Kotor, Montenegro August 5th, 2023

 Arrives 7:00 AM                                    Departs: 2:00 PM

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind, I’m not a professional writer. I will apologize now for any incorrect grammar, long confusing sentences odd metaphors, and anything else that doesn't make sense. If you want to read my entire disclaimer, go here. 

I was told if you arrive in Kotor, Montenegro via cruise ship you want to be on deck as the ship enters the bay.  Apparently, when the captain blows the ship’s horn with will resulting in an incredible echo that will last for fifteen seconds.  Well, I will be there and we shall see.

The cruise ship docks are in the old town and since we are leaving at 2 pm again I will make my way into town as soon as I’m as I can. I read that Kotor’s old town is the best-preserved medieval town in this area of the Mediterranean, a medieval town meaning the 12^th – 14^th century. One quirky thing about the old town is, supposedly there is only one car inside the walls of the old town, which is a replica of a Fiat Cinquecento it has a mini trailer and is used to collect trash.

I have created my own walking tour below however there is one here you can sign up for. 

 

 

Above is my walking tour, which is about 3 miles long.

1.     The main gate, which was made in 1555, is actually one of the newest additions to the city. It opens directly into the Arms Square. I will have to check because I read that above the gate is written “What belongs to others we don’t want, ours we don’t give.” There is also the date the city was liberated from the Nazis. In addition, there is the winged lion, the symbol of Venice, and a sculpture of Madonna and Child with Saint Tryphon and Saint Bernard. 

2.     After the main gate is the Arms Square. Considering the photos I have seen much of the Arms Square locks to be 17^th century so we will see when I get there.

3.     Church of St. Nicolas is next and this one is definitely not 12-14^th century.  It is classic Byzantine style. Maybe in the 12-14^th century, they were referring to the layout of the town.

4.     Number four is said to be the oldest structure in Kotor, it is the Church of St. Luke. This is the church which has a catholic and Orthodox altar side by side and the two took turns holding services for over one hundred years.

5.     Next is the Maritime Museum

6.     Museum Square is the place in front of the Maritime Museum which is the palace that belongs to the noble Family Gregorian and the place was gifted to the town by Bishops Marco Antonio.

7.     Next up is Flour Square which has three building worth checking out, the Pima and the Buca Palace, and the Saint Nicholas of Seamen Church.

8.     A must-see is Saint Tryphon Cathedral and Square

9.     Next is an area with fewer tourists or this is what I read let’s see it if is true but I do want to go see the Gurdic Gate.  It was part of an essential part of the city’s defense system back in the middle ages.

10. Craftmen Street goes through the old town from north to south.

11. Then I will arrive at the North Gate also called River Gate.

12. Now comes the 280-meter hike up Saints Johns mountain to the San Giovanni Castle.

Now I have to make my way back to the ship.  If I have time I will stop by the Cat Museum. Hopefully, I will be able to get a good photo of each stop that I can insert.