The main entrance to Kotor's fortified city was constructed in 1555 during Venetian rule (1420–1797). You'll notice the winged lion of Saint Mark, Venice's symbol, proudly displayed on the walls here and in a few other spots around town. Above the gate, there's a nod to history with a communist star and a post-World War II inscription that reads, "What belongs to others we don't want, what is ours we will never surrender" – credited to Yugoslav leader Tito. There's also a huge (and quite random) bench outside, perfect for some goofy photos.

Take a look up from outside and picture the old fortified wall in all its former glory. Sure, some parts have crumbled away over time, but it's still pretty amazing to think about how it was built centuries ago. Previously only accessible by sea, the gate has sunk over 70 centimeters since it was erected, all thanks to the weight of its stone blocks!

Additionally, don't miss the beautiful 15th-century stone relief of the Madonna and Child, flanked by Saint Tryphon and Saint Bernard, as you walk through. From there, you're immediately immersed in the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town Kotor – Arms Square!

Known for its historical function as a flour storage area, this square houses three notable buildings: the Saint Nicholas of Seamen Church, Pima Palace, and Buća Palace.

In the old days of Kotor, each influential family flaunted their wealth through grand palaces. The Buća family, particularly Mihailo, the city's wealthiest resident, owned a magnificent edifice in the 14th century; however, following a devastating earthquake in the 17th century, the family lacked the funds to fully restore it. Now operating as a boutique hotel, the palace comprises three distinct buildings, each with varying heights, facades, and architectural styles, making it difficult to believe they were once one structure.

Across the street, the Pima Palace was once the residence of the noble Pima family, counting famous poets Jerome and Bernard among its members. Despite enduring damage from numerous earthquakes over the centuries, the edifice was rebuilt after the devastating tremor of 1667 and again after the one in 1979. Its main portal still displays the Pima family coat of arms, supported by two angels.

Under house number 328, excavations uncovered the remnants of a church. Initially a chapel belonging to the Buća family, it was later donated to the Fraternity of Saint Nicholas of Seamen, a group eventually known as the Bokelian Navy. Around 1000 AD, this seafaring guild played a pivotal role in advancing maritime affairs in the city. Their contributions are commemorated every June 26th.

Tucked away amidst the winding alleys of Old Town, the magnificent Saint Tryphon Cathedral stands as one of Kotor’s top sights. Consecrated in 1166, this place of worship was built upon the ruins of an ancient 9th-century temple dedicated to the town's patron saint, offering a glimpse into Kotor's past as a bustling medieval seaport.

A three-nave structure, it has undergone extensive restoration over the centuries, particularly following the devastating 1667 earthquake that destroyed its bell towers and part of the façade. In the aftermath, new Baroque-style bell towers were erected, while the once Romanesque rose windows now feature captivating Gothic-Renaissance motifs.

Inside, you will find a remarkable collection of art paintings and precious gold and silver relics crafted by local artisans. Greek masters covered the interior with exquisite frescoes, but the centerpiece is undoubtedly the 14th-century Romanesque Gothic ciborium above the main altar. The Golden Altarpiece adorning the apse wall features depictions of Christ, the Virgin, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Tryphon, and sixteen other saints, standing as a testament to the masterful craftsmanship of Kotor's goldsmiths in the 15th century.

With the nominal entrance fee, visitors gain access to the Sacral Art Museum, housing some of Kotor's most cherished artworks and religious artifacts. This also helps maintain the serene atmosphere as a place of worship, rather than becoming overrun with tourists.

Outside, the nearby Bishop's Palace served as the official residence of the bishops and belonged to the Drago noble family.

Likely the oldest thoroughfare in Kotor, dating all the way back to Roman times, Craftsmen Street stretches from the South Gate to the North Gate, tracing the ancient town's entire length at the foot of the mountain.

Throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, Kotor was renowned for its skilled artisans, with workshops clustered along this narrow alleyway according to their trades. Shoemakers, tanners, butchers, stonemasons, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, swordsmiths, bakers – you name it, they were here. Records from as far back as 1326 list 46 different trades operating in the town, but while the street's golden age has faded, its vibrant past lives on, and a stroll down the cobblestones is certainly worth your time.

Amidst the souvenir shops and studios, several monuments paying homage to the toil of the working class endure, alongside revered religious sites such as Saint Anne's, dating back to the 12th century and rebuilt after the 1979 earthquake. Similarly, Saint Paul's Church, erected in 1263, and the Saint Francis monastery from the 17th century add to the street's historical tapestry.

Kotor's rich maritime legacy takes center stage in a beautiful early-18th-century Baroque palace, housing three floors of captivating displays. With the help of an audio guide, you'll dive into a treasure trove of photographs, paintings, uniforms, intricately crafted weapons, fancy navigational gadgets, and ship models.

The sailing tradition in Kotor traces back to medieval times, and you can soak in the tales of Kotor's seafarer fraternity, known as the Boka Marine, dating all the way back to the 9th century. The museum is like a time capsule, preserving memories of the city's illustrious seafarers, artists, shipbuilders, craftsmen, politicians, and diplomats who bridged the gap between East and West.

Among the highlights are six bronze relief tables showcasing pivotal events and notable figures from Kotor's turbulent past. You'll also find geographic maps, engravings, and watercolors depicting coastal towns, along with an ethnographic collection that offers a glimpse into Kotor's maritime heyday from the 16th to the 18th century.

Right at the entrance of the palace, keep an eye out for two small cannons symbolizing the endless battle between seafarers and pirates.

Alongside the Church of Saint Nicholas lies one of Kotor's five remaining sacred structures built in the Romanesque style. Dating back to 1195, during the Serbian Nemanjić dynasty, it has a single nave layout with a circular-based dome over the central aisle, a semicircular apse on the east end, and a portal on the west side. Despite its modest size compared to its neighbors, like the grand Saint Nicholas, this structure's smaller stature actually worked in its favor, sparing it from earthquake damage that affected many others in town.

Shortly after its completion, Saint Luke's was adorned with frescoes, though only fragments remain on the southern wall. The impressive iconostasis, crafted by Dimitrije Daskal, hails from the 17th-century Boka Kotorska painting school.

What further sets the church apart is its history of housing both Catholic and Orthodox altars. In 1657, during a Turkish invasion, the population of Grbalj sought refuge in Kotor, and the Venetian authorities allowed them to use the then-Catholic place of worship for Orthodox services. This led to the installation of two altars, which remained in use until the French occupation from 1807 to 1814.

An intriguing detail lies beneath your feet in this sacred spot – the floor is comprised of tombstones from communal graves of Kotor's residents. Burials took place within the church until the 1930s, adding another layer of history to this fascinating site.

This is the big city square you'll step into when entering the walled city of Kotor through the Sea Gate. It's a hub of activity with shops, banks, cafes, restaurants, and some pretty significant historical landmarks. Back in the Venetian days, this place was all about making and storing weapons, especially in the Arsenal building, with the Prince's Palace and Town Guard Tower backing up the military effort.

Soldiers who defended the city would gather here to gear up with weapons and stand their ground. One of the most legendary moments was when they held off the Turkish pirate Hajrudin Barbarossa for three intense days back in 1539.

Besides the Sea Gate, which is the biggest of the three entrances to the city, you'll also spot the 17th-century clock tower (looking older than it really is, thanks to its mix of Baroque and Gothic styles) and a medieval pillar located adjacent. On the west side of the square stands the Rector's Palace, now part of Hotel Cattaro, while the Napoleon Theatre, originally built in 1762 for storing military supplies and food, became one of the very first theaters in the Balkans during the French occupation.