Things to see and do Kotor (Котор)

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.

Located in the middle of a square, this small church dates back to 1195. Originally Catholic, it was transferred to the Orthodox Church in 1657. It was used by the faithful of both confessions, each with their own altar. Today it is attended only by the Orthodox. The iconostasis inside is the work of Dimitrije Daskal, founder of the Dimitrijević-Rafailović school of icons. Renovated in 2013 by Russia, this church houses the icon of St. Nicholas and St. Basil.

The Cattaro ladder is the name given to the mountain road that connects Kotor to Cetinje. Built in the 19th century, it was the main access road to the capital. Very winding, narrow, but spectacular, it offers the most beautiful views that one can imagine on the mouths of Kotor.

After 20 km, we arrive in Krstač, a small mountain village. From a Mediterranean climate, we switch to a continental one. Roads lead to ancient fortresses.

Completed in 1166, on the remains of a ^9th century church, the Cathedral of St. Thyphon (Sveti Trifun) is one of the representative monuments of Romanesque art in the Adriatic despite the reconstructions it has undergone. Its facade, recognizable by its two towers connected by a portal forming a porch, dates from the ^17th century.

Of the frescoes that once covered the entire interior of the building, only a few traces remain today, recently uncovered, especially in the apse and the treasure upstairs. These date back to the ^14th century. The sarcophagus of Andrea Saracenis and his wife, Maria, can be seen there. To the left of the entrance, stairs lead to a small ^14th century chapel where the relics of St. Tryphon are kept. This chapel is decorated with a finely carved white marble frieze, the work of a certain Francesco Cabianca, an ^eighteenth century Venetian artist. Finally, there is a large wooden cross of unknown origin on which the features of the crucified Jesus can be seen. The canopy over the altar (ciborium) is a magnificent example of Gothic art. The monumental baldachin is made up of four red marble columns supporting an octagonal construction on three levels and is decorated with sculptures illustrating the life of Saint Tryphon. The cathedral's treasury on the left-hand floor displays liturgical objects such as ciboria and other relics. The balcony between the two towers is also accessible.

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.

Another way to discover the mouths of Kotor, on a semi-submarine excursion. The tour lasts 1 hour, during which you'll enjoy a panoramic view from the deck, as well as 20 minutes underwater inside the submarine. An experience to share with the whole family, and one that will delight young and old alike. On the upper deck, you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of Kotor and the surrounding mountains. Onboard air conditioning and fresh water. More comprehensive boat excursions for older children, lasting 3 hours.

Housed in an 18th century palace, this museum contains a collection that bears witness to the region's maritime past. You can admire battle paintings, furniture that belonged to rich families. You can also see naval uniforms, firearms as well as unusual pieces such as two bottles with a message of love that we will let you discover on the spot. On the ground floor, maritime history enthusiasts can consult the archives.

I gatti di Cattaro... Kotor is indeed the city of all mistigris! Cattaro the Venetian became Kotor. In Slavic language, "cat" is also called kot. The museum of cats has its place in the city. You can learn about the ancestors of the hundreds of well-fed cats that roam the streets. In this museum you can see paintings of the Felis catus, which is so happy in Cattaro. Treat yourself to an hour of sweetness surrounded by a thousand cats! Most of the writings are in Italian, which will simplify the deciphering.

Located near the Hotel Marija, this 14th-century Franciscan church has a Baroque altar in polychrome marble. Decorated with thirty sculptures depicting angels with St Clare and St Francis of Assisi, the altar is the work of the 18th-century Venetian Francesco Cabianca, who also designed the marbled frieze in the small chapel inside St Triphon's Cathedral. It has a large collection of original books dating from 1450 to 1500.

A church of pink and white stones dating from the 14th century. The remains of a 6th century baptistery from the reign of Emperor Justinian can be seen. Frescoes and a crucifix were restored in 1984. In her stories, author Rebecca West says "a 17th century monk, a great liar or ignorant, attributed this crucifix to Michelangelo"! The church houses the sarcophagus of the nun Berta Hosanna, a Montenegrin saint beatified for her fight against the Turkish admiral Barbarossa.

Office located in a small kiosk, just outside the main entrance to the old town, outside the walls. It will give you free maps of the city, direct you to local agencies and excursions. The office also has an area selling souvenirs, postcards and books. The staff is friendly and will be able to inform you and guide you according to your expectations. But it is true that the little extra is the souvenirs to take with you.