January 15, 2025 • 20 mins
In this episode of Global Treasures, we cover the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, located in Montenegro. Established as a world heritage site in 1979, it was the artistic and commercial center. Join us as we discuss the history, travel tips for visitors and more.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries, where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history , travel tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:25):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importance topresent and and future generations.
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
(00:47):
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures podcast.
We appreciate all of your support, and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow us at TikTok,Facebook, And please share
(01:10):
this podcast with your friends.
Imagine a place where mountainsmeet the sea, in a dramatic embrace,
where fortress walls climb impossibleheights, and where each stone
tells a story spanning millennia.
Picture a bay so perfectly sheltered,that it seems as though nature herself
(01:31):
conspired to create the perfect harbor,a place where Illyrian queens, Venetian
merchants, Austrian admirals, andcountless sailors have gazed out over
waters that shimmer like polished silver.
Welcome to the Bay of Kotor.
Or Boka Kotorska, as locals know it, wherehistory isn't confined to museums and
(01:56):
books, but lives in every weathered stone,every winding alleyway, and every ancient
fortress wall climbing the mountainside.
Here in this deepest natural fjordin the Mediterranean, where mountains
rise dramatically to nearly 1, 500meters above crystal clear waters.
(02:18):
We find one of Europe's most perfectlypreserved medieval landscapes, the natural
and cultural historical region of Kotor.
Encompasses the most spectacular part ofMontenegro's Adriatic coast, a landscape
where nature and human ingenuity havecreated something truly extraordinary.
(02:39):
The inscribed property covers 14, 600hectares of a unique geographical marvel.
Two interrelated bays linked by anarrow channel that serves as the
region's central visual access.
But Kotor is more than just scenic beauty.
It's a testament to human adaptationand architectural brilliance.
(03:04):
The old town of Kotor, a medievalcityscape nestled within perfectly
preserved city walls, showcases aharmonious blend of influences, from
ancient Illyrian foundations to Venetianpalaces, from orthodox monasteries
to Catholic churches, all ingrainedseamlessly into the into a terraced
(03:27):
landscape that seems to defy gravity.
At its heart stands the Cathedral of St.
Tryphon, built in 1166, a masterpieceof Romanesque architecture
that has survived earthquakes,invasions, and passage of time.
Despite suffering heavy damage duringthe devastating earthquake of April
(03:50):
15th, 1979, the cathedral, like Kotoritself, has proven remarkably resilient.
The fortifications of Kotortell a story of military
engineering spanning centuries.
Imagine walking alongramparts that stretch 4.
5 kilometers, with walls rangingfrom 2 to 16 meters thick and
(04:13):
reaching heights of up to 20 meters.
These aren't just walls, they'rea historical manuscript written
in stone, reflecting architecturalinfluences from the Illyrians, the
Byzantine Empire, Venice, and Austria.
A city's defensive system is amasterpiece of strategic design.
(04:36):
Three main gates guard the approaches.
The Seagate, from 1555, stands as themain entrance, its winged lion of St.
Mark still proudlyproclaiming Venetian heritage.
The Rivergate, from 1540, withits imposing Bembo Bastion.
and the Gurdic Gate from 1470,fortified by the Gurdic Bastion.
(05:01):
The fortifications don't justencircle the city, they climb.
Starting from sea level, they ascend St.
John Mountain, an incredibledisplay of medieval engineering.
Along this vertical fortress, you'llfind the church of Our Lady of
Remedy from 1518, offering solaceto countless defenders and pilgrims.
(05:26):
At the summit, 280 meters above thebay, stands the San Giovanni Castle,
crowning this remarkable defensive system.
The Bay of Kotor is a placewhere geography becomes poetry.
This winding bay of the Adriaticextends approximately 28 kilometers
(05:46):
inland, creating one of the mostsheltered natural harbors in the world.
Its shoreline stretches 107.
3 kilometers, creating aseries of interconnected bays.
Each with its own character and charm.
The Verige Strait, at its narrowest,just 340 meters wide, serves as a natural
(06:10):
gateway between the outer and inner bays.
The surrounding mountains, Orjen to thewest and Lovćen to the east create a
dramatic amphitheater that has protectedthe bay and its inhabitants for millennia.
The history of Kotor reads like anepic saga, beginning with prehistoric
(06:31):
settlers who left their mark in theform of reindeer drawings in Lipci
village, dating back to 1200 1500 BC.
The region's strategicimportance was recognized early.
