1) Morska vrata (Sea Gate or Main Gate)

The main entrance to the fortified city of Kotor is the Sea Gate. The city's walls extend
around the town on three sides like a triangle. To the north, walls face the river Skurda. On
the east, the mountain of Saint John (San Giovanni) protects the city. Finally, to the
southwest, the town faces the Bay of Kotor.

Along this southwest wall, you will find the Main Gate. Logically, it is in this area that most
visitors arrive in old town Kotor. The port is historically the most common entry point to the
town. Each wall has a gate--the Gurdic Gate (or South Gate) is on the south wall, and the
River Gate (or North Gate) is on the north side.

The gate was made in 1555 and is one of the newest additions to the Venetian-era city
fortifications. The gate opens directly into Arms Square, the main square of the old town.
Just outside the gate, you'll find a tourist information desk.

Above the gate is a post-World War II-era inscription that reads, "What belongs to others we
don't want, ours we don't give." The Axis powers occupied Kotor during WWII. The date
displayed is the day the city was liberated from the Nazis.

Also present are sculptures of the winged lion of Saint Mark and a 15th-century sculpture of
Madonna and Child with Saint Tryphon and Saint Bernard. The winged lion is the symbol of
Venice and is featured prominently on many structures from the time.

Interestingly, the gate's enormous and heavy stone blocks are so massive that the gate has
sunk over 70 centimeters since the time it was built!

The main entrance to Kotor's fortified city was constructed in 1555 during Venetian rule (1420–
1797). You'll notice the winged lion of Saint Mark, Venice's symbol, proudly displayed on the
walls here and in a few other spots around town. Above the gate, there's a nod to history with a
communist star and a post-World War II inscription that reads, "What belongs to others we don't
want, what is ours we will never surrender" – credited to Yugoslav leader Tito. There's also a
huge (and quite random) bench outside, perfect for some goofy photos.
Take a look up from outside and picture the old fortified wall in all its former glory. Sure, some
parts have crumbled away over time, but it's still pretty amazing to think about how it was built
centuries ago. Previously only accessible by sea, the gate has sunk over 70 centimeters since it
was erected, all thanks to the weight of its stone blocks!
Additionally, don't miss the beautiful 15th-century stone relief of the Madonna and Child,
flanked by Saint Tryphon and Saint Bernard, as you walk through. From there, you're
immediately immersed in the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town Kotor – Arms Square!

2) Trg od Oruzja (Arms Square) (must see)

The main town square of Kotor is known as the Arms Square. In this area of town, you'll find
not only historical monuments and architecture, but also shops, cafes, and businesses.

The square gets its name from the Venetian Arsenal that was located here. Besides the
Arsenal, the Prince's Palace and Town Guard Tower were original military structures on the
square.

Among the many sights you'll find in the square today, don't miss the Sea Gate, Rector's
Palace, Napoleon's Theatre, and the Clock Tower.

Most of the structures around the square date from the 17th century. The Rector's Palace is
presently part of the Hotel Cattaro.

The Napoleon Theatre was originally built in 1762 for military and food storage. During the
French occupation, it became one of the very first theaters in the Balkans. It was the town
hall more recently, but today it is part of the Hotel Cattaro. Unfortunately, the theatre's
facade facing the square was destroyed in the 1979 earthquake.

The Clock Tower in Arms Square is from the 17th century. Its Baroque and Gothic
architecture makes it look older than it actually is. Earthquake damage has caused the
tower to lean slightly to the west.

This is the big city square you'll step into when entering the walled city of Kotor through the Sea
Gate. It's a hub of activity with shops, banks, cafes, restaurants, and some pretty significant
historical landmarks. Back in the Venetian days, this place was all about making and storing
weapons, especially in the Arsenal building, with the Prince's Palace and Town Guard Tower
backing up the military effort.

Soldiers who defended the city would gather here to gear up with weapons and stand their
ground. One of the most legendary moments was when they held off the Turkish pirate Hajrudin
Barbarossa for three intense days back in 1539.

