Hiking path to the fortress of St. Ivan

If to face the mountain above Old Town in Kotor and look up, you will see a defensive wall weaving fancily over the mountainside. There are small figures of people climbing up and going down the fortress. The wall 4km long was being rebuilt and reinforced from the 9th till 19th century. St. Ivan's fortress is located 280 meters above the sea. You should get in here to see breath-taking panorama of Boka-Kotor Bay.

It is often advised to start you way early morning, but we consider sunset, about 6p.p. is an ideal time. The heat is slackening and sunset sky is beautiful in particular. It is better to start from the eastern part of Old Town. You should come under an ancient arc near Grubonja Palace, this is the start. You should buy a ticket (3 Euro per person) in daytime. After 9p.m. checkman is leaving and you can come free.

By the way, it is necessary to take water and walking shoes (training shoes better) - there are 1300 of steep stairs, sometimes very damaged. 

Actually those who is not certain about his/her strength, can reach the first "milestone" Church of Our Lady of Health. It takes just 15 minutes and the view becomes spectacular. Climbing to the fortress, where Montenegrin flag waving in the breeze, takes 40-60 minutes (it depends how often to stop to take breath and admire beautiful nature). Finally having reached the top, you cannot recover from a delight and start shooting everything: mountains in clouds, golden expanse of the bay with microscopic ships and boats, mosaics of roofs and streets. And just after this you start examining an old fortress. There are walls remaining from some structures or just foundation from others. If to look down to the mountains, one can see some residential houses, grazing goats and horses - and this is from such a height you cannot reach by car! Of course, it is useless to tell about splendid landscapes and atmosphere here. You should see and feel it.

 

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