Features of recreation in the city of Kotor in Montenegro

Montenegrin cities are beautiful and wonderful - all tourists who have been there know this. But you need to get acquainted with each of them separately. The city of Kotor should also be carefully examined.

The earliest known mention of Kotor dates back to 168 BC. The current name of the city is already the fifth in a row. Previously it was called:

• Acruvium;
• Askruyon;
• Decatheron;
• Cattaro.

The total area of ​​the city is 335 sq. km. The central part of Kotor is raised 16 m above sea level. In the winter time, it is in the UTC + 1 time zone, and in the summer months, the clocks are put forward one hour more.

The total population of the city in 2003 exceeded 13170 people. In addition to Montenegrins, this number includes Serbs. Therefore, the Orthodox and Catholic confessions dominate. Kotor is the main governing center of the community of the same name. It is located on the coast of the Bay of Kotor, which belongs to the Adriatic Sea basin.

In the old days, Kotor was referred to the area of ​​Dalmatia. The old part of the urban development is officially protected by UNESCO. The city has been an important cultural and commercial center for many centuries. The local population often preferred to go to sea and trade with distant countries. In memory of that era, the National Maritime Museum of Montenegro is now operating.

Additionally, these days there are:

• the Maritime Department of the main university of the country (formed on the basis of the nautical school);
• "Montenegrin Association of Marine Ship Owners";
• Voluntary Association of Maritime Transport Workers.

As it is easy to see on the map, Kotor occupies the southeast of the Bay of Kotor. The Lovcen ridge is located nearby. Along with buildings stretching along the coast, some part of the city occupies a valley in front of a rather high (260 m) hill. Bay of Kotor is notable for the fact that it is one of the deepest parts of the Adriatic Sea.

Relatively narrow necks are located between the fillers. For a long time it was believed that the Bay of Kotor is a fjord. But subsequent geological and oceanological surveys made it possible to establish that these are the remains of an ancient river canyon. In a number of popular sources, the Bay of Kotor is called the Boko-Kotor Bay. In any case, the beauty of this bay makes it one of the best in Europe.

Summer in Kotor is warm and relatively dry; the weather is humid and mild in winter. On average, the temperature is a little over 15 degrees per year. It is warmest in July (when the average temperature reaches 25 degrees). But even in the coldest January, the average monthly air temperature is more than 7 degrees.

The autumn months are slightly warmer than the spring ones. The vast majority of precipitation in Kotor falls in autumn and winter. Most often, the wind blows from the south and southeast directions. The swimming season sometimes lasts more than 140 days. All this weather splendor pleases 13000 residents of Kotor proper and 9771 residents of the suburb - Dobrota.

Curious that despite the dominance of the Orthodox denomination among the inhabitants, an inverse ratio is observed in the number of churches and their capacity. This is due to the fact that for many, many centuries, the political weight of the two communities was disproportionate to their total number. At the beginning of the 21st century, religious boundaries were largely erased, including by family ties. There are no confessional conflicts here.

At the same time, the history of Kotor knows many impressive twists and turns. There is reliable evidence that the Bay of Kotor was developed back in the Neolithic period. In ancient times, this area was inhabited by the Illyrian tribe. The city itself (called Akruvium) was built by the Roman conquerors. Both Pliny the Elder and Ptolemy mentioned him in their writings. The Byzantines gave Kotor the name Decadera (Decateron, Decatera), while there are two versions of where this name came from.

Some experts believe that it indicates an abundance of hot springs. But if you believe the emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus, then the word "Decatera" indicates a narrow sea bay. The fortress in Kotor was built by another emperor - Justinian. However, it did not stop the Arab pirates from raiding in 840 and successfully plundering the entire area.

Until the 11th century, Kotor was dominated by a Dalmatian-speaking population. But in the XI century it was renamed Cattaro. In 1185, the Byzantine era in the development of the city ended. It was then that Kotor surrendered without a fight to the victorious troops of the Serbian great zupan Stefan Nemani. After surrendering, he became a dependent state. Local authority remained intact, leaving even the authority to start and end wars.

During the Serbian period, Kotor specialized in Adriatic trade with Western European countries. From 1371 to 1420, he was as independent as before, but under the Venetian vassalage. Independence lasted from 1391-1420. After that, for more than three centuries, Kotor belonged to Venice.

Later, Kotor was controlled by:

• Austria;
• Kingdom of Italy;
• French Empire;
• Austria-Hungary;
• Serbian Kingdom;
• Italy together with the Third Reich;
• SFRY.

Such an unusual and turbulent history makes the city of Kotor very popular among tourists. Therefore, it is useful to know how to get there. And if travelers have already arrived at the place, then they should definitely visit such nearby cities as:

• Budva;
• Herceg Novi;
• Tivat;
• Saint Stephen;
• Risan.

There is a bus service between any Montenegrin cities and Kotor... The bus station is located at a distance of 700 meters from the old part of the city. You can see where to go right after leaving the building. Distance from Budva is 23 km (if you go along a short road).

