The 8 must-do things to do in Kotor – Montenegro

What to do in Montenegro during your stay? Here are the eight must-see things to go to in Kotor and its environment!

It’s difficult to speak about Montenegro without mentioning Kotor. Indeed, this town is the sign of the explosion of tourism in the tiny Balkan country. It has to be said that it’s everything for it! The town offers a splendid view of the Mouths that bear its name, a striking landscape that fills us with wonder for quite a long time. Seeing Kotor is therefore discovering the heart of Montenegro, a legacy of the past and the country’s entry to world tourism.

Kotor is the oldest town in Montenegro. Founded in the 2nd century B.C. below the title of Ascrivium, it was successively a part of the Roman and Byzantine empires until 1042. In the 11th century onwards, the population was enslaved by the Bulgarians and the Serbs. On the governmental side, from the 15th to the 18th century, the Venetians and the Ottomans occupied Kotor in turn and gave it its present appearance. Afterward, Kotor belongs to the French Empire between 1805 and 1814 and then follows the history of the other cities of Montenegro.

There are a number of things to do in Kotor or its environment. Don’t just Have a tour from Dubrovnik, the area deserves a great deal more than that! Believe us, you won’t regret it. So how to stop by Kotor? Here are the 8 must-do things to do in Kotor!

1- The Old Town or Stari Grad

Administratively speaking, Kotor is a very small town. Indeed, its surface Area is nearly restricted to its only old city. Nevertheless, this little city can transport you. Kotor can’t be approached without mentioning its old city first. All of the monuments or museums presented only afterward are recorded there. The UNESCO didn’t make an error in classifying the walled town of Kotor (Stari Grad) from the world heritage of humankind.

There are many ways to see Kotor and everyone can do as they please. The one thing that does not change is the way of transport: your toes! It’s suggested to enter Stari Grad throughout the sea, the one in front of the harbor. From this starting point, you can start to respect the Place des Armes, its magnificent clock, or its terraces. The rest is up to you and the best thing is to get lost in the maze of alleys of an old city built five years ago.

If you take your time, and although it is less imposing than Dubrovnik, it is easy to spend over half per day. However, be warned that Kotor can be crowded in summer.

2- The increase to St. John’s Fortress (San Giovanni)

Credit: Fortress Saint John
More than only a hike, it’s a real sports course! Situated 280 Meters above sea level, the fortress provides a fantastic view. For the less hardened ones, there’s a view located lower down and which delivers a picture, even less striking, just as exciting.

Little is known about the history of Fortress Saint John. However, it Is nevertheless an integral part of the things to do in Kotor, since it’s from above you can respect the gift of nature that’s the Mouths of Kotor. We hope that there’s not a major ship moored in the port on the day of your trip.

The official cost is 8from June to September and the rise is free for the remainder of the year. But the pricing policy appears to have tightened in 2019. Given the lack of transparency of the regional authorities, be ready to cover the 8$ all year round, you will save money if it is totally free!

3- The Cat Museum

Credit: Cat Museum
Kotor is THE town for cat lovers! They’re everywhere, domesticated Or ramble, walking the streets of Stari Grad, to the delight of kids and adults alike. It has to be stated that Kotor has had a fascination for cats since 1918, the legend tells that if the Slavs revolted against the Austro-Hungarians, the rebels were accompanied by their felines when they liberated the town.

The Cat Museum is therefore Essential in Kotor if you want to know more and the small sum of $ helps to convince you to go there. There are mainly cats and pictures! Additionally, it lets you refresh yourself.

4- Saint Tryphon’s Cathedral

It’s hard to go to Kotor without entering its own cathedral. Roman Catholic Church, dedicated in 1166, had been severely damaged by the earthquake of 1979 before being revived, which explains its present rather recent look. The cathedral is however among the oldest in Europe.

Inside, one can admire 14th-century frescoes and other well-preserved objects. The cathedral is named after St. Tryphon, patron saint and protector of the city of Kotor.

5- The Maritime Museum

Credit: Maritime Museum
Little known, the Maritime Museum is a fascination to perform in Kotor. For a Modest cost of 4(1$ for kids ), one goes longer for the construction, a glorious legacy of Baroque art, than because of its collections that are quite classical.

Nonetheless, the fans will be delighted to see Kotor with This museum since there are beautiful models of boats and old maritime maps.

6- The churches of St. Nicholas and St. Luke

Credit: St. Nicholas
Seeing Kotor is unthinkable without visiting its magnificent churches! Located face to face, both of these churches represent the spiritual diversity of Kotor. Really, the very first one is Serbian Orthodox, the next one has a double denomination of both Catholic and Orthodox. Saint Luke’s is the adorable little church some might say. An individual can give it a certain charm given its dimensions. Additionally, it is a miracle because it’s the only important building in Kotor which wasn’t ruined in the 1979 earthquake. Its particularity is that it’s two altars: one Catholic, the other Orthodox.

As for the Church of St. Nicholas, It’s a recent construction, since it Was built at the start of the 20th century. Its particularity is to exhibit a Serbian flag on its façade, an indication of the close relations between the two nations.

7- Kotor marketplace

Credit: Kotor marketplace
To see Kotor is to visit its marketplace and there you may find the Soul of the city! Located just outside the old city, it happens almost every day, Saturday is the most important moment. There you can find everything new: fruit, vegetables, fish and local meat products, Montenegrin cheese and other Turkish sweets, a heritage of the town’s Ottoman past.

But if possible, avoid the days once the ships land! Apart from the world, you feel more at home in Saint-Tropez than in Kotor and scams can multiply.

8- Perast

To go to Kotor is also to be charmed by its environment. Let’s end This article with a city situated 15 minutes away from Kotor by automobile, Perast. This city is too small to deserve a post by itself but if you’ve got time, go absolutely! Using its bell tower, its lion standing and its own church-island, Perast is a marvel and definitely among the most charming and best-maintained places in Montenegro. People who can even sleep immediately at the renowned Conte Hotel.

Perast is just one of those magical places that will make you enjoy a Region and cause you to want to return. Please note that vehicles are not permitted in the city from June 1st to September 30th, but there are public car parks at the entrance of town. You can also get there by bus from Kotor.