UNESCO Pearl on the Shore of the Bay of Kotor
Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval towns on the Adriatic, its stone walls stretching 4.5 km along the mountainside and enclosing the city in an impenetrable ring. Within the walls lie baroque palaces, Romanesque churches, cobblestone alleyways, and lively squares that bear witness to a rich maritime past. The town holds dual UNESCO protection — as part of the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, and as part of the Venetian Works of Defence. The fortress of San Giovanni, the 12th-century Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, and the Maritime Museum are just some of the attractions awaiting visitors. Kotor is also a starting point for boat excursions through the Bay, visits to Perast, and the famous islands on the bay.
Location
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Population
approx. 13,347
UNESCO Protection
Dual UNESCO Heritage
Length of Walls
4.5 km
History
Over 2,000 years
Nearest Airport
Tivat (TIV) — 5 km
Highlights
Kotor's fortification walls are 4.5 km long and up to 20 metres high, winding along the mountain cliffs up to the fortress of San Giovanni at an elevation of 280 metres. The ascent of 1,350 steps passes through historic gates and past the Church of St. John, and from the top offers one of the finest views of the Bay of Kotor and the rooftops of the Old Town. The fortifications date back to the Illyrian period and were expanded during the Byzantine and Venetian eras. Entry to the walls costs around €8–10, and is charged between 08:00 and 20:00 during the season.
The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is the most important symbol of Kotor and one of the most significant Romanesque churches on the Adriatic. It was consecrated in 1166 and is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Tryphon, whose relics are kept in a silver reliquary inside the cathedral. Over the centuries it has been restored after several earthquakes, but has retained its monumental Romanesque towers and richly decorated interior. The cathedral is located on the central square of the Old Town and is open to visitors for a nominal entrance fee of around €3–5.
The Square of Arms is the largest and most vibrant square within the walls of Kotor, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and the most important historic sites. On the square stand the Sea Gate — the main city gate bearing an inscription from 1944 — the 18th-century Clock Tower, and the Prince's Palace. In the morning it is a peaceful spot for coffee, and in the afternoon it becomes the heart of city life. All walks through the labyrinth of Kotor's alleyways begin here.
Housed in the Grgurina Palace on the Square of the Boka Navy, the Maritime Museum of Montenegro holds a rich collection tracing the maritime history of the Bay from the 9th century to the Second World War. The exhibition includes navigational instruments, nautical charts, uniforms, and ship models that bear witness to the great seafaring tradition of the Bay of Kotor. The museum is a quick and engaging introduction to the story of the bay and is recommended as the first stop on a tour of the Old Town. It is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 during the summer season, with an entrance fee of around €4.
About twenty minutes by road or boat from Kotor lies Perast, an elegant baroque town with grand palaces and a tranquil waterfront. Before it rise two islands rich in legend and cultural significance: Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island created over centuries by the throwing of stones and the sinking of ships, and St. George, a natural island with a Benedictine monastery. A boat visit to the islands from Perast takes about an hour and reveals stories carved in stone and sea. Perast is also a peaceful alternative to Kotor for those escaping the cruise ship crowds.
What to do
The ascent of 1,350 steps to San Giovanni takes about 45–60 minutes and rewards you with a view of the entire bay.
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Group and private boat tours lead to Perast, the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, and the Blue Cave on Luštica.
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Try fresh Adriatic shellfish buzara-style and local njeguški pršut at restaurants within the walls.
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Exploring the labyrinth of alleyways, hidden courtyards, and Kotor's cats is best enjoyed in the early morning hours.
tap to closeSlunce a moře
Dobrota je přímořská osada severně od Kotoru, známá klidným pobřežím, starými kostely a výhledy na Bokokotorský záliv.
Prčanj je klidné přímořské sídlo u Boky Kotorské s písčito-oblázkovitou pláží a bohatou historickou architekturou.
Orahovac je malá přímořská obec u Kotoru s tichými plážemi na břehu Boky Kotorské.
Malá oblázková pláž v zátoce Dražin Vrt, pojmenovaná po věži černohorského hrdiny Baje Pivljanina ze 17. století.
Klidná oblázková pláž v Morinji, 24 km od Kotoru, s chladným čistým mořem a výhledem na horu Orjen.
Co se děje
Nejdůležitější festival klasické hudby v Černé Hoře — měsíc hudby na katedrálním náměstí Kotoru, v kostelích a palácích.
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Při západu slunce 22. července nesou perastské lodě kameny k Naší Paní od Skal — tradice nepřerušená více než 570 let.
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Maskované průvody, koncerty a plesy ovládnou staré město Kotoru první srpnový víkend.
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Osvětlené lodě plují zálivem před Starým Městem Kotoru, s koncerty a ohňostroji — zdarma, v pozdním srpnu.
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A free chestnut-harvest feast with local wine and a forest hike in bayside Stoliv each November.
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The Adriatic's oldest feast: 1,200+ years of the Boka Navy kolo and processions before Kotor's cathedral.
DetailFood & Drink
A branch of the Walter grill chain, on the Kamelija shopping centre square just outside Kotor's Old Town. The menu is built around Balkan grill staples — ćevapi, pljeskavica and other grilled meats — served fast and in generous portions. A practical stop for a filling, inexpensive meal rather than a leisurely dinner, and useful if you are arriving with children or on the way to the coast.
Trg Mata Petrovića, Kamelija Shopping Center, 85330 Kotor+382 67 174 472walterbbq.me
„Partner“ označuje placené umístění. Údaje ověřujeme u oficiálního zdroje.
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Did You Know?
Cats have lived in Kotor's harbour for centuries, guarding ships and warehouses from rats. Today they roam freely, are well fed, and are protected by locals — and there is even a Cat Museum in the Old Town. Kotor is known as the city of cats
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Phone
+382 32 325 950Website
kotor.travelOld Town: access 24h. Fortress San Đovani and city walls: ticket sales 08:00–20:00 (summer, May–October); less formal outside of season. Cathedral of St. Tripun: 09:00–18:00 (April–October), 09:00–17:00 (November–March). Maritime Museum: 09:00–17:00 (summer), 09:00–15:00 on working days (winter).
Fortress San Đovani and city walls: around 8–10 EUR per person (2025). Cathedral of St. Tripun: around 3–5 EUR. Maritime Museum: around 4 EUR. Entry to the Old Town is free.
Paid parking is available by the port (Kotorska luka parking), immediately next to the Old Town. It is recommended to arrive early in the morning to find a spot, especially in summer.
The Old Town has cobblestone streets and staircases that can be a challenge for wheelchairs and passengers with reduced mobility. Fortress San Đovani is not accessible to persons with mobility difficulties. The flatter parts of the Old Town and the main squares are partially accessible.
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