Besides the Sea Gate, which is the biggest of the three entrances to the city, you'll also spot the
17th-century clock tower (looking older than it really is, thanks to its mix of Baroque and Gothic
styles) and a medieval pillar located adjacent. On the west side of the square stands the Rector's
Palace, now part of Hotel Cattaro, while the Napoleon Theatre, originally built in 1762 for
storing military supplies and food, became one of the very first theaters in the Balkans during the
French occupation.

3) Crkva Svetog Nikole (Church of St. Nicholas)

Even though its Byzantine styling makes it look much older, the Church of Saint Nicholas
was built from 1902 to 1909. It was built to replace an 1810 church that existed on the same
site but was destroyed by fire in 1896. Before that, the site was occupied by a 16th-century
monastery.

Saint Nicholas is a Serbian Orthodox congregation. The Serbian flag hangs over the main
entrance.

The building is framed by two large bell towers with black domes. Atop the domes are gold
crosses that were a gift from Russia.

The church's interior is adorned with an impressive collection of beautiful silver pieces, from
candle holders to impressive chandeliers. The iconostasis was made by the Czech painter
Frantisek Ziegler in 1908.

Despite these embellishments, the church is relatively unadorned, as is the custom in

Orthodox churches. The plain grey walls capture light from simple stained glass panels,
which create a calming and mystical effect.
The Church of Saint Nicholas, up in the northern part of Kotor's Old Town, catches the eye of
believers, history buffs, and regular tourists alike. It started going up in 1902, replacing a church
from the 17th century that got wiped out by a fire on Christmas Eve in 1896. You can't miss its
grand presence, flanked by two big bell towers capped with black domes sporting shiny gold
crosses gifted from Russia.

The mastermind behind the project was the famous architectural engineer Ćiril Iveković, who
has left his mark all over the Adriatic coast, from Zadar to Kotor, working on churches, rectories,
and other public buildings. A prominent name in the art and architecture scene, he taught at
Zagreb's Technical University until passing away in 1933.

The structure itself, designed in Byzantine style, stands tall behind the city wall. Inside, you're in
for a treat with the stunning iconostasis finished in 1908 and a vast collection of icons, among
which the most famous is the Icon of the Holy Mother of God Trojeručica. Plus, there are many
religious texts, artworks, and treasures donated by wealthy Kotor families.

This is the only Orthodox church in Kotor where daily liturgies take place, and best of all,
admission won't cost you a dime. You'll see the flag of the Serbian Orthodox Church flying
proudly from the front facade.

4) Crkva Svetog Luke (Church of St. Luke)

Saint Luke's is one of the oldest structures in Kotor. The small church, with its Roman and
Byzantine architecture, is full of interesting history and artifacts.

It was first built in 1195 as a Catholic church. Some of the original 12th-century frescoes are
still present. You can also see two lovely iconostases, one from the 17th century and one
from the 18th.

From 1657 to 1812, it housed side-by-side Catholic and Orthodox altars, and the two faiths
took turns holding services. It was then gifted to the Orthodox church. The church stands
now as a testimony to the harmonious co-existence of the Orthodox and Catholic people.

The floor of the church is made from tomb panels. Until the 1930s, the burring of Kotor
citizens was held in the church itself.

St. Luke's stands in Greca Square, immediately across from St. Nicholas's Church. The
most notable thing about this church is its small stature--compared to the buildings around
it, including the grand St. Nicholas', it looks tiny.

The building is one of the only structures in town not to have been damaged by
earthquakes, including the most recent in 1979.

Alongside the Church of Saint Nicholas lies one of Kotor's five remaining sacred structures built
in the Romanesque style. Dating back to 1195, during the Serbian Nemanjić dynasty, it has a
single nave layout with a circular-based dome over the central aisle, a semicircular apse on the
east end, and a portal on the west side. Despite its modest size compared to its neighbors, like the
grand Saint Nicholas, this structure's smaller stature actually worked in its favor, sparing it from
earthquake damage that affected many others in town.

