Kotor City Walls | Kotor

The Kotor City Walls (Zidine Starog Grada Kotora) are one of the most remarkable and well-preserved medieval fortification systems in Montenegro, forming a defining feature of Kotor Old Town. These walls, which stretch around the Old Town and extend up the surrounding mountainsides, reflect the strategic importance of Kotor as a fortified town and a vital maritime center in the Adriatic throughout history.

History and Construction

1. Origins and Early Development

The construction of the Kotor City Walls began as early as the 9th century during the Byzantine period, as Kotor was part of the Byzantine Empire. However, the walls were significantly expanded and strengthened over the centuries.

Venetian Influence: The most substantial additions to the fortifications occurred after Kotor came under the control of the Venetian Republic in 1420. The Venetians, who were known for their advanced military architecture, reinforced the city walls to protect Kotor from naval and land attacks. The walls were completed in the 16th century, though they were continually modified and strengthened until the 18th century.

2. Purpose and Strategic Importance

The primary purpose of the Kotor City Walls was to protect Kotor from invasions. Kotor was a vital naval port and trading hub, and its strategic location on the Bay of Kotor made it an important military target for invaders.

The city walls were designed to withstand attacks from both the sea (by pirates or naval forces) and from the land (from armies attempting to siege the town). The fortifications include both defensive walls around the town and a series of fortresses and watchtowers that extend up the mountain slopes, giving Kotor a 360-degree defense system.

Architecture and Features

1. The City Walls

The city walls encircle Kotor Old Town, creating a fortified ring that stretches over 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles). They are made of stone and mortar, giving them a rugged and imposing appearance. The walls vary in height, with some sections reaching up to 20 meters (66 feet) tall.

The walls feature bastions, watchtowers, and gates that were built for defense purposes. The walls are interrupted by several entry points into the Old Town, such as the Sea Gate, North Gate, and West Gate, all of which served as controlled entry points during times of war.

2. Kotor Fortress (San Giovanni Fortress)

The most famous and largest fortress along the city walls is San Giovanni Fortress (Fortaleza de San Giovanni), perched on the top of the hill behind the Old Town.

The fortress is accessible by a long hike that involves climbing over 1,000 steps to reach the summit. From the top, visitors are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Kotor, the surrounding mountains, and the Bay of Kotor.

San Giovanni Fortress was crucial for the city’s defense, as it allowed defenders to monitor both the land and sea approaches to Kotor. The fortress was originally built in the 9th century and later enhanced during the Venetian period.

3. Watchtowers and Bastions

In addition to the main walls, the Kotor City Walls feature several watchtowers and bastions built at strategic points to protect the town. These were manned by guards to watch for approaching threats from both land and sea.

The bastions are angular fortifications that jut out from the main walls and provide a better line of sight for defenders. The St. John’s Bastion and the Bastion of St. Lucia are two well-known examples.

Climbing the Walls

1. Hiking to the Fortress

One of the most popular activities for visitors is hiking up to the San Giovanni Fortress, which is a challenging yet rewarding experience. The hike involves ascending over 1,350 steps, making it a physically demanding climb, but it offers breathtaking views along the way.

The hike provides a unique opportunity to see the city walls up close and explore sections that are less accessible by foot. Along the way, hikers pass through gates, tunnels, and ancient defensive structures that tell the story of Kotor’s past.

At the top of the fortress, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kotor Old Town, the Bay of Kotor, and the surrounding mountains, making the climb a must-do for anyone visiting the town.

2. Views of the Walls from the Town

The city walls are visible from many points within Kotor Old Town, and they create a dramatic backdrop for the medieval buildings and narrow streets. The walls add to the historical atmosphere of the town, and their impressive scale makes them a central feature of the Old Town's landscape.

Visitors can take a boat tour around the Bay of Kotor to get a different perspective of the walls, especially the sections of the fortifications that run along the water’s edge.

Historical Significance and Preservation

1. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Kotor City Walls are part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Kotor Old Town, which was recognized for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its significance as a cultural and historical center in the Adriatic.

The walls are an integral part of Kotor’s historical identity, symbolizing the town's long-standing resilience in the face of foreign invasions and its strategic importance throughout history.

2. Restoration and Preservation

Over the years, the city walls have undergone various stages of restoration and conservation to preserve their integrity. The walls have survived numerous earthquakes, including the devastating 1979 earthquake, which caused significant damage to parts of Kotor, but the walls were largely repaired.

Efforts have been made to ensure that the walls are maintained and remain accessible to visitors, allowing them to experience this remarkable feat of medieval engineering.

Conclusion

The Kotor City Walls are an essential part of the town’s historical and cultural heritage. They offer an extraordinary glimpse into Kotor’s medieval past, serving as both a defensive structure and a symbol of the town’s resilience. The walls are not only an impressive architectural feat but also a key part of the town’s appeal, drawing visitors who come to admire the town’s rich history, explore the fortifications, and enjoy the stunning views of Kotor Old Town and the surrounding landscape. Whether you choose to hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress, stroll through the Old Town and admire the walls, or take a boat ride around the Bay of Kotor, the city walls are a must-see for anyone visiting Kotor.