From Old Town to Fortress Views
If you’re visiting Kotor, spending time in the UNESCO-listed Old Town is a must. Take time to explore the maze of narrow stone streets, historic squares, and centuries-old buildings at your own pace. Along the way, you’ll come across landmarks like St. Tryphon Cathedral, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architecture.
Beyond Old Town, Kotor also offers so much — from panoramic viewpoints high above the bay to scenic boat trips and incredible dining spots. Here are the top things to see and do in Kotor:
Top Highlights in Kotor Old Town:
- St. Tryphon Cathedral: 12th-century Romanesque cathedral with stunning frescoes
- St. Luke’s Church (Crkva Svetog Luke): 12th-century Romanesque and Byzantine church; reflecting both Catholic and Orthodox heritage
- St. Nicolas Church: Serbian Orthodox Church with striking domes and icons
- St. Claire’s Church: 18th-century church, attached to the Franciscan Monastery
- Kotor City Walls: Stretching 4.5 km up the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the Old Town and Bay of Kotor
- Maritime Museum of Montenegro: Showcasing Kotor’s rich seafaring history
- Old Town Squares: From Trg od Oružja to Trg Sv. Tripuna, every square is filled with cafés, artisan shops, and historic charm
- Get Lost In The Old town: Find all the cute kitties around the Old Town- so many! so cute!
Travel Tip: Start your day early in Kotor to beat the cruise ship crowds!
Don’t miss hiking the city walls for a breathtaking view of the bay below. If mornings aren’t your style, this hike can also be a stunning way to end the day as the sun sets over the town.
Where to start the exploration?
Enter through the iconic Sea Gate, the main gateway to the Old Town of Kotor, and you’ll immediately feel transported back in time.
From there, follow the main pedestrian streets as they wind through charming squares and narrow limestone alleyways, naturally leading you deeper into the historic center.
Before long, you’ll arrive at St. Tryphon Cathedral, one of Kotor’s most important cultural and architectural landmarks. The wandering is incredibly scenic—making it the perfect introduction to the Old Town’s timeless charm.
1. Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
Built in 1166, the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is one of very few Roman Catholic Churches in Montenegro and is quite the sight to see with the vertical black mountains in the background.
The overwhelming majority of Montenegrins are Eastern Orthodox Christians, yet St. Tryphon Catholic Cathedral remains a strong symbol in the city center.
2. St. Luke Church*
Nearby on the square Piazza Greca in Kotor, is the church of Sveti Luka (St. Luke) which has traits of both Roman and Byzantine architecture.
Originally constructed as a Catholic church in 1195, the church today is significant because of the fact that it has two altars, a Catholic and a Serbian Orthodox one* with each faith still taking turns to hold services here.
St Luke’s Church speaks volumes about the history of Croat-Serb relations in Kotor and is a testimony about the harmonious co-existence of Catholic and Orthodox people.
The Catholic Church has since gifted it to the Orthodox Church as a gesture of coexistence. ❤️☮️
Today, it’s fully Orthodox, but fragments of 12th-century frescoes remain visible, offering a window into the city’s medieval artistic heritage.
3. St. Nicolas Church
Located on the northern part of the old town, St. Nicolas is one of the most beautiful and important Serbian Orthodox Church in Kotor.
Its twin bell towers with black domes, topped with golden crosses gifted from Russia, make it instantly recognizable. A stunning mosaic adorns the facade above the entrance, with the Serbian flag displayed just above it, adding a vibrant touch to the church’s striking appearance
Built in 1909, St. Nicholas is relatively “new” compared to Kotor’s medieval churches, yet its grand architecture and vibrant details make it a must-see stop when exploring the Old Town.
4. St. Claire’s Church
One of Kotor’s quieter treasures, and often overlooked by visitors wandering the Old Town. St. Claire’s Church dates back to the 18th century and sits tucked next to the Franciscan Monastery, enhancing its historic and spiritual charm.
The church’s modest yet elegant architecture and peaceful interior provide a welcome contrast to the busier streets of Kotor, making it a perfect spot for reflection or a quiet pause while exploring.
5. Get lost in Kotor
Yes, this is part of the Itinerary!
