A visit to the medieval Old Town of Kotor means being surrounded by architecture that reflects Kotor’s history. Many of the features associated with the major architectural periods can be spotted on the restored churches, palaces and buildings.
Kotor was a city of marine trade located in the Dinaric Alps on the south-western shore of the stunningly beautiful Kotor Bay. The styles of Kotor’s architecture varied due to its history of invasions and foreign occupations. But the most significant changes to Kotor’s buildings were due to the impacts of numerous, devastating earthquakes that forced major restorations.
Kotor Old Town has a variety of historical churches, palaces, civic and residential buildings which vary in architectural style from the Byzantine and Romanesque, through the Gothic and Renaissance, to the Baroque. Sometimes, however, the facades of the buildings are no longer truly characteristic of their original periods due to extensive restorations.
This post explores the history and architecture of Kotor Old Town – what lies within its walls. You can read about the fortifications of Kotor, including the city walls and fortress in a separate post.
Medieval Kotor is known for big number of well-preserved old buildings. Especially noteworthy are the houses of noble families, which are called mansions or palaces.
- Bizanti Palace.
- Beskuca Palace.
- Pima Palace.
- Drago Palace.
- Maritime Museum – Gregorina Palace.
- Lombardic Palace.
- Grubonja Palace.