The Illyrians established theirfirst mint here between 300 to
200 BC, marking Kotor's earlyrole in Mediterranean trade works.
(06:55):
Each era has left its mark.
The Romans called it accruvium,establishing it as a key port
on their Adriatic routes.
The Byzantine period broughtnew fortifications under Emperor
Justinian I in the 6th century.
But perhaps the most transformativeperiod began in 1420 when Kotor became
(07:17):
part of Venice's maritime empire.
Under Venetian rule, kotor flourishedas a cultural and commercial center.
The city withstood Ottoman sieges in1538 to 1571 and 1657 to 1699, its
(07:37):
fortifications proving impregnable.
This period gave us many of thearchitectural treasures that we
see today, including magnificentpalaces that line the bay.
One of the most fascinating aspects ofKotor's history is its maritime tradition.
The Boka Navy, founded in 809, holdsthe distinction of being the oldest
(08:01):
maritime organization in the world.
Its formation coincided with thearrival of the relics of Saint Tryphon,
the city's patron saint, marking thebeginning of a rich religious and cultural
tradition that continues to this day.
Kotor's cultural heritageis as deep as its bay.
(08:21):
The city has been a meetingpoint of religions, cultures,
and artistic traditions.
The Church of St.
Luke, built in 1195, tellsthis story perfectly.
From 1657 to 1812, it uniquely housedboth Orthodox and Catholic altars.
(08:42):
A testament to the city'stradition of religious tolerance
and cultural integration.
The city's artistic heritageis equally impressive.
From the 11th to the 14th centuries,Kotor's workshops produced over
800 Byzantine style icons, creatinga legacy of religious art that
(09:02):
rivals any in the Mediterranean.
The town's goldsmith tradition,exemplified by masters like
Đorđe Radek Kusevic, in the 18thcentury, created treasures that
still fill church treasuries today.
Like many historical sites, Kotorfaces the challenge of preserving its
(09:22):
heritage while embracing the future.
The devastating earthquake of 1979marked a turning point, leading
to the city's inscription onUNESCO's World Heritage List, and
it's danger list in the same year.
However, this crisis also sparked aremarkable rehabilitation effort that has
(09:43):
helped preserve the city's architecturaltreasures for future generations.
Fun fact, did you know thatKotor is famous for its cats?
These feline residents have becomesuch an integral part of the city's
character, that there's not only acat museum, but also a cat square.
(10:03):
Throughout the city, you'll findwater and food left out for these
furry inhabitants, and even cardboardboxes arranged as sleeping quarters.
A tradition that speaks to the warmthand hospitality of local residents.
Here's another fascinating detail.
Twice daily, the streets of Kotor arewashed with shampoo, a tradition that
(10:27):
dates back to medieval times when thecity suffered from plague outbreaks.
This dedication to cleanliness haspersisted throughout the centuries.
Making Kotor's stone streetssome of the cleanest you'll
find in any historical city.
And for those interested in maritimehistory, here's a remarkable fact.
(10:48):
In the 17th century, the nauticalschool of Perast was so renowned,
That in 1698, Russian Emperor Peterthe Great sent 17 noblemen to study
at this prestigious institution.
The story of Kotor is oneof remarkable resilience.
(11:09):
Consider the Beskuca Palace, builtin 1776, whose owner possessed
99 palaces in Kotor and overseas.
A testament to the wealth that flowedthrough this port city, or the Palace
Bujovic in Perast, constructed in 1694and considered the most beautiful in the
(11:34):
Bay of Kotor, now serving as a museumpreserving the region's maritime heritage.
The city's fortifications, stretching 4.
5 kilometers and costing more thanany other defensive system on the
Adriatic coast, stand as perhaps thegreatest symbol of this resilience.
(11:55):
These walls have withstood sieges,earthquakes, and the passage
of time, continuing to protectthe cultural treasures within.
Today, Kotor isn't just a museum piece.
It's a living city wheretraditions continue to evolve.
The Bokelj, as the inhabitants of thebay are known, maintained centuries old
(12:18):
maritime traditions, the BokholchskaMonarika, recently inscribed in
UNESCO's List of Intangible Heritageof Humanity, continues to preserve
the region's seafaring culture.
One of the most spectaculardemonstrations of this living heritage.
is the Bokeljska Noc, or Boka Night, afestival of decorated vessels that has
(12:43):
been celebrated since the 17th century.
In 1936, it hosted King Edward,and today it continues to enchant
visitors with its magical display ofilluminated boats and floating pageantry.