Shortly after its completion, Saint Luke's was adorned with frescoes, though only fragments
remain on the southern wall. The impressive iconostasis, crafted by Dimitrije Daskal, hails from
the 17th-century Boka Kotorska painting school.

What further sets the church apart is its history of housing both Catholic and Orthodox altars. In
1657, during a Turkish invasion, the population of Grbalj sought refuge in Kotor, and the
Venetian authorities allowed them to use the then-Catholic place of worship for Orthodox
services. This led to the installation of two altars, which remained in use until the French
occupation from 1807 to 1814.

An intriguing detail lies beneath your feet in this sacred spot – the floor is comprised of
tombstones from communal graves of Kotor's residents. Burials took place within the church
until the 1930s, adding another layer of history to this fascinating site.

5) Museum Maritimum (Maritime Museum - Grgurin Palace)

Gregorina Palace is a beautiful Baroque edifice built in the 18th Century. Located in Boka
Fleet Square, it is now the home of the Maritime Museum. Next to its entrance you will see
two cannons which symbolize the endless battle between seamen and pirates.

The Maritime Museum of Montenegro in Kotor has grown out of the collection founded by
the "Boka Marine" Fraternity, around the year 1880 and opened to public in 1900. It
gradually enlarged and in 1938, it was re-arranged and opened to visitors on the first floor of
the present Museum building. It was only after the end of World War II, in the period 1949-
1952, that the whole building, Baroque palace of the noble Grgurina family from the
beginning of the 18th century, was completely restored and adaptet to meet the needs of
the Museum.

The disastrous earthquake of April 15,1979, caused halt in regular activities of the Museum,
its building being considerably damaged. In the period from 1982 to 1984, conservation and
restoration works were finished and after the five year period of renovation, the Museum
continued its activities.

Kotor's rich maritime legacy takes center stage in a beautiful early-18th-century Baroque palace,
housing three floors of captivating displays. With the help of an audio guide, you'll dive into a
treasure trove of photographs, paintings, uniforms, intricately crafted weapons, fancy
navigational gadgets, and ship models.

The sailing tradition in Kotor traces back to medieval times, and you can soak in the tales of
Kotor's seafarer fraternity, known as the Boka Marine, dating all the way back to the 9th century.
The museum is like a time capsule, preserving memories of the city's illustrious seafarers, artists,
shipbuilders, craftsmen, politicians, and diplomats who bridged the gap between East and West.

Among the highlights are six bronze relief tables showcasing pivotal events and notable figures
from Kotor's turbulent past. You'll also find geographic maps, engravings, and watercolors
depicting coastal towns, along with an ethnographic collection that offers a glimpse into Kotor's
maritime heyday from the 16th to the 18th century.

Right at the entrance of the palace, keep an eye out for two small cannons symbolizing the
endless battle between seafarers and pirates.

6) Trg Bokeljske Mornarice (Boka Navy Square)

Museum Square is one of the main squares in old town Kotor. It is here that you'll find one
main attraction--the Maritime Museum housed in Gregorina Palace.

The palace was home to the noble family Gregorina. It was built in the 18th century from
stones brought from the island of Korcula in Dalmatia, now Croatia.

It was gifted to the town by Bishop Marco Antonio and was used for a town administration
building during the 19th century. It also housed the Austrian military command office.
Between the World Wars, the district government used it.

The palace has held the collections of the Kotor Maritime Museum since 1900. Besides the
keys to the city, numerous artifacts and displays depict the city's seafaring history.
Unfortunately, the building was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1979 and rebuilt
in the early 1980s.

While the name doesn't hint at it, the Maritime Museum is one of the best places to learn
about Kotor and Montenegrian history. Some displays educate about the World Wars,
weapons from the 17th and 18th centuries, and an ethnography department with folk
costumes and antique furniture.

Also of interest on Museum Square is Karampana. This is a public well faucet from the 18th
century. The community collected their drinking water here until 1917. The well also served
as a meeting place where community members would chit-chat and gossip.

