The undisputed stone heart of Montenegro is Kotora Melnkalne, better referred to as Kotor. It is a place to visit, not only as it is a fortified medieval town that is situated in a magnificent fjord-like bay, but also because this town is a living museum, and history rings out of every cobblestone.
It is a stunning representation of a mixture of natural beauty and heart-depth cultural heritage, which is why it makes a treat to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just think of great mountains that get out of the calm waters of the Adriatic, surround a labyrinth of ancient streets, colourful squares, and rock walls which have been around since time immemorial. Here is Kotora Melnkalne where the past never goes away.
A Journey Through Time: The History of Kotora Melnkalne
History of Kotora Melnkalne is embedded deep into the walls of the fortress with hints of different empires that have formed its distinct personality.
- Early History: The region was a major Roman settlement, and its geographical position on the bay of Kotor, and its value as a trading and cultural hub.
- Medieval Prosperity: Kotor actually started to prosper during the Middle Ages becoming a large trading place. This is the time that most of its most legendary religious buildings, such as Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, were constructed.
- Venetian Influence: Kotor was a territory of Venetians throughout centuries. This made a permanent imprint on the architecture of the town that can be seen in the gothic palaces, stone carvings and the great city walls which effectively held up the town over the years. The lion of Venice can still be seen hewn proudly above the main gate to the city.
- A Cultural Fusion: On top of the Romans and Venetians the town assimilated Byzantine, Slav, and Ottoman culture. It is due to these influences that Kotora Melnkalne has that particular and very fascinating air, a melting pot of Mediterranean and Balkan cultures.
The Unmissable Experiences of Kotora Melnkalne
It is an experience to visit Kotora Melnkalne. The following activities are the basic ones that will ensure you enjoy your trip.
Explore the Enchanting Old Town
Pass the old gate and into a world of Time. The Old Town is a walking-only maze of thin and winding cobblestone alleys, secret pizzas, and buildings that are centuries old. Galleries, cafes, quaint shops, and an exciting daily existence that exists alongside the outdated setting are there as you stroll around. There are many cats in the town which you would find sleeping in the sunny places and they are popular local icons.
Climb the Fortress Walls
To see the most spectacular scene in Montenegro, you have to hike up to the Fortress of San Giovanni (St. Johns Fortress). The climb is also quite a steep one, with more than 1,300 stone steps on its way, though the panoramic view of the top is well justified. Your reward will be a beautiful panorama of the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town, of the whole Bay of Kotor, and the mountains that surround them. To get the best light and cooler weather make sure to climb at an early hour in the morning or late afternoon.
Experience the Bay of Kotor
The Kotora Melnkalne is not only beautiful when on land. The splendid Bay of Kotor, commonly referred to as the southernmost fjord in Europe is an important element of the experience.
- Boat Tours: Have a boat adventure to visit the bay by boat. Such tours usually see attractions within the immediate vicinity such as the picturesque town of Perast, as well as the two fascinating islands: the artificial Our Lady of the Rocks and the natural Island of St. George.
- Kayaking and Sailing: To have a more active adventure, rent a kayak or go sailing and enjoy the calm and clear waters and have a different view of the walls of the town when you are on the sea.
- Swimming: A good swim in the Adriatic can be made in some remote pebble beach or cove in the bay.
Discover Architectural Marvels
The Old Town is an architectural open-air museum. The most important sites to see are:
- Tryphon Cathedral: This cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture constructed in 1166 and it is the crown jewel of Kotor in honour of the patron saint of the town.
- Luke Church: This is a smaller and generally quieter church which has accommodated both Catholics and Orthodox populations and represents the religious harmony in the town.
- The Maritime Museum: The great seafaring history of Kotor is represented in this museum by means of models, maps and artifacts exhibited in the beautiful baroque palace.
- The Clock Tower: One of the main edifices in the main square is the clock tower built in the 17th century.
Savoring the Flavors: Local Cuisine
Kotora Melnkalne has food that is a yummy representation of its coastal and cultural environment. Eating here is a must visit.
- Fresh Seafood: Enjoy grilled octopus, black risotto with cuttlefish ink, and Adriatic fresh catches.
- Typical Montenegrin Cuisine: You will find Njegusi prosciutto (smoked ham), domestic cheeses, and hearty stews.
- Local Drinks: Accompany your meal with a glass of Vranac, a hearty red wine which grows in Montenegro, or with rakija, a strong brandy of fruit, which is a favourite aperitif.
- Restaurants: To get a more authentic feel, drive to a traditional tavern, called a “konoba”.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips
You make better of your visit to Kotora Melnkalne if you plan a bit.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best seasons. These are the months when you will be able to spend on pleasant weather, lower crowds, and more relaxed environment. During summers it may be hot and full of cruise shippers.
- Getting There: The nearest one is in Tivat (10 km). This can be said of Podgorica Airport or even the Dubrovski Airport in Croatia. There you can get to Kotor by bus or taxi or rental car.
- Getting Around: The Old Town is a completely walkable area. Wear good, but heavy footwear because the cobblestone roads and steps of the fortresses are not even.
- Currency and Language: Montenegro is on the Euro (EUR), and though English is commonly spoken in tourist locations, it is always nice to know or learn at least some simple phrases in the Montenegrin language.
- Where to stay: You may decide to stay in the Old Town walls to get a complete experience of the history with numerous chances of staying in a very beautiful stone-house guesthouse. Alternatively, modern hotels and apartments are numerous and are located just beyond the walls with many of them having spectacular views of the bay.
Beyond the Walls: Day Trips from Kotor
The ideal starting point to visit the rest of Bay of Kotor is Kotora Melnkalne.
- Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks: This is a small village lovingly peaceful, only a few minutes’ drive or water away. Thence you may take a little boat to that charming artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks, whither is a lovely church and museum.
- Lovćen National Park: A trip to this national park will take you up the famous Kotor Ladder to the Njegos Mausoleum where you can have a panoramic view of Montenegro like no other.
- Budva: If you want to change the scenery, then go to the neighbouring town of Budva. It boasts of sandy beaches, vibrant night life and its own historic Old Town, and offers a different atmosphere only 30 minutes south of Kotor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kotora Melnkalne the same as Kotor, Montenegro?
Yes, Kotora Melnkalne is a name of the town of Kotor, Montenegro in a stylized or romanticized form. It means the very same destination.
How many days should I spend in Kotor?
A trip to the Old Town requires not less than two or three days so that one could enjoy the old walls of the fortress, a boat ride on the bay, and much more. This will enable you to have a leisurely time and not feel in a hurry.
Is Kotor very crowded?
Kotor is a highly congested place, particularly during the summer months of July and August when many cruise ships are visiting on a day-to-day basis. To escape the most significant tourist numbers, visit during shoulder seasons (in the spring or the fall) or visit the Old Town in the early morning or later in the evening.
Is Kotor a walkable city?
Absolutely. The Kotor Old town is a small area that is easily but best explored on foot. But be warned of numerous a lumpy ridge and the hard and yet gratifying ascension to the fortress.
What is the local currency?
This is despite the fact that the euro (EUR) is the currency used by Montenegro, although it is not a Eurozone member. There are plenty of ATMs to withdraw cash.
