The Gates of Old Town Kotor
The Gates of Old Town Kotor
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Tatiana Torgonskaya
Translation: Vera Root
Photo: Tatiana Torgonskaya
10.10.2019

In bygone turbulent days, an important administrative and economic center like Kotor needed a really good fortification system. And powerful framework around the city protected it from all sides.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

One of the most important fragments of fortification is powerful fortress walls. They surround the entire historical quarter, and climb up the mountain to the San Giovanni Fortress.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

The defense system was formed over the centuries, mostly at the time when Kotor was part of the Venetian Republic.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

The fortress walls are decorated with the Lion of Saint Mark — the heraldic symbol of Venice.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

You can enter the Old Town of Kotor only through the gates. There are few of them, but the tourists use mainly the Sea Gate which opens to the Arms Square.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

This is the central gate of Kotor. Three flags are waving above the arch of the gate, the flag of Montenegro, the flag of Kotor and the flag of UNESCO.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

Sea Gate was built in the 16th century.

Since the last century, the coat of arms of Yugoslavia has been adorning the outer side of the gate. Below it there is a quote from Marshal Tito — Tuđe nećemo svoje ne damo/ Do not take ours we do not take yours — and the date of the liberation of Kotor from the fascist occupation.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

The inner part of the gate is more interesting and valuable, both from an artistic and historical point of view. There is an amazing Gothic-style relief that is older than the gate itself — it was created in the 15th century.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

A romantic arched bridge leads to the River Gate, at the northern side of the Old Town.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

It is decorated in the Renaissance style.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

The River Gate was also built in the 16th century, several years earlier than the Sea Gate. This gate symbolizes the end of the Turkish occupation.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

Charming Crafts Street connects the River Gate with another entrance to the city, the gate called South or Gurdić, after the nearby river.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

This gate, once of great strategic importance, is guarded by a round bastion also named Gurdić.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

It was erected during the administration of Albert Bertucci Gabriel, so the coat of arms of his family adorns the walls.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

The Gurdic Gate is quite unusual, it is a system of three passages created at different times.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

The newest part of the gate dates from the 18th century.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

And the oldest — from 12-13 century.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

Gurdic is not the only bastion guarding the city. Several more powerful bastions are connected by fortress walls. For example, the Bembo Bastion, which is now a summer theater.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

The Corner Bastion near the city market.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

Fortress walls are open to visitors, they are welcome to climb them.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

It gives a better view to the Old Town and the city life outside the walls.

The Gates of Old Town Kotor

Beautiful buildings inside the historical quarter from the different angle.

The Gates of Old Town KotorThe Gates of Old Town Kotor

The Kotor fortress walls are open all year round. Visiting the part that surrounds the Old Town is free of charge.

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