Features recreation in the city of Kotor in Montenegro

Montenegrin cities are beautiful and wonderful - all the tourists who have been there know that. But it is necessary to get acquainted with each of them separately. Carefully examine the city of Kotor.

The earliest known mention of Kotor comes in 168 BC. The current name of the city is already the fifth in a row. It used to be called:

• Acruvium;
• Askruyon;
• Dekateron;
• Cattaro.

The total area of ​​the city is 335 square meters. km The central part of Kotor is raised 16 m above sea level. In winter, it is in the UTC + 1 time zone, and in the summer months, the clock moves another hour ahead.

The total population of the city in 2003 exceeded 13170 people. In addition to the Montenegrins, this number includes the Serbs. Therefore, the Orthodox and Catholic denominations dominate. Kotor is the main managing center of the community of the same name. It is located on the coast of Kotor Bay, belonging to the Adriatic Sea basin.

In the old days of Kotor attributed to the area of ​​Dalmatia. The old part of urban development is officially protected by UNESCO. The city has been an important cultural and commercial center for many centuries. Local people often preferred to go to sea and trade with distant countries. In memory of that era, the National Maritime Museum of Montenegro is now operating.

Additionally, in our days are:

• Maritime faculty of the main university of the country (formed on the basis of the nautical school);
• Montenegrin Association of Shipowners Owners;
• voluntary association of maritime transport workers.

As it is easy to see on the map, Kotor occupies the southeast of the Bay of Kotor. Nearby is the ridge Lovcen. Along with the buildings stretching along the coast, some part of the city occupies a valley in front of a rather high (260 m) hill. Kotor Bay is notable for the fact that This is one of the most deeply inland parts of the Adriatic Sea.

Between the gates are relatively narrow mouths. For a long time it was believed that the Bay of Kotor is a fjord. But subsequent geological and oceanological surveys revealed that these are remnants of an ancient river canyon. In a number of popular sources, the Bay of Kotor is called the Bay of Kotor. In any case, the beauty of this bay makes it one of the best in Europe.

Summer in Kotor is warm and relatively dry; in winter there is a wet, mild weather. On average for the year the temperature is slightly more than 15 degrees. July is the warmer (when the average temperature reaches 25 degrees). But even in the coldest January, the average monthly air temperature is more than 7 degrees.

Autumn months are a little warmer than spring. The overwhelming majority of precipitation in Kotor falls in autumn and winter. Most often, the wind blows from the south and southeast. The swimming season sometimes lasts more than 140 days. All this weather magnificence gives pleasure to 13,000 residents of Kotor itself and 9,771 suburban dwellers - Kindness.

Curious that Despite the dominance among the inhabitants of the Orthodox faith, the number of churches and their capacity is the opposite. This is due to the fact that for many and many centuries the political weight of the two communities was disproportionate to their total number. At the beginning of the XXI century, the religious edges were largely erased, including family ties. There are no confessional conflicts here.

The history of Kotor at the same time knows many impressive twists and turns. There is reliable evidence that the Bay of Kotor was mastered during the Neolithic period. In ancient times, this area is inhabited by a tribe of Illyrians. The city itself (called Akruvium) was built by the Roman conquerors. He was mentioned in his writings as Pliny the Elder and Ptolemy. The Byzantines gave Kotor the name Decaderon (Decateron, Decater), while there are two versions from which this name appeared.

Some experts believe that it indicates an abundance of hot springs. But if you believe the emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus, the word "Decatur" indicates a narrow bay. The fortress in Kotor was built by another emperor - Justinian. However, it did not prevent the Arab pirates in 840 from making a raid and successfully plundering all the neighborhoods.

Up to the 11th century, the population in Kotor was dominant, speaking Dalmatian language. But in the XI century, it was renamed Cattaro. In 1185, the Byzantine era in the development of the city ended. It was then that Kotor surrendered to the victorious troops of the Serbian great Jupan Stefan Nemani without a fight. After the surrender, he became a dependent state. Local government remained inviolable, leaving even the authority to start and end wars.

In the Serbian period, Kotor specialized in adriatic trade with Western European countries. From 1371 to 1420, he was as independent as before, but already under Venetian vassalage. Independence continued in the years 1391-1420. After that for more than three centuries Kotor belonged to Venice.

Later Kotor controlled:

• Austria;
• Italian kingdom;
• French empire;
• Austria-Hungary;
• Serbian kingdom;
• Italy, together with the Third Reich;
• SFRY.

Such an unusual and turbulent history makes the city of Kotor very popular among tourists. Because it is useful to know how to get there. And if travelers have already arrived at the place, then they should definitely visit such nearby cities as:

• Budva;
• Herceg Novi;
• Tivat;
• Saint Stephen;
• Risan.

Between any cities of Montenegro and Kotor there is a bus service. The bus station is at a distance of 700 meters from the old part of the city. See where to go, you can immediately upon leaving the building. The distance from Budva is 23 km (if you go by a short road).

