Hiking in Kotor

Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is nestled within the stunning Boka Kotor Bay, often considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Strolling through Kotor is a pure delight, with the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, dramatic cliffs, and ancient buildings providing a picturesque backdrop. The medieval architecture in this city has been beautifully preserved, forming an entire town complete with winding streets, charming squares, historic temples, grand palaces, residential buildings, and administrative structures. It's this remarkable preservation that has earned old Kotor its status as a world cultural heritage site and UNESCO protection.

Kotor's hiking trails often lead past the city gates, and there are three of them in Kotor:

• Maritime Gate: The main entrance to the city, constructed in the 16th century.
• South Gate: These gates are separated from the road by a drawbridge. On rainy days, the water beneath the bridge is freshwater, while on dry days, it's seawater. Both streams periodically interchange.
• North Gate: Built in 1539 to commemorate the city's victory over the significantly larger squadron of the Turkish admiral Hayruddin Barbarossa.

Exploring the Old Town of Kotor is a captivating experience. Its cobblestone streets lead to charming squares, often adorned with cathedrals or palaces that seamlessly blend with the rest of the city's architecture, as there's limited space for grandeur.

Kotor's churches, on the other hand, are remarkably expressive. The standout religious structure is the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, while the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, St. Mary on the River, and St. Luke are equally majestic.

Every building in Kotor seems to be perfectly placed, creating a harmonious ensemble that epitomizes the charm of an ancient town.