Situated on a small bay in southern Montenegro lies the picturesque town of Kotor. Founded over 2000 years ago, this little town is home to Europe’s southernmost fjord, as well as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. This little city boasts a picturesque harbor, beaches, medieval walled villages, al fresco dining, and rolling hills. In recent years, at least since the end of the Yugoslav Civil War, this city has been discovered by many American tourists. Since then, this city has become somewhat touristy, featuring many roadside gift shops. Sure it may take away some of the charm or ambiance of this place, but that doesn’t stop Kotor from being a little slice of paradise in the Balkans!
Every day, you’ll find many boats, yachts, steamships, sloops, and even cruise ships coming into the Bay of Kotor. Marvel at how a massive ocean liner can navigate its way through the tiny fjords near the Adriatic, and snake its way into Kotor. The bay is but a tranquil scene, reflecting an azure sky with ships of all shape and size appearing left and right. On land, you’ll find a medieval style town, with all the modern features of home. Take a break, and enjoy some lunch or a cup of espresso as you watch the reflection over the bay. Or take a stroll down the esplanade of the marina.
Around 13,000 people live in the city of Kotor. The city also home to one of the best preserved medieval old towns, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Over the many centuries, this part of Europe has undergone many rulers and empires. Kotor was first mentioned around the 1st century BC, when it was a part of the Roman empire, and it was called Ascrivium. Around the early middle ages, the city was known as Cattaro, and underwent numerous rulers from the Romans, to the Saracens, the Bulgarians, the Ottomans, the Austrians, and the Serbians. During World War I, Kotor was used as a strategic naval base for the Austro-Hungarian empire. After the war, it became a part of Yugoslavia, and in 1918, changed its name from Cattaro to Kotor. After World War II, it became a part of the then Socialist Republic of Montenegro within the newly created Yugoslav Republic. After the Yugoslav Civil War, Kotor experienced a drastic financial and social decline. War and the economy forced many residents to leave, while all financial establishments were moved to the city of Podogrica, which was became the capital of Montenegro in 2006.
Since then, Kotor has been trying to rebuild itself economically through the tourism industry, which is bringing more new travelers from around the world. In spite of a couple of economic downturns, this city is slowly being rediscovered in many ways.
