Castle of St. John in Kotor, Stone fortress on St. John Mountain, Kotor, Montenegro
Castle of St. John is a stone fortress on a steep hillside above Kotor that spreads across multiple slopes. The structure is surrounded by thick walls that protect the mountain sides.
The fortress was originally built in the 6th century under Byzantine rule to protect the bay. Later changes under Venetian control strengthened its defensive power.
The fortress shows building styles from different rulers who controlled Kotor and left their own construction methods behind. As you climb, you notice how the building techniques changed over different periods.
The climb to the castle is steep and requires good fitness and sturdy shoes. It makes sense to visit in early morning hours to avoid heat and allow time for the full ascent and descent.
From above, you get a wide view across the entire Kotor Bay and surrounding mountains. This outlook shows why the location was so strategically important for centuries.
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