Kotor

Kotor is a small coastal town in the southwest part of Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea. The city is known for its well-preserved medieval old town, surrounded by impressive fortifications that climb up the steep hillside of Mt. Lovcen. These city walls, built during Venetian rule between the 9th and 19th centuries, are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) is often mistaken for a fjord, but it's actually a submerged river canyon. With mountains plunging dramatically into blue waters, it creates one of Europe's most stunning coastal landscapes. The old town has several historical churches including St. Tryphon's Cathedral, built in 1166, and the much-photographed Our Lady of the Rocks, a small church on an artificial island in the bay.

The town has a fascinating history having been ruled by everyone from the Byzantines and Venetians to the Austro-Hungarians and Yugoslavs. This diverse heritage is reflected in Kotor's architecture, cuisine, and culture. Fresh seafood dominates local menus, often prepared with Mediterranean and Balkan influences. The narrow marble streets of the old town hide small squares, family-run restaurants, and craft shops selling local specialties.

St. John's Fortress, accessible via a challenging climb of 1,350 steps from the old town, offers breathtaking views of the bay. The local people of Kotor are proud of their maritime history - for centuries, the town was an important port and naval base, and this seafaring tradition is celebrated at the Maritime Museum in the old town.