Superstories

Nestled between imposing mountains and the enchanting Boka Bay, where the peaks of Lovćen elegantly mirror the sparkling waters, lies the vibrant core of the Bay - Kotor.

With its medieval fortifications tracing back to antiquity, this UNESCO World Heritage site has stood the test of time since 169 BCE. Strolling through the winding streets of Kotor, you'll step into a truly historical time capsule, spanning from the era of ancient Rome to the ravages of World War II.

Proudly adorned with the prestigious title of "Best European Destination 2019," Kotor is an unmissable gem, revered as a captivating cruising port and consistently ranked among the top "hidden cities" and must-see destinations in this corner of Europe. Discover the allure of Kotor - a captivating link to the past.

#MustSee in Kotor

With a history spanning over two millennia, Kotor has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous conquerors captivated by its allure.

Ascribed to its founding, the Romans, the city has served as a battleground for countless conflicts.

From the Illyrians to the Byzantines, Venetians to Austrians, and even the French, each civilization has left an indelible imprint on this breathtaking jewel of the Mediterranean.

Tucked away in the very heart of the city, right by the main harbor, and embraced by the historic city walls.

Exploring its enchanting streets won't require much time, yet every alleyway, square, restaurant, museum, and gallery will captivate your senses.

Prepare to be dazzled by the magnificent Square of Arms, the awe-inspiring Cathedral of St. Tryphon, the serene Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, and the ancient 12th-century Church of St. Luke.

The impressive Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Tryphon is a key landmark in the Old Town of Kotor.

Built in 1166 in a Romanesque style with Byzantine, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture elements, it has endured several earthquakes throughout its history, undergoing reconstructions that have added to its unique exterior and interior design. The cathedral houses a rich treasury of precious artifacts of significant historical and museum value.

The city walls encircling the Old Town of Kotor are a remarkable testament to fortification architecture in Europe. Stretching over 4 km, they rise high above the city.

At the summit lies the Fortress of St. John, situated 260m above sea level and reachable by climbing 1,426 steps. Despite its initial appearance of impregnability, prepare yourself with a smile and comfortable shoes, and get ready to witness the stunning panoramic view of the Bay of Kotor.

The Bay of Kotor boasts a captivating history, meticulously preserved within the numerous museums of Kotor, Risan, and Perast.

Housed within magnificent edifices, these museums offer a treasure trove of archaeological artifacts of immeasurable value, spanning from the Neolithic prehistoric era to the splendid Risan Roman mosaics from the 2nd century AD. Among the most cherished possessions are the age-old stone monuments, bearing witness to centuries and millennia of Kotor's illustrious heritage.

Nestled within the enchanting city of Kotor, the Maritime Museum is a guardian of the region's maritime legacy. Stepping inside, visitors are transported to bygone eras, encountering crafted ship models, paintings, and photographs capturing distant voyages, salons of distinguished mariners, and the evocative uniforms of seafarers.

In Kotor, cats are one of the distinctive symbols, warmly welcoming tourists at the sea-facing entrance gates. Reflecting this affinity, Kotor stands apart as one of the rare cities boasting a museum entirely dedicated to cats. Housed within the former Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels on Kotor's Piazza od Kina, this unique museum preserves an interesting collection of postcards, medals, magazines, comics, and even books dating back to the 17th century, all centered around the endearing role of cats.

When you first encounter even a fraction of the beauty of Boka Bay, you will agree with Lord Byron's words: "At the moment of the planet's inception, the most exquisite merging of land and sea took place on the Montenegrin coast ..."

The Boka Bay is the southernmost fjord in Europe, boasting UNESCO protection and an esteemed inclusion in the Association of the 30 Most Beautiful Bays in the World.

#MustSee in Boka Bay

The City of Sun, Greenery, and Stairs. Herceg Novi is situated at the very entrance of Boka Bay.

Originally founded as a Roman fishing village, it has seen various conquerors throughout history, making a stroll through this city a truly historical time travel.

Explore its numerous fortresses and towers, summer stages, quaint streets of the old town, parks with unique flora, and a promenade that stretches along the entire coastline.

The youngest city in Boka Bay, despite its youth, is rich in history and culture.

Tivat combines traditional and modern architecture, which can be most vividly experienced by walking from the city promenade of Pine towards the luxurious marina village of Porto Montenegro. Beyond the city's hustle and bustle, Tivat reveals stunning natural landscapes and authentic coastal villages. Therefore, be sure not to miss visiting Gornja Lastva, the unique Solila Nature Reserve, olive groves, and villages on the Luštica Peninsula, as well as the exclusive Luštica Bay settlement.

