How to hike to the Kotor Fortress in Montenegro
One of the best views in Kotor, and perhaps a top spot in Montenegro, is undoubtedly from the hike to the Fortress of Kotor. You will experience breathtaking panoramas at the summit, including the charming old town of Kotor, a portion of the bay, and the stunning surrounding mountains. Additionally, this fortress is also known as San Giovanni or St. Ivan Fortress. The ascent to the top, via a serpentine of stone stairs, won’t be easy; however, each step rewards you with splendid views. Discover everything you need to know about hiking to the Kotor Fortress in Montenegro.
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Where to start the Kotor fortress hike?
Atop the hill in Kotor, travellers can discover the Kotor Fortress. Notably, this fortress is known by multiple names, such as San Giovanni/Saint John or St. Ivan Fortress. Overlooking the picturesque old town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nestled on Montenegro’s stunning Adriatic coast, Kotor emerges as an enchanting destination. Within this historic town lies the starting point for the Kotor fortress hike. Notably, there are two locations from which you can embark on your hike. One is from this point, and the other is from here. You can opt for either, as they will soon converge, or you can begin at one point and conclude at another.
Another term that might lead to confusion is the Kotor City Wall Hike, which is not entirely accurate. The Kotor City Wall refers to the fortifications encircling the old town of Kotor, comprising gates, bastions, towers, and defensive walls (ramparts). These walls were erected to safeguard the city from various threats throughout history and endure as pivotal historical and architectural elements of Kotor today. The hike to the fortress on the hillside entails navigating a zigzag stair pathway up to and along the City Walls. However, it’s worth noting that parts of the city wall can be walked for free, accessible from the south part of the city to the north.
It’s important not to mix up the fortress hike with the ladder hike. The Ladder of Kotor is a longer and tougher walk, but it’s free and located behind the city and its walls. For centuries, this served as the sole path linking Kotor and Cetinje.
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- Kotor Fortress Hike
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- Ladder of Kotor
Fortress Hike: Essential Trail Information
You can start the hike from two different points, which I will link: one is known as the Road to Fort St. Ivan (San Giovanni), and the other is the Trailhead to the fortress. Both start from the old town of Kotor. This hike, with 1350 steps, offers incredible views of the old town and the bay. Kotor’s charm lies in its well-kept walls and strong fortresses, showing its importance over time. Additionally, it’s worth noting that here, the journey holds greater significance than the destination itself. Despite the fortress being in ruins, the views it offers remain breathtaking.
The hiking stats are for an out and back hike where the duration can vary on your pace and breaks.
Distance
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Duration
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Difficulty
Ascent
Openings and prices for the Kotor fortress
Fortress entrance fee: 15 EUR
Opening: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. from May till October
In early September, we set off from the ‘Trailhead to the Fortress’ to begin our hike. Despite the early hours, the day was already warm. The first part of the trail is free, but as you go further, you’ll reach a spot where you need to pay. As we climbed higher, the views became more and more impressive. Eventually, we reached the Church of Our Lady of Remedy, a lovely spot perfect for taking photos.
Church of Our Lady of Remedy
We kept going and found an observation post with even more stunning views. Nevertheless, nearly every turn revealed another beautiful vista. Along the way, encounters with cats and opportunities for refreshments were not uncommon. For the return journey, we had the option of retracing our steps to the starting point or selecting an alternative starting point.
What to bring on your hike: hiking essentials
Hiking to the Kotor Fortress is a must-see on your Montenegro itinerary and one of the most popular activities. Here are some essentials to pack to ensure this incredible hike goes smoothly.
- Comfortable shoes
- Plenty of water
- Snacks
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Camera
When to hike to Kotor Fortress (San Giovanni / St. Ivan Fortress)
It’s best to avoid the peak season of July and August. However, if you find yourself there during the hot summer months, it’s advisable to hike in the morning or afternoon to avoid the heat, as there isn’t much shade along the way. While the official hiking season runs from May to October, you can hike outside of these months as well. The best times to hike are in May or June when the weather is not as hot, or in September and October.
History of the Kotor Fortress
The fortress has a rich history dating back to the Illyrian period, with evidence of early fortifications on the site. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by various powers, including the Byzantines, Venetians, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians. The Venetians, in particular, played a significant role in shaping the fortress during their 377-year rule, adding many of the present-day fortifications.
During the Middle Ages, the Venetians recognized the strategic significance of the location and fortified the city, constructing the fortress atop the hill overlooking the town. This defensive stronghold protected Kotor from invasions and maritime attacks.
Throughout its history, the fortress has witnessed numerous conflicts and sieges, including attacks by the Ottoman Empire and conflicts between rival powers in the region. Despite these challenges, it has remained a symbol of Kotor’s resilience and strength.
In addition to its military significance, the fortress has played a role in the social and cultural life of Kotor. It has housed military garrisons, served as a refuge for civilians during times of war, and provided a vantage point for signalling and communication.
Over the centuries, various rulers have undertaken renovations and expansions of the fortress, leaving their mark on its architecture and defences. Visitors to Kotor can explore the fortress and its ramparts. Here, panoramic views of the old town, Kotor Bay, and the surrounding mountains await. It remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Montenegro. This attracts tourists and history enthusiasts from around the world, eager to uncover its secrets and marvel at its architectural grandeur.
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