As we conclude our exploration ofKotor, It's worth noting that this
remarkable site continues to evolve.
(13:05):
Recent years have seen thoughtfulrestoration projects, like the
transformation of the old AustroHungarian prison into an artistic
hub, showing how historical spacescan be adapted for contemporary use
while preserving their character.
And now, as we prepare to guide youthrough the practical aspects of visiting
(13:28):
this remarkable place, From navigatingits winding streets, to sampling its
culinary delights, let's remember thatKotor is more than just a destination.
It's a living testament to humaningenuity, cultural resilience, and
the enduring power of community.
If you're traveling from another country,you'll want to fly into Podgorica airport.
(13:53):
From there, you can rent acar, take public transportation
such as a bus, or grab a taxi.
Public transportation willbe your cheapest option.
It may also be more convenient to useduring your stay, as renting a car is
problematic in the sense that findingparking can be tricky in Old Town.
For lodging, there are a wide varietyof hostels, homestays, hotels, bed and
(14:19):
breakfasts, and boutique hotels, so nomatter your budget, you'll find something.
Several of the main places youmay want to visit require tickets.
For example, it's free to enter OldTown, but some of the sites within
have an entrance fee, including St.
John's Fortress, which has some incrediblescenic spots you can hike up to.
(14:42):
This is a great place for photographers.
Just know that this is quitethe trek, so wear your sneakers.
You can also visit the MaritimeMuseum, which is inexpensive.
It's over 120 years old andsits in a Baroque palace.
And when it comes to paying thosefees Always ask for discounts.
(15:02):
Sometimes they're availablefor students or larger groups.
If you're a foodie, this is agreat place to eat inexpensively.
The cuisine is a mesh of Italian, Turkish,and Hungarian, so you'll see goulash,
kebab, and cured meats on many menus.
Turkish coffee is common as well.
(15:22):
One standout dish worth trying that'sa popular fast food option is burek.
This is a phyllo or pastrydough filled with vegetables,
meat, cheese, and or potato.
I also want to note that if you dinein restaurants, tipping the waitstaff
isn't expected but always appreciated.
(15:43):
You may be wondering what'sthe best time of year to visit.
If you use weather or crowds asyour guide, Spring is probably
where you should shoot for.
The weather doesn't get above the mid70s Fahrenheit, and the Old Town isn't as
crowded when compared with July to August.
And in these months, it can getas hot as 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
(16:07):
Also, This is a large cruise port, sothere's a big influx at the major tourist
attractions during those summer months.
Winter ranges between 40 to 60degrees Fahrenheit, but know that
between December and February, alot of the attractions have limited
hours or may be closed altogether.
(16:28):
I was surprised to learn this, asover 23, 000 people reside within
this area, making it a unique UNESCOsite, as most of them are uninhabited.
The primary language isMontenegrin, but English is
frequently spoken in tourist areas.
Also, menus are typically printedin English, as well as the signs
(16:51):
at major tourist destinations.
However, it never hurts to learn a fewbasic phrases like hello or thank you.
And for those who love to hearabout hauntings and legends, this
site has some interesting lore.
The first is the Island of Dead Captains.
It's said that the island of St.
(17:12):
George Perast is haunted by the ghost ofa French soldier who killed his girlfriend
by shooting a cannon at her house.
It's said that this story even inspiredthe painting The Island of the Dead.
By Beklin.
It's privately owned now, so visitingis not permitted by the general public.
(17:33):
There's also the Tre Sorrelle, or ThreeSisters Palace, which you can visit today,
or at least you can see the outside.
It appears the inside isn't availableto be toured by the public due
to being structurally unsafe.
This 15th century summer home issupposedly haunted by three sisters,
(17:55):
all of whom fell in love with the samesailor, And well, as you can imagine,
things ended tragically, and this folklorehas been passed down for centuries.
Now, let's end things by talkingabout the issues faced in terms of
the historic preservation piece.
I think that it's important to understandhow this site represents the lived
(18:18):
experiences of the people in thisarea both presently, And in the past.
And of course, we touched on it before.
The main issue here is over tourism.
All of the visitors due to the cruisesputs pressure on infrastructure, and adds
noise pollution, as well as the air andwater pollution, and can contribute to
(18:40):
water scarcity when droughts are an issue.
It's estimated that Kotor gets aquarter of a million visitors each year.
The socioeconomic makeup ofthe area is in flux as well.
They are constructing new tourist centers,roads, and buildings along the coast.
This may seem like a good ideafrom a financial standpoint.
