Kotor Fortress
Perched high on a hill above the fortified city of Kotor, Saint John’s Castle (San Giovanni) offers breathtaking views. Reaching the medieval fortress, which encompasses the old town, involves a challenging hike up the steep slopes of San Giovanni Hill, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic vistas from the upper ramparts. The summit of the castle, now mostly in ruins, overlooks the city and the surrounding bay. It also provides sweeping views of the dramatic mountains on both sides of the bay, a strategic advantage that undoubtedly influenced its original construction.
Originally settled by the Illyrians, Kotor Fortress has undergone numerous periods of reconstruction and fortification. The Byzantines strengthened the defenses in the 6th century, and later, the Venetians, during the 15th century, significantly expanded and improved the fortifications. The impressive structures and ramparts we see today are largely a testament to the Venetians’ engineering prowess.
Church of Our Lady of Remedy
One of the coolest churches you’ll ever hike up a hill to see is also the site of the oldest building in Kotor. Located atop the original structure dating back to the 6th century, the Church of Our Lady of Remedy is a Roman Catholic church accessible only by foot. The good news is it’s only about halfway up the hill, and the medieval stone stairway is mostly in good condition. The views from the vista point in front of the church are breathtaking.
SL Tip: Bring some cat food with you on the hike for the numerous friendly and cuddly cats that inhabit the area.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kotor and its fortress were inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979. Tragically, that same year, a devastating earthquake struck, causing significant damage to many buildings in Kotor, including portions of the fortifications.
Subsequently, extensive rehabilitation efforts have been undertaken, with the European Commission and other international organizations playing a crucial role in supporting the restoration of this historically significant site. This influx of investment capital has undoubtedly provided a significant economic boost to Kotor.
Over the past two decades, Kotor has witnessed a surge in tourism, with a dramatic increase in visitors flocking to the old town and bay. Cruise ships docking at the marina have become a major contributor to this influx of tourists.
Have Fun Storming the Castle
Accessing Kotor Fortress begins within the old town. While there are multiple entry points, the most convenient is the Sea Gate, which opens onto Arms Square.
Once inside the historic center, you’re already within the fortified walls of Kotor. However, to reach the fortress itself, you’ll need to navigate to the northeastern part of the old town and locate the road of St. Ivan. You’ll spot a beautiful archway constructed in 1760 to commemorate the newly built road leading to the fortress.
From the archway, continue down the street for a short distance until you encounter the steps that mark the beginning of your ascent. At the entrance to the trail, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 8 euros.