Narrow stone alleyways wind through the historic town, revealing hidden courtyards, gardens, and fountains around every corner. Each unknown turn offers timeless charm and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a place to want to get lost.
For the next several hours, we walked the cobblestone alleyways and soaked up all of the architecture and history. We poked our heads into every lantern shop … Couldn’t help ourselves by to marvel at the intricate designs of all of the mosaic lamps.
Also couldn’t resist loving on the friendly stray cats that lounged in the windowsills of the streets.
Fun Fact: Cats are everywhere in Montenegro! They lounge on stone walls, curl up in alleyways, and even greet visitors in cafés. If you’re a cat lover, this charming Old Town will absolutely steal your heart. 🐈
Kotor’s Green-Shuttered Streets
The historic stone houses of Kotor, with their signature green shutters and orange-tiled roofs, sit beautifully preserved within the city walls. Many date back hundreds of years and reflect Venetian and Mediterranean influences, with wrought-iron balconies that make wandering the Old Town feel like stepping back in time.
Highly recommend just wandering with no agenda here.
6. Kotor’s Fortifications and St. John’s Fortress
St. John’s Fortress clings to the mountainside, while the zigzagging Ladder of Kotor stretches down toward the Old Town below (as seen in the photo below). During the day, the city wall and St. John’s Fortress are camouflaged against the landscape of the black mountains.
Even from a distance, you can appreciate just how steep and dramatic the climb is — a winding ribbon of stone steps that has challenged visitors for centuries.
At night, lights illuminate the wall and reveal the full magnificence of its fortification.
History of the Stairway to the Sky?
Massive stone fortifications built during the Venetian period entirely encircle the old city of Kotor, standing as a testament to centuries of architectural endurance.
These walls helped earn Kotor a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List as part of the “Venetian Works of Defense” for their cultural and historical significance.
After a day exploring Kotor’s Old Town, visitors can take on one of Montenegro’s most iconic hikes—climbing the city walls to St. John’s Fortress. This challenging ascent rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views over the Bay of Kotor, making it a must-do experience.
How to Hike to St. John’s Fortress?
There are two main ways to hike up:
- Official City Walls Route: Most visitors start within the Old Town and follow the stone steps that zig‑zag up the hillside toward the fortress.
- It’s about 1,350 steps and takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour (longer if you stop for photos).
- Along the way you pass landmarks like the Church of Our Lady of Remedy — a lovely little resting point with early views over the rooftops.
- Ladder of Kotor Trail: For the more adventurous (and budget‑minded), the Ladder of Kotor is a rugged, switchback path outside the Old Town.
- This route is FREE and offers a wilder experience, but it’s longer and less maintained than the main path. (see video below)
Tips for the Hike?
- Wear sturdy shoes — the steps are old stone and can be slippery, especially in rain like Jeff’s day
- Bring water and sun protection (or a rain jacket), because there’s very little shade on the ascent
- Start early or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and cruise crowds
- Even in rain, the views of the red‑tiled roofs climbing toward the mountains and the bay far below are unforgettable — and totally worth the effort.
Cost & Practical Details:
To access the official fortress path and reach St. John’s Fortress itself, there’s a ticket fee — generally around €15 per person in 2025–26, payable at a small booth near the entrance inside the old town.If you choose the Ladder route, you can often hike up without paying (though this varies by season and access control).
With over 70 switchbacks on a trail with long history, here are the phenomenal views of the Bay of Kotor after climbing ~940 meters on Ladder of Kotor, then back down nearly ~1,400 steps to town:
CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO >> SKIP TO 2:20 AND 3:58 AND 5:35 FOR SOME OF THE BEST VIEWS OF THE BAY OF KOTOR!
Meanwhile, back at our rental balcony, I soaked in the sweeping bay views and Jeff’s triumphant (if somewhat soggy) defeat of the mountain.
Sometimes in travel, one person chases heights and views; the other just enjoys them with wine in hand 🍷.
More Details on our Rental (via booking.com) — Link for Apartments Magic Sea View (click here)
The next day we headed to ‘Our Lady of the Rocks’ Catholic Church floating on an artificial island in Perast, Montenegro— more details HERE!
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