Exploring the charms of Kotor, Montenegro
Among the destinations along the Adriatic coast, Montenegro remains a rather exotic choice for visitors. Following the war on the Balkans and years of transition as part of the loose federation of "Serbia and Montenegro", the area has only recently started experimenting with independence, officially becoming the Republic of Montenegro in 2006 and using the EURO as its official currency. Consequently, tourism here is yet far less developed than in neighboring countries such as Croatia or Italy. Yet for that very reason, sailing into the Bay of Kotor and exploring the coastline of Montenegro remains a unique exotic and enriching experience for visitors with memories bound to last a lifetime.
The town of Kotor is located in the most secluded part of the Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor), among the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea and often called the "southernmost Fjord of Europe". Some geologists have suggested, however, that the Bay of Kotor may in fact be a submerged river bed. With a population of about 15 000 Kotor has become a moderately busy seaside resort with a highly picturesque and well-preserved Old Town. Between 1420 and 1797, Kotor and surroundings were under the influence of the Republic of Venice and Venetian architecture remains among the dominant styles to be found around the Old Town. The city is surrounded by an impressive medieval city wall, well preserved and protected by UNESCO. The wall varies in thickness between 6 and 50 feet at an average height of 65 feet. Although most of the wall was built during Venetian rule in the 17th and 18th century, some parts date back as early as the 9th century.
Towards the dock area, we find the main gate to cross under the city wall into Old Town Kotor. What awaits us here are cobble-stone squares and narrow alleyways with assymetric structures along with impressive historic monuments, of which the Cathedral of St. Tryphon and the region's Maritime Museum may merit special attention. Due to the well-preserved nature of monuments and the architectural homogeneity of Kotor as a medieval gem, the city was placed under UNESCO protection and takes pride in preserving its culturo-historic heritage. Towards the back of the Old Town, we find the 1500 stairs that lead up to the Fortress of Kotor. Upon payment of 3 Euros admission, visitors are treated to magnificent views over the town and Bay of Kotor, as with each set of steps, new vistas and impressions present themselves. The hike up to the fortress and back into town may last anywhere between 40 and 60 minutes depending on speed and rest times.
Finally, nothing may be more memorable than sailing forth from the city into the Bay of Kotor. For centuries, this Bay marked the border between Venetian and Ottoman rule and Habsburg and Serb territory respectively. It ranks among the most scenic stretches of coastline anywhere in the Mediterranean, featuring the small islands of St. George's with its monastery and the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rock with its magnificent church. Against the backdrop of the small coastal town of PERAST and the high black mountains that give the name to the country of Montenegro, sailing past these two islands en route to the narrow Strait of Verige and the open Adriatic Sea, remains among the most special experiences of any visit in this part of the Mediterranean.
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