Index:
About Kotor – a medieval reflection
Turkish Airlines flights to Kotor
Nightlife and Festivals in Kotor
About Kotor – a medieval reflection
Founded in 168 BC, Kotor, set on the Adriatic Sea, was an important port city throughout its history. The area was ruled by the Romans, and subsequently the Serbians, Bulgarians, Venetians and Ottomans, later becoming part of Yugoslavia. After the dissolution of Yugoslavia, Kotor joined Serbia-Montenegro and today is located within the borders of Montenegro.
A blend of Balkan and Yugoslavian influences, Kotor also shows an Italian texture left by Venetian rule. The old town and some of the area’s fortifications have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.
Where is Kotor?
Kotor is in Montenegro. The town is built along the Bay of Kotor, on the Adriatic Sea. The region has a sunny, mild climate, with temperatures generally ranging from about a low of 8℃ in winter to about 35℃ in summer.
Turkish Airlines flights to Kotor
As one of the Mediterranean region’s most well-preserved medieval cities, Kotor draws thousands of visitors. As of June 11, Turkish Airlines offers flights to Tivat, about eight kilometers from Kotor. To begin exploring this fascinating area, you can purchase a ticket to Tivat & Kotor now – it takes less than two hours to fly from İstanbul to Tivat!
Places to visit in Kotor
The historical town of Kotor is set along the Bay of Kotor. After visiting sights on land, you can take a boat tour around the bay.
Kotor Stari Grad
Surrounded by ancient fortifications, the Kotor Stari Grad (Old Town) has three gates: the North (River) Gate, the South Gate and the Sea Gate. The Stari Grad is home to the historical Clock Tower, Army Square and the Saint Trifon Cathedral.
Army Square
This picturesque central plaza features the Clock Tower at its center, and is ringed by the Town Hall, a hotel-turned-theater, and numerous cafes.
St. Trifon Cathedral
The Saint Trifon Cathedral, an important site in Kotor, was erected in 809 for Saint Trifon, the town’s protector. The stately structure features murals, reliefs and carved stones, as well as a silver coffin with the Saint’s bones; these remains were brought from İstanbul to Kotor in the ninth century. The annual Festival of Saint Triton is held in Kotor to commemorate the arrival of the bones.
In 1677, the cathedral was severely damaged in an earthquake. As a result, its façade was demolished and rebuilt, with baroque-style bell towers added.
Clock Tower
Built in 1602, the Clock Tower was also damaged in the 1677 earthquake. Though repairs were attempted, the tower still tilts to the side. The medieval-era “pillar of shame” in front of the tower was where criminals in Kotor were publicly punished.
Kotor Maritime Museum
Naturally, this important port city has a Maritime Museum. The museum features exhibits depicting the history of Kotor’s and Montenegro’s maritime culture, including ship models and paintings.
Church of Saint Luke
Set in the Piazza Greca (Greek Square), the Church of Saint Luke (Sveti Luke), was the only building in town to survive the earthquake of 1979 without significant damage. The Byzantine- and Romanesque-style church served both the Orthodox and Catholic communities and was later gifted to the Orthodox believers. It is considered an important faith destination for Christians as it has two altars belonging to two sects.
Kotor City Walls
The historical fortifications surrounding the old town center of Kotor are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A total of 4.5 kilometers, the walls are of varying height and steepness; visitors can walk along the walls and enjoy views of the town and bay.
Castle of San Giovanni
The hilltop Castle of San Giovanni is reached via a climb of exactly 1,350 steps, but visitors will have plenty of time to pause and observe the splendid views. If you visit Kotor in the summer months, we suggest doing the castle ascent in the morning, when it is cooler.
Perast and Islands
One of the most beautiful spots in the Kotor area is Perast and its islets. This tiny village, under the protection of UNESCO, is less than 20 minutes from Kotor by car. Perast has only one street, which is closed to vehicular traffic. It also has two islets, Saint George and Our Lady of the Rock.
Kotor Beaches
If you travel to Kotor in the summer months, be sure to check out the beautiful beaches in the area.
Kotor Beach, close to the port, is popular with tourists, while Pirate Bar, Morinj Beach and Bajova Kula are nearer to Perast. In addition, the beaches of Budva, about 23 kilometers from Kotor, are also beautiful locales worth exploring.
Dining in Kotor
Kotor’s coastal location ensures that seafood is a vital component of the cuisine. As well, meat dishes are quite popular. The region’s cuisine bears strong Italian and Turkish influences, with Italian baked goods and cheeses, along with kebab varieties and even casseroles and baklava, available in restaurants. We recommend the cevapi meatballs and pita visnja (cherry pie)!
Transportation in Kotor
Kotor is a highly walkable town, with most sites accessible by foot; and vehicle entry to the Old Towni s prohibited. The Kotor Blue Line Buses offer transport to the surrounding villages and towns; buses also depart from the Kotor Main Bus Station, about 600 meters from the city center.
Nightlife and Festivals in Kotor
In addition to historic sites and natural beauties, Kotor offers various festivals and events throughout the year. These include:
Kotor Carnival: the town’s symbolic festival, the carnival takes place in February and is known as Festanje. Dance, theater and musical performances are held, and masks are often worn by attendees.
Dan Svetog Tripuna: The origins of this January festival date to the ninth century and the erection of the fortification walls. Music and dance performances take place throughout the town.
International Fashion Festival: Held in July, this festival brings together world-famous designers and other fashion insiders, especially those from Italy.
Boka Night: Held in August, this festival features decorated boats sailing from the harbor to the sea, along with magnificent fireworks displays.
Where to Stay in Kotor?
Kotor offers various accommodation options ranging from mid- to upscale. Most are located along the shore or in the Old Town.
Transportation from Tivat Airport to city center
Tivat Airport is about 10 km from Kotor. Taxis, private transfers and car rentals with Turkish Airlines privileges are available at Tivat Airport.
Have a nice trip!
