Kotor

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A 40 minute ride down the Montenegro coast is the UNESCO protected town of Kotar.  It is a well preserved urbanization of the middle ages built between the 12Th and the 14Th century.  Kotar is a world natural and historical heritage site and is the most southern fiorid in the world.  Its made up of 4 bays.  No vehicular traffic is allowed.  The mountains surround Kotar Bay and reflect themselves in the clear blue sea.  Old town has a great number of monuments of medieval architecture, and Kotar is the home for many palaces for the wealthy for summer homes and of course a great number of steps to climb.

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St  Ivan the highest peak above Kotar was a mere 1350 steps strait up to the top of the mountain one way.  In 100 degree weather.  Taking the hour and a half hike gave new meaning to the phrase never again.  LOL  I thought this might be my final resting place. The overwhelming thought that keep me alive was the thought of gellato if I made it back down the mountain alive.  While the views from the top of the mountain of the bays, old town, the mega yachts and the surrounding mountains is fabulous, think twice about the hike.  Sometimes a post card is worth the 1350 steps.  In Byzantine times, it had 1 ruler, and in Slavonic times another ruler.  From 1391 to 1420, Kotar was an independent Republic.  Under the threat of the Ottoman invasion, the city was put under the protection of Venice.  Kotor has had 14 different occupiers, including Britain in 1813 during the Napoleonic wars.  In 1944 the Germans simply left.  Kotar suffered 3 major earthquakes, 1563, 1667, and in 1979.  Hold your comments.  All before I climbed the mountain.  LOL  And the Plague of 1572.  Please enjoy these pictures.

1350 steps strait up to the top of the mountain in 100 degree weather. NEVER AGAIN