Kotor Old Town

The Kotor Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned as the best-preserved medieval urban entity in the Mediterranean, featuring historic architecture, city walls, and cultural landmarks.

Architectural and Historical Significance

The Kotor Old Town is the most famous part of Kotor, preserving its history, culture, and tradition. It boasts numerous medieval monuments, including churches, cathedrals, palaces, and museums. Its beauty is enhanced by narrow streets, squares, and markets. Moreover, it features stylish gates, palaces of wealthy families, and many stairs. This nucleus is considered the best-preserved medieval urban entity in the Mediterranean.

Kotor fortress wall and Old Town Stari Grad with cloudy mountains on the background. Kotor castle San Giovanni reflected on the moat water. Unesco world heritage site in Montenegro.

The city bulwarks are the largest and most impressive features. They are about 5 km long, 20 m high, and 10 m wide. Completely preserved, they are a unique sample of fortification architecture in Europe. Construction began in the IX century and continued for ten centuries. Indeed, the bulwarks have three doors, used for centuries to enter and exit the town. From any door, the road leads to the Cathedral of Sveti Tripun from the XII century, dedicated to the town’s protector.

The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in Kotor, Montenegro

Squares and Gathering Places

Several squares exist in the Kotor Old Town. The main and largest is Trg od oruzja (Square of Arms). This square has always been the primary gathering place for various events and assemblies of Kotor’s people.

Clock tower in Kotor, Montenegro

Cultural and Modern Amenities

The cultural richness of the Kotor Old Town includes priceless monuments like the Tower watch (VIII century), Cathedral of Sveti Tripun (XII century), Church of Sveti Luka (XII century), Prince’s palace (XVII century), Church of Sveta Marija (XII century), Church of Lady of Health (XV century), and Napoleon’s Theater (XIX century). Additionally, numerous palaces exist, such as Bizanti, Buca, Pima, and Grgurin, which now houses the Maritime Museum.

Modern amenities in the Kotor Old Town include the first Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Keeping, music halls, a Center for Culture, and galleries. Consequently, it offers a blend of historical and contemporary attractions.

Shopping and Dining

The Kotor Old Town has the greatest number of boutiques and trade shops. Smaller shops offer footwear and clothes from renowned European and world designers. Moreover, there are souvenir shops, photo shops, jewelry shops, book stores, antique shops, hair salons, beauty centers, barber shops, cafés, and pizzerias.

Narrow Streets of Kotor old Town

Spending a day touring the Kotor Old Town is rewarding. You can explore the town and refresh in numerous cafés, mostly located on squares. Additionally, nicely decorated restaurants and hotels offer traditional specialties and Mediterranean food. Two hotels provide pleasant accommodation. Importantly, the Kotor Old Town has been on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list since 1979. Recently declared a world cultural inheritance in danger, it will receive increased attention from European and world institutions.