Kotor is a city with a fascinating history that dates all the way back to the 2nd century BC. Kotor’s Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the best preserved medieval urban areas in the Mediterranean. Kotor’s city walls, also known as the city bulwarks, are one of the main attractions of the Old Town as they are also extremely well preserved. Today, visitors to Kotor have the opportunity to climb the city walls, take in the views and experience first-hand these important defensive structures.
History of Kotor’s City Walls
Kotor’s earliest fortifications are believed to date back to the time of the Illyrians, who ruled the area in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. However, the walls as we know them today are believed to have been built between the 9th and 18th centuries. Most of the current parts of the fortifications were constructed during the Venetian rule of Kotor from the 15th to 18th centuries. Generally, the walls have remained well preserved but were affected by the Montenegro earthquake in 1979. That same year Kotor’s city walls were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and restoration works were carried out to help with their preservation. Today, the walls remain well preserved and are a fascinating insight into the city’s rich history.
For centuries, the port city of Kotor was an important economic and trading centre. Its mountainside location within the Bay of Kotor also meant that it was in a strategic location with many natural defensives. The city walls would have been further built to fortify the area and protect from invaders. Throughout its history, Kotor has been under the rule of a number of different entities including the Illyrians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Austrians and the French. Kotor’s fortifications would have played a strategic role in each of the ruling powers’ efforts to maintain control over the city.
Kotor’s city walls run for approximately 4.5 kilometres and have an elevation of 280 metres at the highest point. The thickness of the walls vary depending on where you are, but some points extend over 10 metres wide. There are three entrance points to the walls, including the Sea Gate, the Northern Gate and Gurdic Gate (also called the South Gate). The Sea Gate is the main entrance to the city and was also constructed in the 16th century under Venetian rule.
Climbing Kotor’s City Walls
Kotor’s city walls are open to the public and visitors have the opportunity to climb the historic bulwarks. You’ll start your journey along the walls from the base of Kotor’s Old Town and have the option to climb over 1,350 steps up to San Giovanni Fortress at the top. The fortress is located 280 metres above sea level, so it is quite a climb. However, you don’t have to climb the whole way and you can still see beautiful views from lower points along the wall.
If you decide to climb to the top of the walls, it will likely take you around 1.5-2 hours round trip. The views are really worth it though and there are also a number of interesting things to see on your way up.
Firstly, due to the fact that the walls are so well preserved, they are spectacular to look at themselves. They way they wind up the hillside is stunning and its amazing to think the effort it must have taken to build them up over the years. There is also a number of lookout points along the route which provide unbelievable views over the Old Town, as well as Kotor Bay.
Church of Our Lady of Remedy
About halfway up the walls (after approximately 650 steps) you will come to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy. This small, Roman Catholic Church was built in the 15th century. The church is unique because it can only be reached by foot. Once there, you are able to go inside and look around where you’ll see a beautiful altarpiece. The inside of the church is really fascinating as it looks like it has been untouched by time.
San Giovanni Fortress
Reaching the top of Kotor’s city walls brings you to San Giovanni Fortress. An original fortress is believed to have been built on site during Illyrian times and then rebuilt by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. The fortress would have been amended and rebuilt over the years as the many rulers moved through Kotor. Today, the fortress is a ruin, but just standing in it you can feel the history of its many inhabitants over the years.
The views from the top of the fortress are really incredible, and they are hard to capture in a photo or describe with words. Even if you don’t climb the whole way up, I highly recommend a visit to the city walls during your stay in Kotor as they are an impressive feature within the city.
Key Information for Climbing Kotor’s City Walls
1. How long does it take to climb Kotor’s city walls?
I would leave yourself about 1.5-2 hours for a round-trip climb of Kotor’s city walls. This will also leave you enough time to stop and take photos and explore the interesting sights along the way.
2. How do you get to Kotor’s city walls?
You can access Kotor’s city walls from the Old Town. There’s an entrance at the north east of the city that takes you to the path. I would suggest picking up a map so you know exactly where you’re going… or ask a local, they’re all super helpful and friendly!
3. What should you wear while climbing Kotor’s city walls?
It’s a bit of a climb to the top so I would make sure that you’re wearing proper running shoes. You’ll also want to make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothes. It’s a good idea to bring a water bottle as well!
4. How much does it cost to climb Kotor’s city walls?
The price when I visited was around Є8 to enter the city walls.
5. What is there to see from Kotor’s city walls?
Climbing Kotor’s city walls provides some amazing views over the city, as well as over Kotor Bay. On the way up you’ll also be able to see the Church of Our Lady of Remedy and at the very top, the ruins of San Giovanni Fortress.
6. What other historical things are there to do in Kotor?
Kotor is a beautiful city with a number of historical things to do. You can wander through the Old Town, walk along the historic waterfront, or visit the 12th century Church of St. Luke. If you’re looking to go further afield, you can also day a day trip to the stunning Lovćen National Park. For a further list, check out 10 Historical Things to do in Kotor, Montenegro.
This article’s information was last updated in August 2022.