(19:02):
But these additions arechanging the coastline.
This makes keeping the buffer zonefirm vital to maintaining the property.
And as mentioned before, in 1979,there was an earthquake which
damaged many of the culturalmonuments and historic urban areas.
However, they were restored due tohelp from UNESCO and have retained
(19:25):
their aesthetic quality as a result.
I'm confident that this site will continueto be enjoyed in its current state by
future travelers for years to come.
Thank you for joining us today.
Our next episode will take us to theNgorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania,
(19:46):
which is the home to the Great Migration.
We'll be taking you to avast forest filled with
wildebeest, zebras, and gazelle.
A place that is truly larger than life.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries, where
culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history , travel tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:25):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importance topresent and and future generations.
Welcome to season two, wherewe'll explore the 45 sites that
(00:47):
UNESCO added in 1979 together.
Thank you for listening tothe Global Treasures podcast.
We appreciate all of your support, and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow us at TikTok,Facebook, And please share
(01:10):
this podcast with your friends.
Imagine a place where mountainsmeet the sea, in a dramatic embrace,
where fortress walls climb impossibleheights, and where each stone
tells a story spanning millennia.
Picture a bay so perfectly sheltered,that it seems as though nature herself
(01:31):
conspired to create the perfect harbor,a place where Illyrian queens, Venetian
merchants, Austrian admirals, andcountless sailors have gazed out over
waters that shimmer like polished silver.
Welcome to the Bay of Kotor.
Or Boka Kotorska, as locals know it, wherehistory isn't confined to museums and
(01:56):
books, but lives in every weathered stone,every winding alleyway, and every ancient
fortress wall climbing the mountainside.
Here in this deepest natural fjordin the Mediterranean, where mountains
rise dramatically to nearly 1, 500meters above crystal clear waters.
(02:18):
We find one of Europe's most perfectlypreserved medieval landscapes, the natural
and cultural historical region of Kotor.
Encompasses the most spectacular part ofMontenegro's Adriatic coast, a landscape
where nature and human ingenuity havecreated something truly extraordinary.
(02:39):
The inscribed property covers 14, 600hectares of a unique geographical marvel.
Two interrelated bays linked by anarrow channel that serves as the
region's central visual access.
But Kotor is more than just scenic beauty.
It's a testament to human adaptationand architectural brilliance.
(03:04):
The old town of Kotor, a medievalcityscape nestled within perfectly
preserved city walls, showcases aharmonious blend of influences, from
ancient Illyrian foundations to Venetianpalaces, from orthodox monasteries
to Catholic churches, all ingrainedseamlessly into the into a terraced
(03:27):
landscape that seems to defy gravity.
At its heart stands the Cathedral of St.
Tryphon, built in 1166, a masterpieceof Romanesque architecture
that has survived earthquakes,invasions, and passage of time.
Despite suffering heavy damage duringthe devastating earthquake of April
(03:50):
15th, 1979, the cathedral, like Kotoritself, has proven remarkably resilient.
The fortifications of Kotortell a story of military
engineering spanning centuries.
Imagine walking alongramparts that stretch 4.
5 kilometers, with walls rangingfrom 2 to 16 meters thick and
(04:13):
reaching heights of up to 20 meters.
These aren't just walls, they'rea historical manuscript written
in stone, reflecting architecturalinfluences from the Illyrians, the
Byzantine Empire, Venice, and Austria.
A city's defensive system is amasterpiece of strategic design.
(04:36):
Three main gates guard the approaches.
The Seagate, from 1555, stands as themain entrance, its winged lion of St.
Mark still proudlyproclaiming Venetian heritage.
The Rivergate, from 1540, withits imposing Bembo Bastion.
and the Gurdic Gate from 1470,fortified by the Gurdic Bastion.
(05:01):
The fortifications don't justencircle the city, they climb.
Starting from sea level, they ascend St.
John Mountain, an incredibledisplay of medieval engineering.
Along this vertical fortress, you'llfind the church of Our Lady of
Remedy from 1518, offering solaceto countless defenders and pilgrims.
(05:26):
At the summit, 280 meters above thebay, stands the San Giovanni Castle,
crowning this remarkable defensive system.
The Bay of Kotor is a placewhere geography becomes poetry.
This winding bay of the Adriaticextends approximately 28 kilometers
(05:46):
inland, creating one of the mostsheltered natural harbors in the world.
Its shoreline stretches 107.
3 kilometers, creating aseries of interconnected bays.
Each with its own character and charm.