A longer but more scenic path is 41 km. Theoretically, you can ride on the bus. However, there are too many places where you can get only by car.

Tourists, landing at Podgorica airport, can move through Budva. However, they can go and via Cetinje. Then the road will pass through narrow mountain paths. But you can enjoy stunning views of the surroundings. Travelers often stop and take photos. A faster route passes through the tunnel, and there is no charge for traveling through it.

No other remarkable short road stands out. On this road drive purely for business purposes. When renting a car is not desirable to save on paid parking. The cost of them is still less than the cost of evacuating the car.

Having firmly decided to get to Kotor on their own and as soon as possible, you need to use Airport Tivat. This is the closest point of arrival. The problem is that you can fly to Tivat only during the bright hours.If the airport is temporarily closed due to bad weather or for another reason, flying planes are sent to Podgorica. In this case, passengers are taken to Tivat by bus, without charging an additional charge. It is not too difficult to find the bus stop going to Kotor - they take passengers on the Adriatic highway, 250 meters to the left of the airport building.

A separate topic is how to get from Dubrovnik to Kotor. A direct line between these cities is 37 km. But the distance when driving is 75 km. On average, it can be covered in 80 minutes. More accurately can be said only on the specific situation on the road. There is no railway connection between Kotor and Dubrovnik. But here (or rather, to the station Bar) trains from Moscow.

Bus station Bar is located 150 m from the railway station. From here buses go to Kotor from morning to evening. Car owners can take a chance and go to Kotor by car. The distance between Moscow and Kotor is 2900 km. On the way, you will have to drive through:

• Belarus;
• Poland;
• The Czech Republic;
• Austria;
• Slovenia;
• Croatia

Drivers say that the roads all over are very good. Part of the route will be paid for sites. On the border of Belarus and Poland will have to show the "Green Card". We'll also have to arrange a Schengen visa. The infrastructure on the route is highly developed.

To find out where it is better to live in Kotor, you should not focus only on the objects nearest to the bus station. It is better to take into account the feedback left by former guests. Very good marks give the hotel "Galia". She was officially awarded 3 stars. Galia is located 5 minutes by car from the middle of the city.

The advantage of the hotel is the view from the windows of all rooms. The waters of the gulf are visible everywhere. In addition to the minimum distance to the beach there is another advantage - well-equipped rooms. 100% of the rooms are equipped with seating areas, satellite TV and air conditioning.

Miniature hotel is fully equipped with a Wi-fi network. Here it is worth going first of all to those who are interested in active leisure. The administration took care of the possibility to rent a car. Room rates initially include breakfast. Visitors are available:

• sea ​​canoe trips;
• sea ​​fishing;
• trekking in elegant surroundings.

Of the alternatives worth mentioning the hotel "Casa del Mare". She was classified as corresponding to a 4 star level. There are no more than 10 rooms, but each of them is extremely popular. Because the reservation must be made in advance. Near the hotel is a supermarket "Orahovac".

In this store, sell everything that can come in handy at your leisure. 100% of hotel rooms are air conditioned; everywhere are miniature bars. The best (and expensive) rooms equipped with balconies, from where it is convenient to inspect the bay. Visitors can use a separate beach area, which is not accessible to strangers. A sauna, hot tub and massage services are also available.

The hotel offers its customers free car parking. The signature restaurant prepares excellent fish dishes. There is a cafe-bar on the beach. Large groups of visitors will be more satisfied with the accommodation in the Deluxe rooms.

Those who prefer apartments of all types of real estate should choose "Apartments Nikcevic". Aparthotel has a confirmed level of 3 stars. In 10 minutes by taxi you can reach the old city center. Near the hotel there are a lot of shops and catering establishments. You can come here from the city bus station in about 15 minutes.

Hotel apartments can accommodate 2, 3 or 4 people. The hotel has no air conditioning.Instead, they installed powerful fans. 100% of the rooms are equipped with personal bathrooms. Outside there is an outdoor summer swimming pool, barbecue facilities are located on the terrace in the modest garden. Among the additional hotel services should be called a transfer to a particular place or to one of the two airports.

Regardless of which hotel is chosen by tourists, it is important for them to know what exactly to see in Kotor in the first place. Begin inspection is appropriate from the old town. It is easy to find it - right along the perimeter there are powerful walls and strong gates. Immediately preserved from the Middle Ages fortress designed to repel invasions from the sea. A lot of places of worship and fountains, just old houses, have been collected in the Old Town.

The prevailing style in this part of Kotor is inherited from the period of the XV-XVIII centuries. The walls of the fortress and its auxiliary fortifications in length reach 4.5 km. The walls are 20 m tall, while their thickness reaches 16 m in places. Initially, passages were made in the fortifications, allowing you to climb up to the improvised viewing platforms.

In its present form, the fortress was formed by the middle of the XIX century - shortly before this type of fortification was over. On excursions and during independent walks, they invariably pay attention to the gates of the fortress. By themselves, they are completely unique structures. Near the River Gate, located on the north side of the citadel, is an attractive arch bridge.

