The old town of Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. It was succeeded in preserving its original form, so typical of towns between the XII and the XIV century. The asymmetric structure of the narrow streets and squares, combined with the numerous valuable monuments of medieval architecture, contributed to Kotor being placed on UNESCO’s “The world natural and cultural inheritance” list.
The cultural inheritance of this town is enriched by the unique architectural styles and the ambient atmosphere. The fortification system of Kotor, which protects it from the sea, is actually a wall 4.5 kilometer long, 20 meter high and 15 meter wide, and is preserved as one of the world’s historic values.
Construction and Buildings of Kotor Stari Grad
The construction of the ramparts was initiated in the Illyrian age and they were built and rebuilt up to the XVIII century. The oldest town gate, of the three existing in the town, is the “South” gate which was partially constructed in the IX century. The “North” and the “Main” gates were build in the renaissance style by the first half of the XVI century. The most representative monument of Roman architecture in the Adriatic is the magnificent Cathedral of St. Tryphon’s, constructed in 1166 and built on the remains of the former temple from the IX century. There are the remains of the frescos from the XIV century and the valuable treasury with domestic and Venetian golden works dating from the XIV to the XX century. Besides the cathedral, in the hart of the town, there are magnificent examples of sacral architecture originating from XII till XX century.
– The Romanic church of St. Lucas was built during the reign of the great ruler Nemanja and his son Vukan in 1195.
– The Roman church of St. Ana dates from the end of the XII century and has fresco’s dating back from the XV century.
– The Roman church of St. Mary dates from 1221. The church contains the remains of a monumental fresco painting as well as an early Christian baptistry.
– The Gothic church of St. Mihovil was built on the remains of the Benediction monastery from the VII century with fresco’s dating back from XV century.
– St. Clara’s church dates from the XIV century with the extremely beautiful marble altar, the work of Francesco Cabianca, from the XVIII century.
– The Church of Lady of health originates from the XV century.
– The Orthodox Church of St. Nicolas was built by the beginning of the XX century with a valuable collection of icons.
There are also numerous palaces in the Kotor Stari Grad : the Drago palace with Gothic windows from the XV century, the Bizanti palace from the XVII century, the Pima palace, with typical renaissance and baroque forms from the XVI century the Grubonja palace with the built-in emblem of the old Kotor’s pharmacy established in 1326; the Grgurina palace, from the XVII century, which today contains the Naval museum, and finally the Clock tower, from the XVI century, with the medieval pillory just beside it.
Accommodation in Kotor’s old town
Kotor’s old town as one of the most important sights of Montenegro, and a large increase in international interest in recent years, it has a wide range of accommodation. Because the UNESCO historical heritage, no new accommodations may be built. In addition to these legal requirements, there is simply no available space for it. The increase in accommodation in the old city therefore consists of converted and renovated buildings. This especially in the former villas of the prominent families from Kotor. The city itself is also still inhabited. So private rooms are also rented out during the high season for extra income. Due to these conditions, the accommodations retain their charm and let the guests immerse themselves in the history of the old city.
Accommodation in Kotor’s old town
Best accommodation in Kotor’s old town € 0 – € 50 per night.
- Guesthouse BiT Accommodation – Guesthouse BiT Accommodation is located in the center of Kotor and features rooms with free Wi-Fi. The property is located in the Kotor Stari Grad district. At the guest house, the rooms are equipped with a wardrobe. Rooms at Guesthouse BiT Accommodation have shared bathroom facilities and offer mountain views.
- Location– Kotor’s old town.
- Facilities : Free Wi-Fi, Ironing Facilities, Ironing Facilities, Ironing Facilities, Airport Shuttle, Ironing Facilities, Ironing Facilities, Airport Shuttle (surcharge).
- Guesthouse Adriatic – Located in the Old Town of Kotor, Guesthouse Adriatic offers 3-star rooms with free Wi-Fi. Popular attractions nearby are the Kotor clock tower and the Zeepoort. The Sveti Nikola Church is a 1-minute walk away and the North Gate is a 1-minute walk from the Guesthouse. Some rooms are equipped with a kitchen with a refrigerator. Kotor Cathedral, Sveti Tryphon is a 2-minute walk from the Guesthouse and the river gate is a 2-minute walk away.
- Location – Kotor’s old town.
- Facilities : Free Wi-Fi, City view, Extra Long Beds (> 2 meters).
Best accommodation in Kotor’s old town € 50 – € 100 per night.