The Verige Strait, at its narrowest,just 340 meters wide, serves as a natural
(06:10):
gateway between the outer and inner bays.
The surrounding mountains, Orjen to thewest and Lovćen to the east create a
dramatic amphitheater that has protectedthe bay and its inhabitants for millennia.
The history of Kotor reads like anepic saga, beginning with prehistoric
(06:31):
settlers who left their mark in theform of reindeer drawings in Lipci
village, dating back to 1200 1500 BC.
The region's strategicimportance was recognized early.
The Illyrians established theirfirst mint here between 300 to
200 BC, marking Kotor's earlyrole in Mediterranean trade works.
(06:55):
Each era has left its mark.
The Romans called it accruvium,establishing it as a key port
on their Adriatic routes.
The Byzantine period broughtnew fortifications under Emperor
Justinian I in the 6th century.
But perhaps the most transformativeperiod began in 1420 when Kotor became
(07:17):
part of Venice's maritime empire.
Under Venetian rule, kotor flourishedas a cultural and commercial center.
The city withstood Ottoman sieges in1538 to 1571 and 1657 to 1699, its
(07:37):
fortifications proving impregnable.
This period gave us many of thearchitectural treasures that we
see today, including magnificentpalaces that line the bay.
One of the most fascinating aspects ofKotor's history is its maritime tradition.
The Boka Navy, founded in 809, holdsthe distinction of being the oldest
(08:01):
maritime organization in the world.
Its formation coincided with thearrival of the relics of Saint Tryphon,
the city's patron saint, marking thebeginning of a rich religious and cultural
tradition that continues to this day.
Kotor's cultural heritageis as deep as its bay.
(08:21):
The city has been a meetingpoint of religions, cultures,
and artistic traditions.
The Church of St.
Luke, built in 1195, tellsthis story perfectly.
From 1657 to 1812, it uniquely housedboth Orthodox and Catholic altars.
(08:42):
A testament to the city'stradition of religious tolerance
and cultural integration.
The city's artistic heritageis equally impressive.
From the 11th to the 14th centuries,Kotor's workshops produced over
800 Byzantine style icons, creatinga legacy of religious art that
(09:02):
rivals any in the Mediterranean.
The town's goldsmith tradition,exemplified by masters like
Đorđe Radek Kusevic, in the 18thcentury, created treasures that
still fill church treasuries today.
Like many historical sites, Kotorfaces the challenge of preserving its
(09:22):
heritage while embracing the future.
The devastating earthquake of 1979marked a turning point, leading
to the city's inscription onUNESCO's World Heritage List, and
it's danger list in the same year.
However, this crisis also sparked aremarkable rehabilitation effort that has
(09:43):
helped preserve the city's architecturaltreasures for future generations.
Fun fact, did you know thatKotor is famous for its cats?
These feline residents have becomesuch an integral part of the city's
character, that there's not only acat museum, but also a cat square.
(10:03):
Throughout the city, you'll findwater and food left out for these
furry inhabitants, and even cardboardboxes arranged as sleeping quarters.
A tradition that speaks to the warmthand hospitality of local residents.
Here's another fascinating detail.
Twice daily, the streets of Kotor arewashed with shampoo, a tradition that
(10:27):
dates back to medieval times when thecity suffered from plague outbreaks.
This dedication to cleanliness haspersisted throughout the centuries.
Making Kotor's stone streetssome of the cleanest you'll
find in any historical city.
And for those interested in maritimehistory, here's a remarkable fact.
(10:48):
In the 17th century, the nauticalschool of Perast was so renowned,
That in 1698, Russian Emperor Peterthe Great sent 17 noblemen to study
at this prestigious institution.
The story of Kotor is oneof remarkable resilience.
(11:09):
Consider the Beskuca Palace, builtin 1776, whose owner possessed
99 palaces in Kotor and overseas.
A testament to the wealth that flowedthrough this port city, or the Palace
Bujovic in Perast, constructed in 1694and considered the most beautiful in the
(11:34):
Bay of Kotor, now serving as a museumpreserving the region's maritime heritage.
The city's fortifications, stretching 4.
5 kilometers and costing more thanany other defensive system on the
Adriatic coast, stand as perhaps thegreatest symbol of this resilience.
(11:55):
These walls have withstood sieges,earthquakes, and the passage
of time, continuing to protectthe cultural treasures within.
Today, Kotor isn't just a museum piece.
It's a living city wheretraditions continue to evolve.
