Risan, Medieval settlement in Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Risan is a medieval settlement in the Bay of Kotor that occupies a natural harbor with defensive structures and historic buildings spread across the hillside. The village shows fortified walls and several churches that reflect different periods of construction and adaptation.
The settlement developed during the Middle Ages as an artistic and commercial center with its own traditions in masonry and religious art. Over time, Venetian and other influences left their mark on the town's appearance and structure.
The four Romanesque churches here display architectural layers from Illyrian, Roman, Serbian, and Venetian periods. Walking through the old town walls, you can see how different cultures shaped the buildings over time.
The settlement is small and walkable, though steep paths between old buildings require steady footing. Many structures were restored after the 1979 earthquake, but some stairs and passages can still be uneven in places.
The area received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979, partly because of its remarkable position between steep coastal cliffs and sheltered waters. This geographic setting made it a valuable refuge for different civilizations across centuries.
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