Perast is a small town with just one street, boasting 20 palaces, 17 Catholic churches, and two Orthodox churches.

It is located near the Verige Strait and has given rise to famous sailors, which is why it was once the most renowned maritime destination in the southern Adriatic.

Today, what makes it particularly famous is the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, which the influential magazine Travel&Leisure ranked among the top 5 most beautiful places in Europe.

The unique story of this man-made island begins in 1452 when a sailor, stranded on a rock, discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ and decided to build a church on that spot.

And so it was.

Today, this island is a true Adriatic jewel, and visiting it is believed to bring good luck, leading many people to leave various amulets in the church.

Next to Our Lady of the Rocks, you'll find the natural island of St. George, which is inaccessible for tourist visits. It features a charming green oasis, a Benedictine monastery, a church, and a cemetery where notable residents of Perast are buried.

While exploring the Bay of Kotor, make sure to experience the beauty of other islands as well, such as Lastavica (Mamula), Mali Žanjic, Our Lady of Mercy, St. Mark, and the Island of Flowers.

The most captivating legends of Kotor are intertwined with the fairy Alkima. In the Bay of Kotor, she is believed to dwells above the town, performing acts of kindness. According to the belief, fairy Alkima advised sailors not to build the city on the high hill of Pestingrad but to construct it by the sea.

They heeded her advice, and in gratitude for her powers, the fairy created a bridge to the neighboring hill that had been separated from Pestingrad. The bridge resembled majestic city gates, which are still referred to as the Fairy Gates to this day.

It is believed that during a specific time of night, certain favored residents of Kotor, cherished by the fairies, may catch a glimpse of Alkima sitting on the Fairy Gates.

Another unmissable legend is the tale of "tre sorelle," which is associated with the picturesque Boka Bay town of Prčanj.

The legend centers around three sisters who fell in love with the same man, a sailor. Unable to choose which sister to marry, the sailor decided to marry the one who would wait for him. The sisters patiently awaited his return, and whenever one of them passed away, the remaining sisters would brick up a window in their house. Today, the "Tre Sorelle" building in Prčanj has two bricked-up windows, while one window remains open since there was no one left to brick it up on behalf of the youngest sister.

The true truth behind this story still remains unknown.

The island of St. George preserves the memory of the legend of the Bay of Kotor's Romeo and Juliet.

While walking through Perast during the war, a young Dalmatian named Ante fell in love with one of the most beautiful local girls of that time, Katica Kalfić.

In an incredible twist of fate, during one of the military clashes, Ante accidentally killed Katica. Afterward, he became a monk on the island of St. George, where Katica was laid to rest.

Countless other remarkable stories are told in the Bay of Kotor. Just one encounter with its beauty will intrigue you to discover them for yourself.

Montenegro boasts five national parks, and one of them is Lovćen National Park, which can be reached by the Kotor Cable Car.

Situated on the eponymous mountain, it covers an expanse of 6,220 hectares and was designated as a national park in 1952.

Lovćen holds great significance as a symbol of freedom and is regarded as a "sacred altar" by the people of Montenegro.

Curious as to why? The village of Njeguši, nestled in the heart of Mount Lovćen, gave birth to some of the most prominent figures in Montenegrin history. Rulers, bishops, and poets emerged from this illustrious village, with Petar II Petrović Njegoš and King Nikola I Petrović being the most renowned among them.

Lovćen National Park is characterized by a remarkable fusion of coastal and mountain climates, making it truly unique.

#MustSee in NP Lovćen

Njegoš's mausoleum is a true masterpiece of architecture and the tallest mausoleum in the world, standing at 1,660 meters above sea level. It is the resting place of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, the bishop, poet, and philosopher.

To reach Njegoš's mausoleum, which was crafted by the sculptor Ivan Meštrović, one must travel approximately twenty kilometers from Cetinje and ascend 461 steps. The journey itself is a special experience.

At the entrance of the mausoleum, the central part of the structure showcases two monumental figures of Montenegrin women made from black granite, serving as caryatids. Inside, you will encounter a vault adorned with a mosaic of 200,000 gilded tiles and a seated figure of Njegoš holding an open book. The marble sarcophagus is modest, featuring a carved cross and the state emblem, symbolizing spiritual and secular authority.