- Apartment Palata Bizanti – Apartment Palata Bizanti is located in the historic center of Kotor, 500 meters from the beach. The apartment is housed in a traditional stone building and features air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The apartment consists of a living room and a kitchenette with dining area. The bathroom is equipped with a shower and a washing machine. The nearest supermarket is only 30 meters away. You can easily visit attractions, as well as numerous bars and restaurants serving traditional and international cuisine.
- Location – Kotor’s old town.
- Facilities : Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Flat-screen TV, City View, Airport Shuttle (surcharge).
Best Hotels in Kotor € 100 – € 150 per night.
- Historic boutique hotel Cattaro – Uniquely decorated rooms with a modern and elegant design revive the cultural heritage of the city. The interior is decorated with artwork inspired by the sea. Historic boutique Hotel Cattaro officially became a member of the association of Historic Hotels of Europe (HHE) from March 1st 2017, a leading association that includes exciting, intriguing, fascinating but above all unique accommodations. This hotel is part of the old city walls of Kotor and offers views of the Kotor Bay. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with luxury toiletries, bathrobes and slippers.
- Location – Kotor’s old town.
- Facilities : Restaurant (à la carte) and buffet, Secured parking (surcharge), Free Wi-Fi Internet access, Terrace, Spa and wellness facilities, Bicycle rental, Bar, Airport shuttle, Laundry (surcharge), Ironing service (surcharge), Luggage storage, Tour desk, Express check-in / check-out, Snack Bar, Concierge Service, ATM / Cash Machine on site, Breakfast in the Room, Car Hire, Room Service, Bridal Suite, Ticket Service, Babysitting / Child Services (surcharge), Meeting / Banquet Facilities.
- Villa Duomo – Villa Duomo, once the most beautiful noble houses of its time, transformed into a first-class hotel, is quietly situated in the heart of Kotor. Timeless design and comfort of the old palazzo from the Renaissance has not affected the luxury and charm of the villa. All 13 luxury apartments are furnished with exclusive, handmade furniture and high-quality accessories. Each room has plasma screens with satellite TV, a DVD player and an international direct telephone line.
- Location – Kotor’s old town.
- Facilities : Breakfast in the room, Free Wi-Fi Internet access, Terrace, Garden, Car hire, Safety deposit box, Airport shuttle, Laundry (surcharge), Ironing service (surcharge), Dry cleaning (surcharge), Luggage storage, Sauna, Express check-in / check-out, 24-hour front desk, Childcare (surcharge).
- Boutique hotel Astoria – This hotel offers nine rooms, a restaurant, a lounge bar, a covered terrace next to the walls of the Old Town of Kotor, as well as a terrace in front of the hotel serving international cuisine and traditional and modern cuisine. The hotel is furnished to the highest standards and is categorized as a 4-star hotel. The interior of the rooms combines old stone elements with modern design.
- Location – Kotor’s old town.
- Facilities : Restaurant (à la carte), Free parking, Free Wi-Fi Internet access, Terrace, Mini-bar, Bar, Airport shuttle, Laundry, Ironing service, Luggage storage, Tour desk, 24-hour front desk, Bicycle rental (surcharge).
Best Hostels in Kotor’s old town
- Old town hostel – Housed in the old town of Kotor, built in the 13th century, the hostel consists of two parts, Old Town East Wing Hostel and Old Town West Wing Hostel. Each of the dormitories has a private bathroom with shower and toillete. You will also find a small kitchenette and a washing machine in the dorms and rooms. In both wings there is a larger, fully equipped kitchen for more extensive cooking. It also has its own library and personal lockers.
- Location – Old town of Kotor.
- Facilities : Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Laundry, Airport Shuttle, Bicycle Rental, Shared Kitchen, 24-Hour Reception, Shared Lounge / TV Area, Luggage Storage, Entertainment Staff, Express Check-In / Check-Out.
- Hostel Pupa – This hostel is located next to the old town and 5 meters from the sea. This stone building is 150 years old and has just been completely renovated. The hostel has 4 large rooms (28 people) with a lounge area and a large shared bathroom. Some rooms have a terrace or a patio. It features a sun terrace and water sports facilities. It is a 2-minute walk to the heart of the old town.
- Location – Old town of Kotor.
- Facilities : Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Airport Shuttle, Terrace, 24-Hour Reception, By the Sea, Lockers, Canoeing (surcharge), Bicycle Rental (surcharge), Car Hire.
Tours in Kotor old town
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