Dramatically situated above the breathtaking Bay of Kotor, Kotor's Old Town is a charming blend of medieval houses, Venetian elegance, and Montenegrin flair. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Adriatic's best-preserved medieval towns, it presents to its visitors what the past is all about in its cobblestone streets, stunning stone structures, and lively squares.
For travelers who don't feel like venturing outside the fortified walls of Kotor's medieval town and enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the Montenegrin coast, a car rental kotor would be an advisable option. With the freedom of being able to drive through faraway villages, sea routes lined with unseen beauty, and national parks that surround you, traveling by your own vehicle suggests you have full freedom to enjoy whatever can be given to you by this destination. Localrent, an aggregator of car rental firms, makes it all straightforward with loads of options for travelers keen to discover Montenegro on their own.
Kotor's history is as rich and varied as its walls. The town was founded over 2,000 years ago and has been shaped by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Austrians, and Ottomans — each of whom left their own imprint on its architecture and culture in a way that cannot be forgotten.
The first mention of Kotor is in the 3rd century BC, when Illyrians occupied the area. But it was when it was under Roman rule in the 2nd century BC that the village really prospered as a strategic seashore fortress. The urban planning and construction of the Romans laid the foundations on which a thriving medieval town would later grow.
In fact, the most typical period of Kotor's history was the Venetian period of 1420-1797. During it, the Venetian Republic developed Kotor into a prosperous commercial and sea-trade town, fortified it, constructed majestic palaces, and created the typical Venetian-Gothic style of architecture typical for the town to the present day. It was during this period that Kotor's impressive fortifications were constructed, which are still one of the most impressive objects of the town.
In spite of its formidable defenses, Kotor was subjected to a number of sieges in the 16th and 17th centuries by the Ottomans. The town did not fall, but it was severely ravaged. And to that must be added two earthquakes in 1667 and 1979 which leveled some parts of the town and needed a comprehensive restoration plan. Thanks to the meticulous work in maintaining its sites, Kotor has remained faithful to its historic integrity, allowing visitors to relish its rich history.
A stroll down Kotor's alleys in its old town feels like a fairytale in the Middle Ages, every corner unfolding a secret courtyard, towering stone walls, and stunning architectural motifs.
Perhaps the most ubiquitous of Kotor's monuments is the San Giovanni Fortress, looming over town high above the town. It is 1,350 steps up a mountain-side hill to ascend, a very steep one at that. The visitors are rewarded, however, for this effort with views across the Bay of Kotor, the hills surrounding it, and red-tiled roofs far below. As the fortress itself grew and was constructed over the ages, it bears witness to how important and dogged this town really is.
St. Tryphon's 1166-constructed Cathedral, the country's best religious landmark, dominates the center of this holy city. Saved in memory of Kotor's patron saint, this Romanesque cathedral boasts lovely frescoes, a stunning altar, and relics from ancient times. Its two rebuilt bell towers, after a few earthquakes, loom menacingly high over the skyline and are a tourist-visited emblem.
The 1602 Clock Tower of Kotor is a cliff-hanger-like building situated over the middle of Trg od Oružja (Square of Arms). Ancient squares of Kotor — Trg Sv. Luke (St. Luke's Square) and Trg Sv. Tripuna (St. Tryphon's Square) — These are central squares filled with cafés, restaurants, and street artists and, therefore, good places in which to soak up the quirky ambiance of the town.
Kotor is not just about old buildings — it is a cultural, traditional, and vibrant local town.
One of the most vibrantly festive celebrations in the town is the Kotor Carnival, which occurs twice a year, in winter and summer. Traditional Montenegrin dress, music, and dance are promoted by celebrations and parades that line the streets during the carnival. The other strange tradition is the Boka Navy, a very old sea brotherhood, and it's registered on UNESCO as being of special cultural significance.
The Kotor cuisine is a rich mix of Mediterranean and Balkan cuisine. Strolling around the Old Town, one can indulge in the fresh sea food, Njeguški pršut (Montenegrin prosciutto), and mussels Buzara-style with the local wine. Eating in Kotor's old stone-wall taverns is an authentic experience of the earth.
Though Kotor Old Town cannot be missed, the rest of the country is filled with landscapes and pearls just waiting to be found with a Kotor car rental. With a car rental, guests can visit charming coastal villages, serene mountain retreats, and islands at their own convenience.
Just a 15-minute drive from Kotor, Perast is the lovely town with elegantly preserved baroque architecture and seashore quaintness. The crown jewel of Perast is the boat tour of Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny man-made island that holds a legendary church at its core.
A drive along Kotor's winding roads takes one to Lovćen National Park, and there stands the Njegoš Mausoleum. The mausoleum rests on the summit of Mount Lovćen, which provides a stunning vista over the Bay of Kotor and further. The park is also a nature enthusiast's and trekker's pit stop.
The cave of Lipa near Cetinje is amongst the largest in Montenegro, with cave systems, underground lakes, stalactites, and majestic caverns. It is an exclusive tour hidden gem for a tourist interested to visit a different perspective of nature in Montenegro.
The Old Town in Kotor is an exciting combination of architecture, history, and local tradition, which makes it among the top popular spots to be visited in Montenegro. Whether walking down its historic streets, climbing its fortification walls, or out into the countryside that lies beyond them, visitors are guaranteed to be enchanted by the timeless beauty of the town. For visitors eager to see more of the stunning Montenegrin coastline and mountain scenery, car hire through Localrent presents the perfect means of traveling beyond the city gates and exploring more of this Adriatic gem.
