Kotor History: A Glimpse Into Montenegro's Ancient Past
Kotor, Montenegro is a small city situated on the Adriatic Sea, nestled between the steep mountains of the Bay of Kotor. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its old town is a living museum of medieval architecture and culture. Kotor has a long and fascinating history, stretching back over two thousand years.
The earliest known inhabitants of Kotor were the Illyrians, who settled the area around 1000 BC. The Romans arrived in the 1st century BC and established the city of Acruvium, which was later renamed Cattaro by the Slavs. During the Middle Ages, Kotor was a major port and trading center, and was part of the Republic of Venice from 1420 to 1797.
In 1807, Kotor was occupied by the French and then the Austrians in 1814. After the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Kotor became part of the Austrian Empire. In 1867, it joined the newly formed Kingdom of Montenegro, and in 1918, it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.
Kotor was heavily damaged during World War II, but it was rebuilt after the war and is now a popular tourist destination. The old town is a maze of cobblestone streets and winding alleyways, lined with Venetian-style palaces and churches. The city is also home to several ancient fortifications, including the medieval walls of St. John's Castle and the ancient walls of the City of Kotor.
Kotor is also home to some of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the Balkans. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, built in the 12th century, is one of the oldest and most important churches in Montenegro. The Church of St. Luke, built in the 15th century, is a beautiful example of Venetian Gothic architecture.
Kotor is a city steeped in history and culture, and its old town is a living museum of medieval architecture and culture. It is a popular tourist destination, and its old town is a must-see for anyone visiting Montenegro.