The Old Town of Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval complexes on the Adriatic — surrounded by walls that climb the mountain and fortresses that have protected the entrance to the Bay of Kotor for centuries.
The old town of Kotor is one of the most famous and most visited places on the Montenegrin coast. It is located between the mountains and the Bay of Kotor and represents a preserved medieval ensemble that still retains its original appearance. Through its narrow streets and squares, you can see what the city looked like in the past, and the walls and fortresses that surround it show how important and protected Kotor has been throughout history. That is why the Old Town and the fortresses together form one whole that attracts many visitors. A walk through the Old Town and a tour of the fortresses allow you to get to know the history of Kotor and the way the city has been developed and preserved through the centuries.
The Old Town of Kotor – A Walk Through the Past The old town of Kotor is like a stone labyrinth in which there are narrow streets, small squares and old stone houses. Each part of the city has its own story and shows how people lived here through different periods of history. The city has preserved its old appearance, so visitors can see what life was like in the Middle Ages. A walk through the Old Town leaves a lasting impression.
City walls – the road above the city The city walls of Kotor climb the mountain above the Old Town and are an important part of its history. It used to be used to defend the city, and today it is one of the most famous attractions of Kotor. When you go along the walls, you have a view of the entire city, the sea and the mountains. This view is one of the reasons why many visitors come to Kotor.
St. John's Fortress The St. Ivan Fortress is located above the Old Town of Kotor and is one of the most famous fortresses in the entire city. A steep path with many stairs leads to it, which starts in the Old Town and climbs up the hill above Kotor. Throughout history, this fortress played an important role in the defense of the city because it was possible to monitor the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and control the movement towards Kotor, which is why it was strategically very important. Today, the fortress is one of the most visited places in Kotor. Although the climb is demanding, many visitors choose to visit it because of the view from the top. From the fortress you can see the entire Old Town, the sea and the mountains that surround the bay, which leaves a strong impression. The remains of walls, old passages and fortifications still testify to the time when Kotor was a well-fortified and protected city. That is why the fortress of St. John is one of the most important symbols of Kotor.
Other Fortresses of Kotor In addition to the fortress of St. John, Kotor has other fortresses that were part of the city's defense system. The Vrmac Fortress is located on a hill between Kotor and Tivat and was used to control the entrance to the bay. Fortress Trojica protected the old road to the interior and was part of the wider defense of the city. Today, these fortresses are partially abandoned, but they still show how important and well-guarded Kotor used to be.