Museum Square connects with two other historic town squares--Saint Lucas's and Saint
Tryphon's.

One of the main squares in the Old Town of Kotor is home to the Grgurin Palace, once the
residence of the noble family of the same name. Originally constructed in the 18th century using
stones transported from the island of Korcula in Dalmatia (now part of Croatia), it served as a
town administration building in the 19th century, before being repurposed to house the
collections of the Maritime Museum – a must-visit spot for delving into Kotor and Montenegrin
history – starting in 1900. Sadly, the building was completely leveled in the earthquake of 1979
but was reconstructed in the early 1980s.

Another highlight here is Karampana, a humble well that quenched Kotor's thirst for centuries.
Its current shape dates back to the early 1700s, showcasing exquisite wrought ironwork, crafted
by Kotor's skilled blacksmiths, members of the Blacksmiths’ guild. Though the well's original
function ceased in 1958 when it was connected to a new water supply system, the tradition of
locals gathering around it for news and gossip has persisted – though it takes a somewhat
different form with the periodic humor and satire magazine "Karampana".
There are various tales surrounding the origin of the name. Some suggest it refers to an old,
worn-out object or machinery, while others trace it back to Venetian dialect, associating it with a
chain of brothels in the lagoon city. Despite the ambiguity, the people of Kotor take pride in their
beloved fountain, even celebrating it in song.

7) Trg od Brasna (Flour Square)

Flour Square gets its name from its historical use for flour storage. There are three main
buildings on Flour Square worth checking out. They are the Saint Nicholas of Seamen
Church, Pima Palace, and Buca Palace.

Today Pima Palace is home to a bar. But the home was once the base of the noble Pima
family, whose members included famous poets Jerome and Bernard. Additionally, Louis
Pima was a professor at the University of Padua.

The palace has been damaged by many earthquakes over the centuries. It was completely
rebuilt after a major one in 1667 and had to be reconstructed again after the tremor in 1979.
The Pima family coat of arms still adorns the main portal.

The noble family Buca also built a palace on Flour Square in the 14th century, but it was
destroyed in the earthquake of 1667. The building was rebuilt afterward, and it is now
divided into three portions.

Under house number 328, the remains of a church were discovered. It was initially a chapel
used by the Buca family, which they gave to the Fraternity of Saint Nicholas of Seamen, a
group later known as the Bokelian Navy. Around the year 1000, this guild of the seamen
supported the development of marine affairs in the city. To honor their contributions, they
are memorialized every June 26th on "Boka Navy's Day."

Known for its historical function as a flour storage area, this square houses three notable
buildings: the Saint Nicholas of Seamen Church, Pima Palace, and Buća Palace.

In the old days of Kotor, each influential family flaunted their wealth through grand palaces. The
Buća family, particularly Mihailo, the city's wealthiest resident, owned a magnificent edifice in
the 14th century; however, following a devastating earthquake in the 17th century, the family
lacked the funds to fully restore it. Now operating as a boutique hotel, the palace comprises three
distinct buildings, each with varying heights, facades, and architectural styles, making it difficult
to believe they were once one structure.

Across the street, the Pima Palace was once the residence of the noble Pima family, counting
famous poets Jerome and Bernard among its members. Despite enduring damage from numerous
earthquakes over the centuries, the edifice was rebuilt after the devastating tremor of 1667 and
again after the one in 1979. Its main portal still displays the Pima family coat of arms, supported
by two angels.

Under house number 328, excavations uncovered the remnants of a church. Initially a chapel
belonging to the Buća family, it was later donated to the Fraternity of Saint Nicholas of Seamen,
a group eventually known as the Bokelian Navy. Around 1000 AD, this seafaring guild played a
pivotal role in advancing maritime affairs in the city. Their contributions are commemorated
every June 26th.
8) Katedrala Svetog Tripuna (Saint Tryphon Cathedral and Square) (must see)
Another one of the main squares of old town Kotor, Saint Tryphon's, is home to the Saint
Tryphon Cathedral. Since it is one of the most impressive and imposing buildings in the city,
it is also sometimes called the Kotor Cathedral.

