Kotor, Kotor Municipality, MontenegroHazy sunrise coming up over the mountains along the Adriatic Sea. Breakfast on the back Terrace deck; perfect spot for taking pictures as the ship turned into the Bay of Kotor. Fort Punta d'Ostrostone is quite a sight at the entrance.
About a two-hour cruise through the 17-mile Bay that was carved by a river. Stunning fjord-like views with mountains rising on both sides of the long, narrow Bay. Passed the tiny islands of Sveti Dorde & Our Lady of the Rocks
Our Lady of the Rocks Church has an interesting story--According to legend, the islet was made over the centuries by local seamen who kept an ancient oath after finding the icon of Madonna and Child on the rock. Upon returning from each successful voyage, they laid a rock in the Bay. Over time, the islet gradually emerged from the sea. The custom of throwing rocks into the sea is alive even nowadays. Every year on the sunset of July 22, local residents take their boats and throw rocks into the sea, widening the surface of the island.
KOTOR - First views were the old historic village's red rooftops and the impressively high medieval walls meandering up the mountain's edge leading to several fortifications, the Church of Our Lady of Health, and St John's Fortress. Some of the fortifications that protect Kotor date back to the 10th century. Plan is to walk up to the Fortress with Nellie & Sam first thing this morning.
BUDVA - As we got off the ship, this trip the taxi drivers were promoting sounded quite scenic so we changed our plans for the morning. The 3-hour trip went south from the cruise pier about 15 miles into the mountains then down to the Adriatic Sea. Driver Nicola, an interesting young man told us about the history as well as the current politics.
Stopped along the way at various scenery spots. Great Overlook above Jaz Beach that is very high up so the view of the wide sand beaches against the blue water looks spectacular; Madonna & Rolling Stones held a concert here last year.
Budva's Boat Harbor is a beautiful spot full of luxury yachts. It's right across the street from the 15th century stone Medieval Walls surrounding Old Town (Stari Grad), including city gates and medieval defensive walls and towers.
The Huge Bell didn't look like it belonged to medieval times; apparently, its from the movie "The Long Ships."
Going through the entrance gate led to the charming narrow streets and quaint squares. Three pretty churches near each other--St John, Holy Trinity, Saint Ivan.
Interesting excavations taking place.
After the required ice cream break, met the taxi at the designated time. The car would not start so several of Nicola's taxi buddies quickly helped jump it and we were off. Glad we're heading toward Kotor as the traffic heading to Budva was very heavy and slow-moving.
About a two-hour cruise through the 17-mile Bay that was carved by a river. Stunning fjord-like views with mountains rising on both sides of the long, narrow Bay. Passed the tiny islands of Sveti Dorde & Our Lady of the Rocks
Our Lady of the Rocks Church has an interesting story--According to legend, the islet was made over the centuries by local seamen who kept an ancient oath after finding the icon of Madonna and Child on the rock. Upon returning from each successful voyage, they laid a rock in the Bay. Over time, the islet gradually emerged from the sea. The custom of throwing rocks into the sea is alive even nowadays. Every year on the sunset of July 22, local residents take their boats and throw rocks into the sea, widening the surface of the island.
KOTOR - First views were the old historic village's red rooftops and the impressively high medieval walls meandering up the mountain's edge leading to several fortifications, the Church of Our Lady of Health, and St John's Fortress. Some of the fortifications that protect Kotor date back to the 10th century. Plan is to walk up to the Fortress with Nellie & Sam first thing this morning.
BUDVA - As we got off the ship, this trip the taxi drivers were promoting sounded quite scenic so we changed our plans for the morning. The 3-hour trip went south from the cruise pier about 15 miles into the mountains then down to the Adriatic Sea. Driver Nicola, an interesting young man told us about the history as well as the current politics.
Stopped along the way at various scenery spots. Great Overlook above Jaz Beach that is very high up so the view of the wide sand beaches against the blue water looks spectacular; Madonna & Rolling Stones held a concert here last year.
