Situated amid the shimmering Adriatic coast, mélange of history, myth and natural beauty, Kotor nestles in the town with marble, ashlar and limestone buildings. Located in Montenegro, its cobblestone streets, Venetian charm and turquoise lagoons are making this jewel a destination loved by travelers. Although there are picturesque views, Kotor also has curious tales, as well as fascinating experiences that remain in memory for a long time after you leave.
Cats: The Guardians of Kotor
Kotor’s locals legends are furry cats on the streets rather than boulevard fountains. The cats were introduced into Kotor to fight an infestation of mice, a port city historically. They roam freely today, surviving on pest control with a legacy. These cats are well fed, by local restauranteurs, and according to local tour guides they are well taken care of even though their appearance may have folks worried.
These animals are so key to Kotor’s identity that they grace souvenir, postcard and even a dedicated cat museum. And for travelers, seeing these cats lazing upon the sun or snoozing by old city walls, is literally one of the most whimsical things you’ll see on your journey.
Quirks of Kotor’s Clock Tower
An intriguing clock tower stands, 500 years old, in the heart of the Old City of Kotor. Upon closer inspection, its Roman numerals reveal an anomaly: Although the number four is different than the rest. Unlike the standard “IV” it consists of “IIII.” But that quirk is extremely rare for modern clock towers (Big Ben alone follows the traditional Roman numeral ‘IV’ depiction).
It is, of course, a little strange detail, and a good emblem of Kotor’s singular charm, and a combination of history and idiosyncrasies that characterize the city.
Nature’s Palette: The Turquoise Waters of Kotor
Magical turquoise shines in the moats, lagoons as the landscape of the old city does. This is what makes this shimmer so distinctive: seawater and natural freshwater mixing together to form a color that can’t really be described.
My partner laughed and told me my poetic attempts at describing the ethereal beauty ‘It’s just a bit blue, and a bit green.’ To those who have been there it is alive and represents the spirit of Kotor itself.
Kotor’s Renaissance
It preserves its past, not just, but also embraces a promising future. A 38 year old who has a Masters degree in Economy from Singapore, Montenegro’s new Prime Minister has introduced progressive policies that have turned around the nation. Salaries and pensions have increased, a departure from austerity tactics of other countries in times of political change.
Since the COVID pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there has been a huge wave of immigrants from all over the globe due to this newfound prosperity. Increasing real estate prices have been driven by that demand for housing, but it’s also breathed new life into Kotor’s communities.
A Lady of the Rock Visit
A boat ride to the Lady of the Rock is an essential part of no trip to Kotor. It is steeped in myth and romance, with very little information about the 15th century artifical island. It’s said that sailors who came into the bay would chuck a rock into the water and over the centuries the island was formed from the rocks that every sailor added.
Across a stone’s throw away is a working monastery on another small island, but the relative tranquility is often marred by the playful visits of its passers-by. Once, a family strained to clamber over the rocky shore, to drop down into sun chairs exhausted.
A Farewell to Remember
Nature gave us an awesome send off as our cruise ship pulled out of Kotor. Sun painted that horizon in colors no camera could resist, and Dolphins leaped at the stern, as if they were waving us goodbye. Remnants of wartime submarine tunnels stood awaiting history on the starboard side, now overridden by modern rubbish: polystyrene, a chilling reminder of man’s toll of nature.
We had left Kotor stepping out of a dream one that was saturated with vibrant stories, infinite traditions and indelible moments. Kotor is a small Montenegrin city, frequented by people in search of some history, who appreciate the natural beauty but also seek just a slight bit of whimsy in each corner, and every corner of Kotor has its own story to tell.
Jackson Reed is an avid traveler and adventure seeker, sharing tips and stories from around the globe to inspire your next journey.
