Fortifications of Kotor, Defensive fortification in Kotor, Montenegro
The Fortifications of Kotor are a defensive system of walls, towers, and bastions that rise from the waterfront toward the mountain above the town. The structure connects different levels through stairs, passages, and reinforced positions that together form a complex military layout.
Construction of the defensive system began in the 15th century when the Venetian Republic sought to protect the port against Ottoman expansion. Work continued and shifted through the following centuries as the threat changed and new building techniques emerged.
The walls blend architectural styles from Venetian, Byzantine, and local craftsmen who worked together over centuries. Walking along them, you notice how different building techniques come together in the stonework and the way the structures fit against the landscape.
The climb requires steady physical effort and takes roughly two hours to reach the highest castle at the top. The paths can become slippery in wet weather, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water with you.
The walls were built from local limestone that came mostly from the immediate area around Kotor. This choice allowed the system to be repaired and adapted over centuries without relying on outside supply lines.
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