The longer, but also more scenic route is 41 km. In theory, you can take the bus as well. However, there are too many places that can only be reached by car.

Tourists who land at Podgorica airport can move through Budva. However, they can go and through Cetinje... Then the road will pass along narrow mountain paths. But you can enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings. Travelers often stop and take photos. The faster route goes through the tunnel and is free of toll.

The short road is nothing more remarkable. This route is used purely for business purposes. When renting a car, it is undesirable to save on paid parking. The costs for them are still less than paying for the evacuation of the car.

Having firmly decided to get to Kotor on your own and as soon as possible, you need to use Tivat airport... This is the closest point of arrival. The problem is that you can fly to Tivat only during daylight hours. If the airport is temporarily closed due to bad weather or for another reason, the arriving planes are directed to Podgorica. In this case, passengers are transported to Tivat by buses without additional payment. Finding the bus stop to Kotor is not too difficult - they pick up passengers on the Adriatic highway, 250 m to the left of the airport building.

A separate topic is how to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor. In a straight line between these cities, 37 km. But the distance when driving a car is 75 km. On average, it is possible to cover it in 80 minutes. More precisely, it can be said only by the specific situation on the road. There is no railway connection between Kotor and Dubrovnik. But here (or rather, to the Bar station) trains leave from Moscow.

Bar Bus Station is located 150 meters from the railway station. From here, buses go to Kotor from morning to evening. Car owners can take a chance and go to Kotor by their own car. The distance between Moscow and Kotor is 2,900 km. On the way, you will have to drive through:

• Belarus;
• Poland;
• Czech Republic;
• Austria;
• Slovenia;
• Croatia.

Drivers note that the roads are very good all along. Part of the route will be on toll sections. On the border of Belarus with Poland, you will have to show the "Green Card". You will also have to apply for a Schengen visa. The infrastructure on the route is highly developed.

To find out where is the best place to live in Kotor, you should not focus only on the objects closest to the bus station. It is better to take into account the reviews left by previous guests. Very good ratings are given to the hotel "Galia"... She was officially awarded 3 stars. Galia is located 5 minutes by car from the city center.

The advantage of the hotel is the view from the windows of all rooms. The waters of the bay are visible from everywhere. In addition to the minimum distance to the beach, there is another advantage - well-equipped rooms. 100% of the premises are equipped with seating areas, satellite TV and air conditioning equipment.

The miniature hotel is fully equipped with a Wi-fi network. It is worth going here, first of all, for those who are fond of active leisure. The administration took care of the possibility of renting a car. Room rates initially include breakfast. Visitors have access to:

• canoe trips;
• sea ​​fishing;
• hiking in the graceful surroundings.

Among the alternatives worth mentioning is the hotel "Casa del Mare"... It has been classified as at 4 stars. There are no more than 10 rooms here, but each of them is extremely popular. Therefore, reservations must be made in advance. There is a supermarket "Orahovac" near the hotel.

This store sells everything that can be useful at your leisure. 100% of the hotel rooms are air-conditioned; there are miniature bars everywhere. The best (and most expensive) rooms are equipped with balconies, from where it is convenient to view the bay. Visitors can use a separate beach area, where strangers do not get. A sauna, hot tub and massage services are also available.

The hotel offers its clients free parking. The signature restaurant prepares excellent fish dishes. There is a cafe-bar on the beach. Large groups of visitors will be more satisfied with the deluxe rooms.

Those who prefer apartments from all types of real estate should choose "Apartments Nikcevic"... The aparthotel has a confirmed 3-star level. A 10-minute taxi ride to the old city center. There are many shops and catering establishments near the hotel. You can get here from the city bus station in about 15 minutes.

The hotel apartments can accommodate 2, 3 or 4 people. The hotel does not have air conditioning. Powerful fans were installed instead. 100% of the rooms were equipped with personal bathrooms. There is an outdoor summer pool outside, and barbecue facilities are available on the humble garden terrace. Among the additional services of the hotel should be called a transfer to a specific location or to one of the two airports.

Regardless of which hotel tourists choose, it is important for them to know exactly what to see in Kotor in the first place. It is appropriate to start the inspection from the old part of the city... It is easy to find it - just around the perimeter there are powerful walls and strong gates. Immediately preserved from the Middle Ages fortress designed to repel invasions from the sea... In the Old Town, there are many places of worship and fountains, just old houses.

The prevailing style in this part of Kotor is inherited from the period of the 15th-18th centuries. The walls of the fortress and its auxiliary fortifications are 4.5 km long. The walls are 20 m high, while their thickness in some places reaches 16 m. Initially, passages were made in the fortifications, allowing you to climb up to the improvised viewing platforms.

In its present form, the fortress was formed by the middle of the 19th century - not long before this type of fortification became a thing of the past. On excursions and on independent walks, they invariably pay attention to the gates of the fortress. By themselves, they represent completely unique structures. Near the River Gate, located on the north side of the citadel, there is an attractive arch bridge.

