The Old Town Kotor

Churches, secret terrace and pleased cats

If you happen to find yourself in Montenegro, you should see... Every story about interesting places should  be started with these words. But we are not going to bore you with advice, just show you an old part of Kotor (you should really going there). Old Kotor town is more than 2 thousand years. All this time it had remained one of the most important sea port and sales centers of Adriatica. Here behind the defensive wall, mansions of rich families, churches, towers and fountains are preserved. All these are under UNESCO protection today. As a matter of fact, the whole town is a museum, just manage to move your head around and take photos. Let's not tell about all sightseeing in Kotor, but stand out some of the most unusual places. Besides, take a free map in a stand near main gates, it is very easy to navigate with it.

If enter the town through the Main gates (Sea), you will see a small bas-relief of the 15th century in the arc from the left side. It is Mother and Child with Saints Tryphon and Bernard. There is an unnoticed shelf, where the hands of medieval thieves were cut. On the Armory square, next to clock tower of the 17th century, there is whipping post. Take a picture to cheer you friends. There is also an impressive derelict building of old prison. But enough of medieval horrors, let's go further. Behind the Church of St. Nikolas, the spring is exhaled from the wall. There is a ladder near, by which one can get to a secret stone terrace mantled with greens. It is quiet, fresh and beautiful. And a small Church of St. Luke of the 12th century even is unique.

Primarily it was Catholic church, but in the 17th century Orthodox ceremonies started to be held here. Since then there are 2 altars, Orthodox and Catholic. You probably may notice, that dozens, if not hundreds of cats run of the streets of Old Kotor.

Cats are not welcome across Montenegro, but in Kotor cats considered an unofficial symbol of the town. They are feed and not kicked. If you want to see crowds of cats happy with their lives, go straight to the fountain near River gates (Northern). This is their favorite place.

But, probably, we like Kotor the most of being alive town. People and tourists live in 300 year old houses. Here, geranium and petunia blossom in flower pots standing on ancient balconies, fresh clean laundry dries on the rope in quiet patios, tanned children play near ancient fountains, by evenings bars and restaurants get filled with people talking all languages of the world. The town is breathing.