From the mausoleum, there is a breathtaking view of the Bay of Kotor and Lovćen, and it is only a 6 - kilometer distance from the Upper cable car station.

Whether it's winter, spring, or summer, Ivanova Korita is a beloved destination in Montenegro. It is located near Cetinje, the Old Royal Capital of Montenegro, and is named after its founder, Ivan Crnojević, also known as Ivan-beg in history.

This area is famous for its refreshing water and numerous meadows for relaxation and recreation. Like the entire Lovćen National Park, this mountain offers an astonishing richness of flora and fauna.

One-third of Montenegro's and the Balkans' total plant species can be found here, and over 200 bird species call this place home throughout the year.

Ivanova Korita is just 2 kilometers away from the Upper Kuk cable car station.

Cetinje is the Old Royal Capital of Montenegro, the country's historical and cultural center.

It is renowned as the city of museums and artists. The growth of Cetinje is intertwined with the arrival of the Petrović Njegoš dynasty, and many significant historical decisions are connected to this capital. In the city itself and its nearby surroundings, you can witness numerous landmarks and genuine natural marvels.

#MustSee in Cetinje

In King Nikola's Palace, the residence of one of Montenegro's most significant rulers, several tens of thousands of objects are available for viewing.

They are distributed among archaeological, ethnographic, and art collections and extensive collections of decorations, weapons, plaques, seals, coats of arms, flags, and photographs. 

Within the royal library lie precious editions of books published by the Crnojevića printing press, including a remarkable treasure - the first book ever printed among the South Slavs. Known as Oktoih Prvoglasnik, it was printed in Cetinje in the year 1493.

Biljarda is the former residence of Petar II Petrović Njegoš, one of the most important rulers of Montenegro, which has now been turned into a museum. Its name is derived from the billiards table that Njegoš brought from Vienna, making it the only one in Montenegro then. The museum's permanent collection showcases Njegoš's personal belongings, manuscripts, books, a rich library, currency, and weapons.

Within the walls of Biljarda, Petar II Petrović Njegoš produced his most significant works, including the renowned "The Mountain Wreath," which has been translated into approximately 20 languages worldwide.

While exploring Cetinje, make sure to visit the Historical and Art Museum of Montenegro. Located in the beautifully arranged premises of the Government House, it houses one of the most revered Christian treasures - the Icon of the Virgin Filermosa. This ancient icon is considered the oldest surviving depiction of the Virgin Mary and holds immense significance. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this precious relic during your visit.

The Cetinje Monastery stands as the spiritual and cultural heart of Montenegro. With its profound history, it symbolizes the faith and identity of the Montenegrin people. This sacred temple, founded in the 15th century, preserves a rich treasury of spirituality and art.

Priceless treasures are kept within its walls, including the Hand of Saint John the Baptist, a holy particle of the True Cross, and the Saint Peter of Cetinje relics.

Orlov krš is a hill that rises magnificently and dominates the southwestern part of the Cetinje plain.

Perched atop this imposing hill is a site of great historical and cultural importance – the mausoleum of Bishop Danilo, the visionary founder of the New Cetinje Monastery and the Petrović-Njegoš dynasty.

This mausoleum stands as a testament to the rich legacy and enduring influence of Bishop Danilo and the dynasty he established.

Lipska Cave, located just five kilometers from Cetinje, is a remarkable natural wonder. With its intricate network of 2.5 kilometers of passages, halls, and galleries, it is a prominent touristattraction in Montenegro, offering an unforgettable experience.

This cave has been admired for its beauty since ancient times, drawing the attention of notable figures like Petar II Petrović Njegoš and King Nikola I.

Step inside and be prepared for an exciting adventure as you explore its depths, guided by knowledgeable experts. With a constant temperature ranging from 8 to 12 degrees Celsius, Lipska Cave promises a truly unique journey.

This small town, located on the river of the same name, is considered one of the most charming corners in central Montenegro.

The Crnojevica River was once the largest Montenegrin port and a thriving trading center. A highly valued local product from this region was the dry-cured bleak fish, renowned for its uniqueness and exceptional taste, highly sought after even on Italian tables.

At the entrance to the Crnojevica River, you will encounter the famous stone Danilo's Bridge. Once you step into this small town, you will immediately decide to indulge in its rich gastronomic offerings of authentic fish specialties.

Seize the opportunity to explore the Crnojevica River by boat and experience another natural marvel of Montenegro - the Skadar Lake National Park.