotor. Here you will find the 17th-century Clock Tower and the historic Prince’s Palace.
4. Church of Saint Luke
Built in 1195, this church is unique because it served both Catholic and Orthodox communities for centuries.
5. Maritime Museum of Montenegro
Located in the baroque Grgurina Palace, the museum presents the rich maritime history and naval tradition of the Bay of Kotor.
6. Square of Flour (Pjaca od Brašna)
One of the most beautiful squares in the city, surrounded by elegant palaces of Kotor’s noble families from the period of the Venetian Republic.
7. Church of Saint Nicholas
The largest Orthodox church in the Old Town, built at the beginning of the 20th century.
8. Pima Palace
A remarkable example of Renaissance-Baroque architecture from the 17th century, recognizable for its distinctive balcony and the coat of arms of the Pima noble family.
9. The City Gates
An important part of the defensive system of Kotor’s Old Town are its historic gates. Kotor has three entrances:
- Sea Gate (Main or Western Gate)
- River Gate (Škurda or Northern Gate)
- Gurdić Gate (Southern Gate)
10. The Narrow Streets and the Soul of Kotor
The best way to experience Kotor is simply to wander through its narrow streets, passages, and hidden squares. Every corner reveals details of medieval architecture and the atmosphere of a city with a continuous history of more than two thousand years.