The cathedral stands out in this historic city as it embodies the tumultuous past of the area.
The site began in 809 when Venetian merchants brought artifacts back from
Constantinople.

A local citizen built a church here for exhibiting the relics, and this church was mentioned in
the writings of Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus. Those writings were
the only evidence of that first church until archaeological researchers found new evidence in
1987.

The cathedral was completed in 1166 and was built in the Romanesque and Byzantine
styles. Like many of the structures in town, it was severely damaged by many earthquakes
over the centuries. With each repair and restoration, the style of the building changed.
Occasionally rebuilt would uncover elements of the original building.

It wasn't until the 1979 earthquake that the building was reconstructed to preserve the
original 1166 structure.

Inside, a Ciborium from 1362 dominates the cathedral. You'll also see many paintings from
medieval times. There is also a reliquary that has many relics from the 15th through the
18th centuries.

There are other important structures located on the square in front of the cathedral, as well.
The Bishop Palace was the official residence of the bishops and is located adjacent to the
cathedral. It was owned by the noble family Drago, whose palace is also on the square.

Tucked away amidst the winding alleys of Old Town, the magnificent Saint Tryphon Cathedral
stands as one of Kotor’s top sights. Consecrated in 1166, this place of worship was built upon the
ruins of an ancient 9th-century temple dedicated to the town's patron saint, offering a glimpse
into Kotor's past as a bustling medieval seaport.

A three-nave structure, it has undergone extensive restoration over the centuries, particularly
following the devastating 1667 earthquake that destroyed its bell towers and part of the façade.
In the aftermath, new Baroque-style bell towers were erected, while the once Romanesque rose
windows now feature captivating Gothic-Renaissance motifs.

Inside, you will find a remarkable collection of art paintings and precious gold and silver relics
crafted by local artisans. Greek masters covered the interior with exquisite frescoes, but the
centerpiece is undoubtedly the 14th-century Romanesque Gothic ciborium above the main altar.
The Golden Altarpiece adorning the apse wall features depictions of Christ, the Virgin, Saint
John the Baptist, Saint Tryphon, and sixteen other saints, standing as a testament to the masterful
craftsmanship of Kotor's goldsmiths in the 15th century.

With the nominal entrance fee, visitors gain access to the Sacral Art Museum, housing some of
Kotor's most cherished artworks and religious artifacts. This also helps maintain the serene
atmosphere as a place of worship, rather than becoming overrun with tourists.
Outside, the nearby Bishop's Palace served as the official residence of the bishops and belonged
to the Drago noble family.

9) Vrata od Gurdicа (Gurdic Gate / South Gate)

The South Gate spans the Gurdic Spring. There are fewer tourists in this part of town, and
the narrow streets that lead to the gate and bastion make it easy to imagine that you've
been transported back in time several centuries.

The gate lies on a narrow natural strip of land between the steep mountain and the deep
water of the bay. The beefy gate and bastion protect this vital connection to the rest of the
world.

The bastion protects a wooden drawbridge with a heavily fortified passage. It was
constructed in 1470 and was an essential part of the city's defensive structure.

The South Gate is connected through the old town by Craftsmen Street to the North Gate.

This ancient city gate, nestled within the Old Town of Kotor, has stood since the 16th century,
strategically positioned on a narrow stretch of land between the steep mountain and the deep
waters of the bay. Once the guardian of Kotor's connection to the outside world, it now stands as
an inviting entry point for visitors eager to delve into the city's historical splendor.

With fewer tourists venturing into the surroundings, the quaint streets leading to the gate and
bastion create a captivating atmosphere, transporting you back several centuries in time. It's a
delightful area to wander and soak in the ambiance of a bygone era.