Budva's Boat Harbor is a beautiful spot full of luxury yachts. It's right across the street from the 15th century stone Medieval Walls surrounding Old Town (Stari Grad), including city gates and medieval defensive walls and towers.
The Huge Bell didn't look like it belonged to medieval times; apparently, its from the movie "The Long Ships."
Going through the entrance gate led to the charming narrow streets and quaint squares. Three pretty churches near each other--St John, Holy Trinity, Saint Ivan.
Interesting excavations taking place.
After the required ice cream break, met the taxi at the designated time. The car would not start so several of Nicola's taxi buddies quickly helped jump it and we were off. Glad we're heading toward Kotor as the traffic heading to Budva was very heavy and slow-moving.
Stopped at magnificent mountain top Overlook
looking down on the Bay of Kotor. About 15 minutes here admiring the view and taking pictures. Nicola said this was much higher than the Fortress and much better than having to do the climb. Worth the trip just for this view!
Traffic jams as we approached Kotor. Nicola knew all the side roads, even drove through a cemetery to avoid the lineup of cars. Thoroughly enjoyed our morning!
KOTOR: After lunch on board ship, the four of us headed for Old Town and our walk up the mountain. The ship is conveniently docked just two blocks from the Sea Gate, the main entrance constructed in 1555. Above the gate, the date of the city’s liberation from the Nazis is remembered with a communist star and a quote from Tito.
Just to the left of the gate is Trg od Oruzaja Square, the largest and very heart of Kotor. Can't miss the Town Clock Tower 1602. Following a very good town map we enjoyed the walk through the twisting, pink-paved, narrow lanes with interesting shops, historic landmarks, and churches.
The Path Up St. John Mountain goes 1,200 feet to the Fortress and begins at the back of the walled old town. There are 1,350 steps along the wall that sort of looks like a mini version of the Great Wall. Views got more and more spectacular, and we got slower and slower.
Church of Our Lady of Remedy (Health) is about half way to the Fortress. We knew what we were getting into by waiting until afternoon to do this. High today is 93. Started out somewhat cloudy, but then full sun, which made the water sparkle. Great for pictures but Hot-Hot-Hot!!! Totally worth the climb for the Fantastic views! None of us wanted to die of heat stroke so we headed back down.
Just to the left of the gate is Trg od Oruzaja Square, the largest and very heart of Kotor. Can't miss the Town Clock Tower 1602. Following a very good town map we enjoyed the walk through the twisting, pink-paved, narrow lanes with interesting shops, historic landmarks, and churches.
The Path Up St. John Mountain goes 1,200 feet to the Fortress and begins at the back of the walled old town. There are 1,350 steps along the wall that sort of looks like a mini version of the Great Wall. Views got more and more spectacular, and we got slower and slower.
Church of Our Lady of Remedy (Health) is about half way to the Fortress. We knew what we were getting into by waiting until afternoon to do this. High today is 93. Started out somewhat cloudy, but then full sun, which made the water sparkle. Great for pictures but Hot-Hot-Hot!!! Totally worth the climb for the Fantastic views! None of us wanted to die of heat stroke so we headed back down.
Always in amazement walking through these medieval towns. Especially enjoyed the churches on the way through town.
The huge dome of St Nicholas Church 1909 is a prominent feature of the skyline. St Luke's Church 1195 is one of the few structures to be almost unscathed from the devastating 1667 earthquake. Have no idea of the significance of the huge Lamp Statue Bench here?
The huge dome of St Nicholas Church 1909 is a prominent feature of the skyline. St Luke's Church 1195 is one of the few structures to be almost unscathed from the devastating 1667 earthquake. Have no idea of the significance of the huge Lamp Statue Bench here?
Paused on our way to the ship to look back up the mountain at the path we took to Our Lady of Remedy. Happy we made it at least that far!
Dinner with Nellie & Sam with awesome views of Kotor all lit up at night. The lights along the wall going up the mountain. looked like a golden arch over the city.
Spectacular way to end a day in this gorgeous place.
2025-05-22