Mediterranean Cruise - ORIANA : Kotor

08-August-2010, Kotor, Montenegro

Weather: Sunny, Temp:30°C, Sea State: Calm, Sunrise: 05:45 Sunset 19:57

The port of Kotor is one of the most inland ports of the Adriatic Sea

Often referred to as the southern-most fjord in Europe. Part of Republic of Montenegro it borders Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Hercegovina and Serbia.

It has a rather mixed influences from the past; Roman, Venetian, Ottoman, French becoming independent after the break-up of Yugoslavia in 2006.

Through the twisty fjord there are two islands one being man made by the town opposite after two fishermen found a painting of the Madonna washed up on the shore. There is annual festival where they still go and add another bolder to the existing pile.

Boka Kotoska (Kotor Bay)

Was featured in the James Bond film Casino Royal in 2006

The old town (Stari Grad)

Entering the Sea Gate, directly in front of you stands the Cathedral of St Tryphon. With it’s twin Baroque towers dating back to 809 AD it houses a museum housing art, old relics and historical pieces. The building suffered damage in the earthquakes of 1667 and 1979 but has undergone restoration.

 
For those of us with enough stamina you can walk the 1332 steps of the walled city to the Castle of St John at the top. This starts at top left of the old city as you stand in the main square. A word of advise the steps are not consistent and variable in size. Sometimes they are none existent and merely a rocky path some with and without wall, rope or any kind of protection. They say you can do it in 45 minutes each way, took us approx 60 minutes each way with stops along the way. There is a small chapel about 20 minutes up where there is a man selling water and cold cans from a cool box although it would be better to take a bottle of water with you before attempting the walk and sensible shoes are a must.

Fee: 2 Euros per adult (you even get a post card as your ticket)

There are many café’s, bars and restaurants in the squares and side streets. A recommendation is the Cesare Restaurant (www.adn-cesare.com) where the food is fantastic and big enough for any appetite.

This is just sandwich!

If you are leaving by sea, it is worth making the trip at sunset as the views are spectacular. You can almost hear the hiss as sun disappears below the horizon as you make your way back out to the Adriatic Sea.

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