Montenegro, a republic located in the western Balkans facing the Adriatic Sea, is a beautiful country blessed with abundant nature. Famous sites include the Durmitor National Park, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, and Lake Skadar, home to over 280 species of birds and known as the "airport for migratory birds."
Another World Heritage Site in Montenegro is Kotor, known as a fortified city. With its beautiful scenery, visitors can experience its rich history and culture. In this article, we will introduce the nature, culture, and history of Kotor, a popular tourist destination and World Heritage Site.
What is the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor?
Kotor Bay, located on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea in Montenegro, is known for its exceptionally complex and rugged coastline. At the southernmost and deepest point of Kotor Bay lies the World Heritage town of Kotor, which we will introduce here.
Kotor prospered under the rule of various powers, including the Byzantine Empire, Serbia, and the Republic of Venice. In the Old Town, where medieval streets and cobblestones remain beautifully preserved, you can still see city walls and architecture influenced by Venice. Kotor is also unique in that it lies at the intersection of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox cultural spheres, with churches from both denominations present in the town.
Kotor features four prominent churches, its defensive city walls, a maritime museum, and a large clock on the main square built in 1602. These landmarks, along with its historically significant architectural styles, buildings, cultural traditions, and beautiful scenery, earned Kotor the designation of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1979 under the title "Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor."
Name: Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
Address: Stari grad, Kotor Municipality, Montenegro
Official/Related Website URL: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/125/
Access to the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
The town of Kotor is close to Croatia, located about 60 km southeast of Dubrovnik. By car, it takes about two hours from Dubrovnik, and you can also access it by bus or ferry. A cruise tour around Kotor Bay with its beautiful sea views, or a day trip from Croatia, is also highly recommended.
①: Kotor City Walls
Built by the Republic of Venice, the Kotor City Walls stretch for approximately 4.5 km and are one of the must-see tourist spots in Montenegro. While enjoying the medieval townscape of Kotor’s Old Town, be sure to climb the hill behind the town and take in the breathtaking view from the top of the walls, about 260 meters above sea level.
As you enter the path to the fortress on the hill, you’ll find a stone staircase that continues all the way up. It takes about an hour to reach the top. The climb is highly recommended as you can enjoy views of red-brick buildings and the stunning sea along the way. If you have time, definitely give it a try!
The view from the top is so beautiful it will make you forget all your fatigue at once! It’s a popular photo spot where you can take stunning photos worthy of a professional. Even if you find it difficult to climb all the way to the top, don’t worry! You can still enjoy spectacular views from halfway up.
②: St. Tryphon Cathedral
Built in 1166, the Roman Catholic St. Tryphon Cathedral is one of the most famous churches in Kotor. Dedicated to St. Tryphon, the patron saint of Kotor, a statue of the saint holding a golden model of the city is displayed on the front facade. The nave, including the apse, is about 35 meters long and 17 meters wide. It is a beautiful Romanesque-style building featuring characteristic pillars and stone canopies with intricate decorations.
The number "809" on the left tower signifies the year when the predecessor of this church was originally built. On the second floor, there’s a relic exhibition room that houses precious relics believed to have been brought from Istanbul by Venetian merchants.
Although St. Tryphon Cathedral and the entire town of Kotor suffered significant damage from major earthquakes in 1967 and 1979, restoration has progressed with UNESCO’s support. The cathedral's pillars were restored using monolithic columns from ancient temples. Some of the original wall paintings still remain, so be sure to check them out. From the second-floor balcony, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Kotor’s beautiful townscape.
◎ Summary
In Kotor, where the beautiful sea, lush green mountains, red-brick townscapes, and historic old buildings line the streets, simply strolling around and enjoying the scenery is soothing. Since the town is compact, it doesn’t take long to explore the Old Town, but if you visit Kotor, you should definitely climb up to the castle ruins at the top and see the breathtaking World Heritage views with your own eyes.
During the day, you can enjoy the scenery of the beautiful blue sky and the townscape with Venetian influences, and at night, you can admire the stunning night view illuminated by lights. Be sure to fully enjoy this beautiful World Heritage site in the charming port city of Kotor, which is also visited by luxury cruise ships.