Kotor, Montenegro – A Medieval Fortification

May 31, 2009 by Darren Alff

Yesterday I jumped in a small white van (what they call a bus here in Montenegro) and headed to the coastal town of Kotor, Montenegro.

From what I’m told, Kotor is a prime example of medieval fortification, with about 13,000 residents and 4.5 kilometers of wall surrounding the city. The fortified portion of Kotor dates back to to 535 AD, but the city as a whole was first mentioned in 168 BC.

I had passed through Kotor on my second day in Montenegro, but with my bicycle in tow I was unable to enter the walled portion of the city or climb the 1,350 stairs to the top of the fortress, situatied 1,200 meters above sea level. So I vowed to return and spend a day exploring this beautiful coastal town. And that’s exactly what I did!