Castle of St John, Kotor

Condé Nast TravelerAug 6

One of the Happiest Places in Europe Is This Charming Walled City in Montenegro

From climbing ancient fortress walls to lingering over seafood beside the bay, discover why Kotor has earned its reputation as one of Europe's happiest places.

climb involves about 1,350 steps for exceptional views

24 things in this story

VrmacSightpine-clad ridge between the bays of Tivat and Kotor
PerastNeighborhoodBaroque merchants’ palaces reflect in the water
Our Lady of the RocksPlace of worshipisland church reflects in the water
Mount LovćenSightblack mountain from which Montenegro takes its name
St John’s FortressAttractiondefenses snaking up the precipitous limestone slope
farmers’ marketMarketbeneath the city walls selling local produce
Sea GateSightpedestrian entrance to the Old Town
Clock TowerSightearly-17th-century structure leaning jauntily
Pillar of ShameSightobelisk used as town pillory until Venetian rule ended
Square of ArmsViewpointbusiest part of town, lined with cafés
Cinema SquareNeighborhoodcoffee beneath a spreading black poplar planted in 1667
Kotor krempitaRestaurantlocal speciality of puff pastry and sweet custard
Kotor Cat MuseumMuseumfunds care of town’s cats descended from Venetian sailors’ mousers
Church of St MichaelPlace of worshiptiny Romano-Gothic church housing the Kotor Lapidarium
Kotor LapidariumMuseumstone artifacts from Illyro-Roman period to 18th century
St Luke’s SquareNeighborhoodpretty square to walk through
Trg od DrvaNeighborhoodWood Square, where you can mount the ramparts
Castle of St JohnTrailclimb involves about 1,350 steps for exceptional views
Church of Our Lady of RemedyAttractionlocated halfway up the climb to the fortress
BastionRestaurantdependable Old Town fish restaurant beside northern gate
Cathedral of St TryphonSightKotor’s most important monument, finest Romanesque church
Maritime MuseumMuseumhoused in 18th-century Grgurina Palace
Moritz EisIce cream shopartisan ice-cream shop near the southernmost Gurdić Gate
Kotor–Lovćen cable carSightgondola climbs more than 4,265 feet in 11 minutes

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Castle of St John

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One of the Happiest Places in Europe Is This Charming Walled City in Montenegro