The southern passage to Kotor has a triple system of locks, hinting at its significant role in the
city's defense. Equipped with a drawbridge, the gate earned its name from the "odd" Gurdić
River, meandering around the fortress's southern edge. Its peculiarity lies in its intermittent flow
– during heavy rains, water rushes fiercely from its cave, flooding into the bay, while in dry
summers, the river's source dries up, filling in reverse with seawater.

10) Craftsmen Street

This street is named for the many famous craftspeople that have called Kotor home for
centuries. Since the Middle Ages, Kotor's craftspeople have been world-class.

The street stretches through old town from the South Gate to the North Gate.

The shops of tradespeople have always lined this street. Goldsmiths, carpenters, tailors,
hatters, shield makers, locksmiths, inn-keepers, bakers, and all of the other people that
made daily life go on worked and lived here.

Several monuments to the "working man" survive on the street. Several religious sites are
also found on this street. Santa Anna Church dates back to the 12th century and was rebuilt
after the 1979 earthquake. Likewise, the Saint Paul's Church dates from 1263 and the Saint
Francis monastery to the 17th century.
Likely the oldest thoroughfare in Kotor, dating all the way back to Roman times, Craftsmen
Street stretches from the South Gate to the North Gate, tracing the ancient town's entire length at
the foot of the mountain.

Throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, Kotor was renowned for its skilled artisans, with
workshops clustered along this narrow alleyway according to their trades. Shoemakers, tanners,
butchers, stonemasons, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, swordsmiths, bakers – you name it, they were
here. Records from as far back as 1326 list 46 different trades operating in the town, but while
the street's golden age has faded, its vibrant past lives on, and a stroll down the cobblestones is
certainly worth your time.

Amidst the souvenir shops and studios, several monuments paying homage to the toil of the
working class endure, alongside revered religious sites such as Saint Anne's, dating back to the
12th century and rebuilt after the 1979 earthquake. Similarly, Saint Paul's Church, erected in
1263, and the Saint Francis monastery from the 17th century add to the street's historical
tapestry.

11) Tvrdava Svetog Ivana (St. John's Castle) (must see)

The mountain behind the city of Kotor is Saint Johns mountain. Atop the mountain is the
San Giovanni Castle, 280 meters above the bay. The hike to the top is scenic but a bit of a
workout. Proper footwear is a must! There are many stairs and ladders.

The fortifications that protect the old town of Kotor use Saint Johns mountain to their
advantage. The terrain is rugged and easily protected. The city is situated on a triangular
peninsula, protected on two sides by fortified city walls and by the mountain on the other.

Old walls snake their way up the mountain to the fortress. You can access the trails either
through the old town where you can pay the entrance fee. If you want to hike the mountain,
you can access the trails on the north side of town.

The views from the fortress are stunning, and there is no better place to take in the historic
town.

The mountain top was fortified in Illyrian times. Emperor Justinian I reconstructed the fort in
the sixth century. The ramparts, towers, gates, bastions, citadels, and forts that make up the
fortification system around the old city are Venetian in origin, erected in the 16th and 17th
centuries.

The fortified city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Perched atop the hill behind Kotor, 260 meters (or 850 feet) above sea level, stands this fortress,
reachable by navigating a series of bends and conquering some 1,300 steps. The breathtaking
panorama from the summit rewards the climb: the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town, the
meandering ria, and the pine-clad mountains stretching beyond.

The fortress derives its name from the church situated within its main citadel, first mentioned in
1440 and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, which served the needs of the army stationed to
guard the city walls. The ramparts span over four kilometers in total length, with thickness
varying from two to sixteen meters and heights soaring up to twenty meters in certain spots.
Constructed over centuries, the fortress and its ramparts evolved into a formidable fortification
complex. The city walls themselves are attributed to the Roman Emperor Justinian in the 6th
century, while their current appearance took shape during the 17th century.

On your ascent, you'll encounter the quaint Church of Our Lady of Health, built in the 1500s as a
safeguard against the plague. Along the way, four chapels once held paintings depicting feasts
dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, now housed within the church itself.

Tip:
Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring plenty of water for the journey – you'll need it!