This is the main gem of Christian architecture in the city. She embodied the high achievements of the Romanesque style (or rather, its Adriatic branch). The cathedral was consecrated in the distant 1166, but this did not prevent later repeatedly shelling it from cannons. The temple suffered from earthquakes, including from the strongest tremors that occurred in 1667. Instead of the destroyed Romanesque bell towers, new ones were built, which had already been decorated under Baroque.

This landmark is not located in the old city, and not even within the city, but close to it on the eponymous mountain. The first fortifications here began to build more tribes of Illyrians. Over the following centuries, echeloned fortifications were erected - ramparts, towers, bastions, isolated structures. Full integration into the surrounding mountains allowed us to make the fortress of St. John as protected from enemies as possible.

This is one of the best Orthodox churches in the city. It was built in the early years of the twentieth century to replace the previously burned out building; The architects took the classic Byzantine style as a basis. The temple is equipped with one nave and a pair of bell towers. Close to the church adjoins a section of the city wall; inside the church of St. Nicholas is no less beautiful than the outside.

In addition to the already mentioned attractions, it is noteworthy small elegant town Risan, located near Kotor. The construction on this place began by the Illyrians, who thus decided to create a capital for themselves. Dense coniferous forests grow around Risan. The atmosphere is exceptionally clear and practically transparent; total in the city about 2000 inhabitants. The town is definitely worth a visit. Marble Castle.

The Bay of Kotor is beautiful in itself. Amazing views open all over its coast. In addition to natural beauty, they are covered with a mass of ancient temples and small houses. If we talk about the mountain beauties, then it is worth mentioning the park Lovcen.The park's space was divided into 9 sections, each of which is reserved for a specific group of animals and plants.

A lot of sales takes place in August. The Maritime Museum will reveal to the tourists another facet of the history of Kotor and the whole Bay of Kotor, even the entire Mediterranean. There are prints showing how the city was besieged by pirates and Turks. The museum collection includes:

• models of sailing and steam ships;
• logbooks of famous ships;
• nautical accessories of old eras and many other items.

Visitors to Kotor most often lie on the beaches, ride yachts (in between excursions). The city does not yet have an amusement park. But lovers of romance will find a way out - they will go to the mountains, walk along the Lovcen Park or go to sea on a boat. A special children's entertainment program has been prepared in Lovchen. But for adult offers much less. Leading night club Maximus closely adjacent to the Old Town.

For holidays with children it is best to consider purely beach activities. Although the best beach areas are located in other resorts, there are also a few suitable places in Kotor. Experts recommend first go in the suburb of Kindness. It is very beautiful there, and the water in the sea is clean. The locals themselves often visit the covered Pebble Beach Bayeva Kula, on the border of which laurel groves are located.

Even in the winter in Kotor there is where to go. If tourists go to Kotor for shopping, it is best to go on the road in the second half of summer. The conditions for buying here are quite good, the clothes have a special quality. You can easily buy a lot of products from natural fabric.

Large shopping centers in a small town a bit. To buy souvenirs it is best to visit modest shops and antique shops. It is useful to be in the markets, because they sell goods that can not be bought in stores. In addition to traditional-style textiles, you should pay attention to:

• leather goods;
• handicrafts;
• cheeses;
• wine;
• honey;
• prshut

Restaurants in Kotor will delight visitors not only delicious dishes, but also a chic atmosphere. In addition to prshut, they should try kaymak cheese and fish baked according to the original recipe. Perfect Seafood Restaurant in the city - "Bastion".

Experts are certainly advised to go and "Stari Mlini". Straight from the windows overlooking the sea and the only sandy beach in Kotor. The restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine. Fish are grown in cages right on the spot. For lunch or dinner pay from 40 to 90 euros. From the bars of Kotor uniquely advise snack bar "Bokun", which is dominated by the Mediterranean menu.

The dignity of the institution - low prices; The average check is no more than 20 euros. Also experienced travelers recommend a look at the bars:

• Portobello;
• "Schoprion";
• Karampana;
• "Maximus".

Nature in Kotor is really very beautiful, and people are friendly. In this, the authors of most publications are not mistaken. The cost of products in large stores is quite high, it roughly coincides with the prices in the main Russian cities. But the food is completely natural. It is a lot of excursions, however with children it is rather difficult to visit them, especially in the highlands.

Beach vacation in Kotor for 2-3 days can be boring. Spending a lot of time here is unlikely to work out, because without any problems you will be able to explore all the sights slowly in 5-7 days. That is why a visit here is recommended to be combined with a tour of other cities of Montenegro. The best views in the city open from the top of the fortress walls. The cost of tours is quite acceptable with a fee for vouchers to more massive, tourist-overwhelmed Turkey, Greece, Thailand (with the same level of service).

About features of rest in the city of Kotor in Montenegro, see below.