It is the main pearl of Christian architecture in the city. She embodied the high achievements of the Romanesque style (or rather, its Adriatic branch). The cathedral was consecrated back in 1166, but this did not prevent subsequently from repeatedly firing at it from cannons. The temple suffered from earthquakes, including from the strongest aftershocks that occurred in 1667. Instead of the destroyed Romanesque bell towers, new ones were built, which have already been decorated in the Baroque style.

This attraction is located not in the old city, and not even within the city limits, but close to it on the mountain of the same name.The first fortifications began to be built here by the Illyrian tribes. Over the next centuries, echeloned fortifications were erected - ramparts, towers, bastions, detached structures. Full fit into the surrounding mountains made it possible to make the fortress of St. John the most protected from enemies.

This is one of the best Orthodox churches in the city. It was built in the early years of the twentieth century to replace a previously burnt building; the architects took the classic Byzantine style as a basis. The temple is equipped with one nave and a pair of bell towers. A section of the city wall adjoins the church; the inside of the church of St. Nicholas is no less beautiful than the outside.

In addition to the sights already mentioned, a small elegant the town of Risan, located near Kotor. Construction on this site was started by the Illyrians, who thus decided to create a capital for themselves. Dense coniferous forests grow around Risan. The atmosphere is exceptionally clean and almost transparent; in total there are about 2000 inhabitants in the city. The town is definitely worth a visit Marble castle.

Boka Kotorska Bay is beautiful in itself. Amazing views open up along its entire coastline. In addition to natural beauty, they are covered with a mass of ancient temples and small houses. If we talk about mountain beauty, then it is worth mentioning the Lovcen Park. The park space was divided into 9 sections, each of which is allocated for a specific group of animals and plants.

A lot of sales take place in August. The Maritime Museum will reveal to tourists another facet of the history of Kotor and the entire Bay of Kotor, even the entire Mediterranean Sea. There are engravings showing how the city was besieged by pirates and Turks. The collection of the museum includes:

• models of sailing and steam ships;
• logbooks of famous ships;
• seaworthy accessories of old eras and many other items.

Visitors to Kotor most often lie on the beaches, ride yachts (in between excursions). The city does not yet have an amusement park. But lovers of romance will find a way out - they will go to the mountains, walk along Lovcen park or go out to sea by boat. A special children's entertainment program has been prepared in Lovcen. But there are much fewer proposals for adults. Leading nightclub Maximus adjoins the Old Town.

For families with children, it is best to consider purely beach activities. Although the best beach areas are located in other resorts, there are also several suitable places in Kotor. Experts recommend heading first to the suburb of Dobrota... It is very beautiful there, and the water in the sea is clear. The locals themselves often visit the covered pebble beach Baeva Kula, on the border of which there are laurel groves.

Even in winter, there is where to go in Kotor. If tourists go to Kotor for shopping, then it is best to hit the road in the second half of summer. The conditions for shopping here are quite good, the clothes are of a special quality. You can easily buy many natural fabric products.

There are not many large shopping centers in a small town. For souvenir shopping, it is best to visit the modest shops and antique shops. It is also useful to visit the markets, because they sell goods that cannot be bought in stores. In addition to traditional textiles, you should pay attention to:

• leather goods;
• handicraft products;
• cheeses;
• guilt;
• honey;
• prosciutto.

Restaurants in Kotor will delight visitors not only with delicious dishes, but also with a chic atmosphere. In addition to prosciutto, it is worth trying kaymak cheese and fish baked according to the original recipe in them. The perfect seafood restaurant in town - "Bastion".

Connoisseurs certainly advise to visit "Stari Mlini"... The windows overlook the sea and the only sandy beach in Kotor. The restaurant offers guests Mediterranean cuisine. The fish are raised in cages on site. For lunch or dinner, pay from 40 to 90 euros. Among the bars in Kotor, the Bokun snack bar, where the Mediterranean menu prevails, is definitely recommended.

The advantage of the establishment is low prices; the average bill is no more than 20 euros. Experienced travelers also recommend looking into the bars:

• Portobello;
• "Schoprion";
• "Karampana";
• "Maximus".

The nature in Kotor is really very beautiful, and people are friendly. In this, the authors of most publications are not mistaken. The cost of food in large stores is quite high, it roughly coincides with the prices in the main Russian cities. But the food is completely natural. There are many excursions, but it is very difficult to visit them with children, especially in mountainous areas.

A beach holiday in Kotor in 2-3 days can get boring. It is unlikely that you will be able to spend a lot of time here, because you can easily see all the sights slowly in 5-7 days. That is why it is recommended to combine a visit here with a tour of other cities of Montenegro. The best views in the city are from the top of the fortress walls. The cost of the tours is quite acceptable with the payment for vouchers to more massive, overloaded with tourists Turkey, Greece, Thailand (with the same level of service).

See below about the peculiarities of recreation in the city of Kotor in Montenegro.