Kotor in Photos :: You’ve Gotta See It to Believe It

Kotor, Montenegro is a destination that was never on my radar. I couldn’t really even locate it on a map if you asked me to. But since it was a stop on our 14-day Eastern Mediterranean Cruise with Royal Caribbean I just figured I’d just go and see what it was all about. I didn’t even give it a second thought as to why the cruise line would include it as a stop at all. I hadn’t read up on anything about this area. I just went with it as it came.

We received a suggestion on our daily itinerary that it would behoove us to wake up early to witness our entrance. OK. Not wanting to miss anything that’s exactly what I did. I woke up early and just as the sun was coming up I went on deck to see what all the fuss was about.

We entered the Bay of Kotor at sunrise. And then there it was :: the most glorious 60-minute entrance to a city I’ve ever experienced! Kotor itself is surrounded by high mountains and old fortifications :: breathtaking beauty to say the least! Throughout our entrance I found myself without words as the sun came up on the mountainous fjords and water surrounding us. Quiet majesty. What a wonderful surprise to find out that the Bay of Kotor is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

We sailed by a manmade isle called Our Lady of the Rocks on our way into through the bay, jutting out majestically in the middle of the water, boasting a remarkable church which takes up the entire isle. This was definitely a first for me.

Once in Kotor we climbed the 1,355 steps along the ridges of the Castle of San Giovanni also known as St. John’s Fortress (7EU to scale the walls), opening up to unrivaled views over the Bay of Kotor. The castle itself wasn’t overly impressive but the vistas were absolutely breathtaking and absolutely worth taking the time to see.

Tips ::
1. Start early in the day, the sun will come up behind you
2. Bring plenty of water, you will need it, especially on a hot day
3. Be prepared to spend about 2 hours on your climb

Kotor’s main square has a selection of restaurants which give you a perfect view for taking in the beautiful views and architecture surrounding you. And it just so happens to be a great place for people watching. I sat for a while enjoying a refreshing drink (at much more reasonable pricing here than in Dubrovnik) under the shady awning of one such restaurant.

Then… I was blessed with yet another surprise :: I got to witness a Montenegrin wedding procession! The timing was perfect; it was really special to see.

This is Cathedral of Saint Tryphon which was consecrated in 1166 :: older than most, it holds a treasury of great value. This is also one of the largest and most ornate buildings in Kotor in Romanesque-style architecture.

St. Luke’s Church was constructed in 1195 as a Catholic church but it is told that from 1657 until 1812 Catholic and Orthodox altars stood side by side with each faith taking turns holding services here. It was then gifted to the Orthodox Church.

This is St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church of Kotor. It is said that this is the most import orthodox church in Kotor but I was unable to find any other information about it than that.

I’ll end my commentary here only to say that the atmospheric back-streets and cafes are truly something to behold. I found myself walking for several hours along these narrow paths and emotionally enveloped myself into the Montenegrin culture by taking in as many details as I possibly could. I’ll let you enjoy the remaining images of Kotor I captured ::

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I can’t decide if sailing into Kotor through the beautiful fjords was more captivating than the alluring ancient town itself. And although it is small Kotor really packs a punch with photographic opportunities around every corner.

And although Kotor is but a tiny coastal town, this city is no less than a walled jewel and truly left an impression on my soul. And come to find out Kotor is one of the best preserved medieval old towns in the Adriatic and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It all makes sense to me now.

I would highly recommend a stop in Kotor if you plan to be in or near the Adriatic Sea. You will thank me when you do.