Tvrdava Svetog Ivana (St. John's Castle), Kotor (must see)

Rising above Kotor on the slope of the mountain, this fortress stands about 260 meters above sea level and is reached by a steep path that climbs through a long series of bends and more than 1,300 stone steps. From the top, the view opens across the Old Town’s rooftops, the winding bay below, and the surrounding mountains.

The fortress takes its name from the Church of Saint John the Baptist, located within the upper citadel and first mentioned in 1440. The church served the garrison responsible for guarding the city’s walls and gave the entire complex its traditional name. The defensive system surrounding Kotor is extensive: the walls stretch for several kilometers, climbing from the shoreline up the mountainside, with sections that vary greatly in height and thickness depending on terrain and period of construction.

The fortifications developed gradually over many centuries. Early defensive structures are traditionally linked to the reign of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, though much of what is visible today reflects later rebuilding. The walls and bastions were repeatedly strengthened, with their present form largely shaped during the Venetian period, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries, in response to Ottoman threats.

Partway up the ascent stands the Church of Our Lady of Health, built in the 16th century following outbreaks of plague. It became a place of prayer for protection and healing. Along the route, several small chapels once marked the path; their painted panels depicting Marian feasts are now preserved inside the church.