Day 8: Dubrovnik (Day2) - Kotor, Montenegro

Mount Srd

Lokrum Island

Famous for its free-roaming peacocks, Lokrum Island is also home to the historic 11th-century Benedictine monastery. Additionally, the island served as the stunning backdrop for the fictional city of Qarth in Game of Thrones.

Fort Lovrijenac

The legendary Fort Lovrijenac, also known as the 'Gibraltar of Dubrovnik.' This iconic fortress doubled as King's Landing in Game of Thrones.

Dubrovnik's steep stairs are both a challenge and a charm! Winding through the old town’s narrow streets, these staircases are an iconic part of the city's layout, offering glimpses of hidden courtyards, cozy cafes, and stunning views as you climb. They’re not for the faint of heart, though—be ready for a leg workout! But every step is worth it to experience the magic of this historic city.

The City Walls

Take note of the multipurpose court on the left of the photo. Our tour guide mentioned that she attended school here. Seeing it nestled within the historic walls of Dubrovnik is fascinating. It’s a vivid reminder of how life continues to thrive in these centuries-old surroundings.

It’s incredible to witness how the historical and modern coexist within Dubrovnik’s ancient walls. This blend of history and contemporary life—where children study and play in the shadows of stone fortifications that have stood for centuries—illustrates the resilience and adaptability of the city's residents. It also highlights how living heritage isn’t just about preserving the past but actively integrating it into the present.

The walls of Dubrovnik, which represent one of the most significant medieval fortification systems in Europe, were continuously developed and modernized until 1660. This includes the completion of the Bastion of St. Stephen on the southern side. These walls span approximately 1,940 meters in length and feature numerous defensive structures, including 16 towers, three fortresses, and six bastions.

The walls vary in thickness depending on their location: on the landward side, they are between 4 and 6 meters thick, while on the seaward side, they range from 1.5 to 3 meters. Some sections reach up to 25 meters in height. Other notable elements include moats, flank fortresses, breakwaters, and drawbridges, which helped the city maintain its defenses against various threats throughout history​.

View of the main street, Stradun (Placa) below from the City Walls

Chinese Lunch @ Dubrovnik

KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

The Arms Square

The square got its name because it was where weapons were repaired and stored during the Venetian Republic's rule. Soldiers would gather here to equip themselves before defending the city.

There's something magical about the cobbled stones and narrow alleyways of Kotor Old Town. As you walk through them, you can almost feel the history beneath your feet, each stone worn smooth by centuries of footsteps.

 The winding alleys, with their timeless charm, seem to lead you into hidden corners of the past. It is as if you're stepping into a storybook, where every turn brings a new discovery—whether it’s a quiet courtyard, a centuries-old door, or a small café tucked away from the bustle. 

Perched on the slopes of St. John’s Hill (also known as San Giovanni Hill) high above the charming town of Kotor is the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Remedy.

A popular pilgrimage site, the church is accessed by a steep, winding pathway of around 650 steps that lead from the town below to the church. An altar is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, revered here as a protector against plagues and illness. In fact, the church was built by locals in gratitude after Kotor survived an outbreak of the plague.

St. Nicholas Church Dome and the massive walls of Bastion Riva, part of Kotor's Old Town fortifications, near the river Shkurda.

The ancient walls at night

I noticed a prevalence of cat-themed souvenirs in Kotor. According to our tour guide, Kotor has a long history with cats. Hundreds of years ago, when Kotor was an important trading port, cats would often wander off ships and get left behind. Over time, these cats became a beloved part of the town's culture.

One notable figure in Kotor is Danijela, who runs Danijela's Cat Shop. She and her family have been caring for the local cat population for generations, providing food and medical care. Her shop offers a variety of cat-themed souvenirs, from postcards and magnets to clothing and artwork. The souvenirs help support the cats and raise awareness about their care. So, the prevalence of cat-themed souvenirs in Kotor is a nod to the town's feline history and the ongoing efforts to care for its stray cats. 🐱

As we wrapped up our walking tour of Kotor and headed toward our coach, we passed by this massive cruise ship. Earlier in the day, the town was startled by a deep, resonant horn blast—it turns out this was the source! Seeing it up close was impressive, especially after it left such a booming impression on the entire town. With the promise of more adventures awaiting us tomorrow, we bid a quiet goodnight to Kotor, its ancient walls, and its shimmering waters. Until morning, when we’d return to explore its charm once more.