Kotor (Montenegrin: Котор; pronounced [kɔ̌tɔr]) is a coastal town in Montenegro. Despite its small size, the city is of great historical and architectural importance, and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.
Founded by the Romans in 168 BC, the city was then called Acruvium. In 535, Emperor Justinian built a fortress in the city. In 1002, it was invaded and plundered by the Bulgarian Empire. In 1185, it came under the rule of the Serbian Kingdom and became an important trading port. Between 1371 and 1384, it changed hands between the Hungarian Empire and the Republic of Venice.
In 1391, it joined the Republic of Venice against the Ottoman threat. While under Venetian rule, it was besieged by the Ottomans in 1538 and 1657.
In 1797, it came under the rule of the Habsburg Empire.
It became part of Yugoslavia in 1918.
These conquests left behind a wealth of riches, including Renaissance palaces, baroque towers and the most monumental testament, the St. Tripun Cathedral, which is more than three centuries older than the discovery of America.
Today, it is a lively, dramatic town with medieval churches, cathedrals, Venetian palaces and columns. Modern cafés, serenades and live music, narrow cobblestone streets, balconies with wrought-iron railings decorated with petunias and the famous cats that greet you at every corner.
When Carnival arrives, the streets become crowded, torches merge with fireworks and all of Kotor turns into one big spark.
Kotor’s fortifications grew on St John’s Hill from the 9th century to the 19th century. For those who miss the magnificent views over the city and the bay, there are 1,350 steps up to St John’s Fortress on the hill.
There are three gates in the Old Town, leading to nearby towns scattered around the Bay of Kotor. Kotor also has the Fairy Gate, an arched rock above the city. According to legend, only the fairy’s favorites, direct descendants of ancient sailors and founders of the city, can see her sitting on the rock and waiting for the golden ship to sail to the distant world and when it returns, confirm that Kotor is the most beautiful city in the world.
There are many myths and legends in and around Kotor. Visit Kotor and experience them all for yourself!
Kotor’da Gezilecek Yerler