Port of Kotor, Montenegro

On of our stops on our Oceania Riviera cruise (Aegean and Adriatic Wonders) was the port of Kotor, Montenegro. Getting to the port of Kotor is almost as magical as being there. We woke up early to observe our ship navigating through the scenic channels of Montenegro. The view on both sides of us unfolded like a beautiful picture, combining historic architecture with natural beauty. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to watch as the ship comes or leaves Kotor!

Before heading out, we got a different view from the pool deck, which was absolutely stunning with the mountains and the town surrounding us. On certain days, Oceania may need to anchor in the bay and use tenders to reach the port. Fortunately, we were able to dock directly at the port on this trip, bypassing the waiting time for boarding groups.

Heading Into the City

The Kampana Tower

The Kotor cruise terminal is easy to pass through, and leads you directly into the city. Our first stop was the Kampana Tower. The Kampana Tower is a significant part of the old town of Kotor's ancient defenses. Built in the 13th to 14th centuries, it was strategically placed near the meeting point of the River Scurda and the innermost part of the Bay of Kotor. (Later that day, we had the opportunity to observe the view from the top of the tower.)

Sea Gate

The town's main entrance is a historical monument from 1555, representing the Venetian rule (1420-1797). It displays the winged lion of St. Mark, symbolizing Venice. Above, symbols of a different time celebrate the town's liberation with a communist star and Tito's quote from Nazi occupation. These symbols blend to show the town's diverse history. Alongside these markers, there's an unexpected giant bench adding a fun element to the entrance for visitors to enjoy (a great photo-op if it’s not too busy!).

Old Town

The first place you walk into once passing through the Sea Gate of the Old Town is the Square of the Arms. This square is the city's central hub blending history with modern life. It's the largest square, hosting gatherings, events, and has a historical connection to the Venetian Republic. Known for the defense against Turkish pirates in 1539, it holds landmarks like Providence Palace, old clock tower, and Napoleon's theater. The square is lively with cafes, shops, and hotels. It's a starting point for exploring Kotor, known for its rich heritage and as a backdrop for films like "The Dark Side of the Sun" with Brad Pitt in 1987.

We had a beer in the square later in the day, and although it was a little chaotic and pricey - it was still a fun way to relax and people watch. A big tip is to get to the old town early because the crowds increased significantly later in the day.

We walked around the old town and explored its maze-like streets, soaking in its timeless beauty. While we appreciated most aspects, the abundance of touristy shops and carts scattered throughout the town somewhat detracted from our experience. It is understandable given the town's popularity, but it did diminish some of the historical charm we were hoping to fully immerse ourselves in.

The Cats of Kotor

In Kotor, the cats are cherished guardians with a rich heritage. For ages, they've kept the town safe by controlling pests. These furry protectors symbolize Kotor's resilience through tough times like wars and natural disasters. While strolling through Kotor's streets, visitors will encounter these cats, adding charm to the town. Beyond their pest control duties, these cats are seen as symbols of luck and prosperity. They embody the history and spirit of Kotor, making the town truly special.

There is one area in the old town where the cats have little houses they can rest in and locals take care of them. There’s even a cat vending machine where guests can donate money to help feed the cats. We found this an adorable experience, and the cats were all very sweet.

The Walls of Old Town

Although we chose not to hike it this time, The Kotor Fortress on San Giovanni Hill in Montenegro offers stunning views of the Old Town and the Bay of Kotor. It's part of an old defense system with gates, towers, and walls, rich in history. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to climb the 1350 steps from the Old Town, passing by the Church of Our Lady of Remedy. The fortress is also called San Giovanni Fortress, St. John’s Fortress, or St. John’s Castle. The entrance fee is 8 EUR. Don't miss this historical site for a peek into Kotor's past and a captivating panoramic view.

Although we didn't go up St. John Mountain to the Fortress of St John, we still wanted to walk some of the walls of old town Kotor. The limestone walls surround the town, reaching sea level in the North and West. In the South and East, they climb the mountain behind. Kotor's walls, which date from the 9th to the 19th century, are well-maintained after restoration after a 1979 earthquake. The walls range from 2 to 15 meters wide, with the Sea Gate being the widest. They facilitated defense and weapon transfer, with bastions for protection.

Walking along these walls offers a preferable alternative for those capable of managing some steps as opposed to the hike up the hill.

Gordes Gate

Eventually we came upon Gordes Gate. Also known as the South Gate, Gordes Gate has a unique three-way entrance, a key access point rich in history and craftsmanship. The gate showcases architectural wonders and protects the old town, playing a vital role in defense. It also helps preserve historical stone structures and contributes to conservation efforts.

Other Attractions to Consider

The Maritime Museum and St. Tryphon Cathedral in the Old Town are popular attractions. All of these places are better to visit early. There are also often little markets and vendors outside the old town walls.

Don’t forget to watch our YouTube video on Kotor and subscribe :)