Monuments to visit Bay Of Kotor

The beauty of Kotor lies in the 4.5 km long and 20 m high ramparts that encircle the old town. Of Byzantine origin, these fortifications helped protect the city from Turkish attacks in the 16th and 17th centuries. The fortress of St John, which dominates the town at an altitude of nearly 260 m, was abandoned in 1918. Now in ruins, it is accessible by more than 1,000 steps. The view offered from the top of its walls is splendid, between the Bay of Kotor and Mount Lovćen.

It was in the ^17th century that Perast, with its strong navy, built the most beautiful palaces for its enterprising captains. The village boasts a dozen of them, scattered along the seafront and hillsides. The Bujović palace houses the museum: built in 1694 by brothers Ivan and Marko Bujović, it features a balustrade decorated with 2 lions. A plaque indicates the house where Admiral Matija Zmajević, commander of the Russian fleet, was born. His uncle, Archbishop Andrija Zmajević, had his palace built on St. Elijah's Hill, now in ruins.

Located at the bottom of the city, this impressive ^15th century fortress stands proudly above the city. Having passed through the hands of the Turks, Venetians and Austro-Hungarians, it is a period relic of Bosnian rule. Founded by the Bosnian king Tvrtko, it was damaged by the earthquake of 1979 and then rebuilt. It was used as a summer cinema, a disco and is often used as a film location.

Built in 1602 on the orders of Venetian governor Antonio Grimaldi, it is the first monument you see when entering the old town at the main entrance. The tower has four storeys and a basement. The tower was created from massive stone blocks taken from the rocks of Mount Lovćen. The clock was added in 1810. And if you look closely, it leans like the one in Pisa, a tilt due to the 1979 earthquake.

Kotor's architectural wealth is mainly due to the many Baroque palaces built over the centuries by the local aristocracy. As these buildings are not open to the public, they can only be admired from the outside. The best way to discover them is to stroll through the narrow streets of the old town. As you stroll along, you'll see many of the sculptures adorning the facades of these romantic-looking palaces.

The Pima family palace, with its long Baroque balustrade, dates from the ^17th century. The family coat of arms, supported by two angels, can be seen above the portal. The Drago Palace, next to the cathedral, dates from the ^16th century. The original ^12th-century villa was destroyed when part of the cathedral collapsed during the 1667 earthquake. Today, the palace houses the Regional Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments.

The Grgurina Palace, which houses the Maritime Museum, dates back to the ^18th century. Other noteworthy palaces include the ^18th-century Besuća Palace and, opposite it, the ^17th-century Bizanti Palace, both located south of the Place des Armes. The history of the Bizanti family begins with Nikola Bizanti, a respected judge in the town of Kotor. After the earthquake of 1667, it was he who rebuilt the palace as it stands today. Don't miss the stone staircase, balconies and old-fashioned water well of this remarkable palace.

Located in the heart of the old town, this small clock tower crowned with machicolations is Herceg Novi's visual symbol and best-known building. It was erected in the ^mid-19th century on the site of an earlier tower built in 1667, twenty years before the Turks left. The Sat-Kula is a monument to the Turkish era. Walk past it and you'll find the church square and some very pleasant cafés. A good idea for a stroll.

Fortress with an evocative name, "the bloody tower" was built by the Turks. It had a dual purpose as it served as both a defensive fort and a prison for those who opposed the Turks. You can see drawings and messages from former prisoners. The walk through the narrow streets of the old town is a real historical discovery with a beautiful panorama! In summer, concerts and theatrical performances are organized here.

Don't miss the fascinating fortress of Utvrda Mamula, located on a small charming island in the bay of Lustica. This ancient fort dating from the ^19th century is steeped in history and offers a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea. Visitors can also find caves and hiking trails. The golden sandy beaches that surround the island are a real paradise for lovers. Scuba diving is also very popular, as the island is lined with rich marine life.

Built to protect the bay and port of Kotor, Utvrda Mamula was used as a prison during World War II. Today, this fortress has been transformed into a picturesque resort. Visitors can walk on the stone walls and admire the beautiful view of the sea.

The small island that houses Utvrda Mamula is also a romantic place to discover. The curious can explore the ruins of the fort together, watch the sunset over the sea or simply relax on the nearby beach. Besides the natural beauty of the area, visitors can also enjoy the rich history of the place. The fort has been restored to preserve its cultural heritage, giving visitors a better understanding of the area's tumultuous history. Utvrda Mamula is a must-see destination for travelers who want to experience the natural beauty and fascinating history of Montenegro.

Fort Lushtica is an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful getaway from city life. With a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea, this fort is a perfect blend of modern life and past history. To get there, you'll need to take the small, winding, but charming road that winds through the mountains, offering breathtaking views of the Montenegrin coast. Once there, you can discover the ruins of this historic fort and enjoy the tranquility of this natural area.

Surrounded by defensive walls, this palace was erected in the mid-16th century by the Buća family, a noble family from Kotor. Serving both as a secondary residence and as a shelter from enemies, the palace consists of a residential house, a warehouse, a small church dedicated to St. Michael (the family's patron) and a large porch. Today, the complex houses an art gallery and a small open-air stage in the adjacent garden.

The fortress is located above the expressway and was erected by the Spaniards during their passage through the city (1538). The Turks, who completed the building in 1548, left an inscription at the entrance: "This tower was erected by the sultans by order of Suliman, the mighty and honourable knight. May he live long, in joy and fortune. May the poets who come by the road see this work and exclaim its beauty. »