If the Old Towns of Montenegro could speak, we would hear some of the most amazing stories. These witnesses of centuries and civilizations represent one of the most significant treasures of the country that are definitely on the route of every visitor.
There are around 50 old towns in Montenegro. Some of them are not preserved, yet some have a strong influence on the worldwide tourism scene.
Today we take a look at the Old Town of Kotor.
In the heart of Boka Bay, in the deepest fjord in southeast Europe, between the hill St. John and the sea there is the capital of tourism in Montenegro, the Old Town of Kotor.
Surrounded by two rivers Škurda and Gurdić, and protected by ramparts, the Old Town offers three gates to the inside. Each entrance will give you a different perspective of this small luxury city, often compared to Dubrovnik in Croatia.
Its assumed that the Old Town of Kotor is around 2000 years old and was founded by the ancient Romans, so, therefore, the present-day city was built on the remains of this Roman place, even if the time of its creation is not proven yet. The rich historical and cultural heritage of the Old Town has placed it on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Besides being a tourist attraction, the San Giovani fortress offers the most amazing view of Boka Bay, and there are a significant number of cathedrals, palaces, museums, and towers within the Old Town. Behind its walls, it hides an urban core which together makes it the most visited tourist destination that attracts hundreds of cruisers and luxury yachts every year.
Kotor has always been a city of culture that has numerous cultural events for every generation, and some of them have become a traditional part of the culture in Kotor. Traditional carnivals are held every year in winter and summer, including the Boat Carnival, called Bokeška noć (Boka night), the Children's Theater Festival and International Fashion Week. These events, plus many more, gather thousands of visitors every year to celebrate the spirit of Boka Bay.
