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ABOUT KOTOR
Kotor has dropped an anchor between the gray mountains and the sea, and veiled its life behind the high and wide ramparts. Its bulwarks seem to have been eternally growing rock tendrils along the hill, up to the old fortress that overlooks the town.
It is a dramatic town where the present lives in the maze of medieval churches, cathedrals, Venetian palaces and pillars. Kotor is made up of contrasts – the old squares with modern cafes, the sounds of serenade and live music, the echo of the footsteps down the narrow cobblestone alleys and the lazy purr of cats lying under the balconies with wrought iron railings, decorated with petunias.
HISTORY AND PLACES TO SEE
Kotor is more than two thousand years old, and its name stems from the word Dekatera (from the old Greece katareo – meaning HOT). The written sources mention the “Upper town”, which referred to the oldest part of the lodgment on the top of the hill Sveti Ivan (St. Ivan) which is located above Kotor, and the “Lower town”, present old town Kotor.
The rich history of Kotor, is parallel to the rich culture of the town with which many conquerors ruled: the Illyrians, the Venetians, the Austrians, the French…
First the town was ruled by the Illyrians (III and II century B.C.). On the other hand the Romans are considered to be the founders of Kotor 168 B.C. – 476 A.D. Kotor was under their reign until the break of Roman Empire in 476 A.D under the name Akruvijum. After the Romans, until the year 1185 Kotor was under the reign of Byzantium. Under the Byzantium reign Kotor was named Dekaderon.
Places to see
Highlights of Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor's top attractions are all in the pedestrian old town, so you can easily get around on foot. Depending on how much time you have, you can also visit more attractions nearby on a tour.
While Kotor is very beautiful, a lot of Kotor's attractions are only really interesting if you know the stories behind them. That's why I recommend taking a tour or getting a copy of my guide to Kotor to take with you. These stories of the events and people of Kotor will make your visit so much more interesting.
Here are the highlights of Kotor Montenegro:
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Sea Gate
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River Gate
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Gurdić Gate
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Kampana Tower and citadel
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St Tryphon's Cathedral
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St Nicholas' Church
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St Luke's Church
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Saint Mary's Church
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Pima Palace
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Grgurina Palace / Maritime Museum
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Karampana Fountain
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Farmers Market
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San Giovanni Fortress