The Bokelj, as the inhabitants of thebay are known, maintained centuries old
(12:18):
maritime traditions, the BokholchskaMonarika, recently inscribed in
UNESCO's List of Intangible Heritageof Humanity, continues to preserve
the region's seafaring culture.
One of the most spectaculardemonstrations of this living heritage.
is the Bokeljska Noc, or Boka Night, afestival of decorated vessels that has
(12:43):
been celebrated since the 17th century.
In 1936, it hosted King Edward,and today it continues to enchant
visitors with its magical display ofilluminated boats and floating pageantry.
As we conclude our exploration ofKotor, It's worth noting that this
remarkable site continues to evolve.
(13:05):
Recent years have seen thoughtfulrestoration projects, like the
transformation of the old AustroHungarian prison into an artistic
hub, showing how historical spacescan be adapted for contemporary use
while preserving their character.
And now, as we prepare to guide youthrough the practical aspects of visiting
(13:28):
this remarkable place, From navigatingits winding streets, to sampling its
culinary delights, let's remember thatKotor is more than just a destination.
It's a living testament to humaningenuity, cultural resilience, and
the enduring power of community.
If you're traveling from another country,you'll want to fly into Podgorica airport.
(13:53):
From there, you can rent acar, take public transportation
such as a bus, or grab a taxi.
Public transportation willbe your cheapest option.
It may also be more convenient to useduring your stay, as renting a car is
problematic in the sense that findingparking can be tricky in Old Town.
For lodging, there are a wide varietyof hostels, homestays, hotels, bed and
(14:19):
breakfasts, and boutique hotels, so nomatter your budget, you'll find something.
Several of the main places youmay want to visit require tickets.
For example, it's free to enter OldTown, but some of the sites within
have an entrance fee, including St.
John's Fortress, which has some incrediblescenic spots you can hike up to.
(14:42):
This is a great place for photographers.
Just know that this is quitethe trek, so wear your sneakers.
You can also visit the MaritimeMuseum, which is inexpensive.
It's over 120 years old andsits in a Baroque palace.
And when it comes to paying thosefees Always ask for discounts.
(15:02):
Sometimes they're availablefor students or larger groups.
If you're a foodie, this is agreat place to eat inexpensively.
The cuisine is a mesh of Italian, Turkish,and Hungarian, so you'll see goulash,
kebab, and cured meats on many menus.
Turkish coffee is common as well.
(15:22):
One standout dish worth trying that'sa popular fast food option is burek.
This is a phyllo or pastrydough filled with vegetables,
meat, cheese, and or potato.
I also want to note that if you dinein restaurants, tipping the waitstaff
isn't expected but always appreciated.
(15:43):
You may be wondering what'sthe best time of year to visit.
If you use weather or crowds asyour guide, Spring is probably
where you should shoot for.
The weather doesn't get above the mid70s Fahrenheit, and the Old Town isn't as
crowded when compared with July to August.
And in these months, it can getas hot as 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
(16:07):
Also, This is a large cruise port, sothere's a big influx at the major tourist
attractions during those summer months.
Winter ranges between 40 to 60degrees Fahrenheit, but know that
between December and February, alot of the attractions have limited
hours or may be closed altogether.
(16:28):
I was surprised to learn this, asover 23, 000 people reside within
this area, making it a unique UNESCOsite, as most of them are uninhabited.
The primary language isMontenegrin, but English is
frequently spoken in tourist areas.
Also, menus are typically printedin English, as well as the signs
(16:51):
at major tourist destinations.
However, it never hurts to learn a fewbasic phrases like hello or thank you.
And for those who love to hearabout hauntings and legends, this
site has some interesting lore.
The first is the Island of Dead Captains.
It's said that the island of St.
(17:12):
George Perast is haunted by the ghost ofa French soldier who killed his girlfriend
by shooting a cannon at her house.
It's said that this story even inspiredthe painting The Island of the Dead.
By Beklin.
It's privately owned now, so visitingis not permitted by the general public.
(17:33):
There's also the Tre Sorrelle, or ThreeSisters Palace, which you can visit today,
or at least you can see the outside.
It appears the inside isn't availableto be toured by the public due
to being structurally unsafe.
This 15th century summer home issupposedly haunted by three sisters,
(17:55):
all of whom fell in love with the samesailor, And well, as you can imagine,
things ended tragically, and this folklorehas been passed down for centuries.
Now, let's end things by talkingabout the issues faced in terms of
the historic preservation piece.
I think that it's important to understandhow this site represents the lived
(18:18):
experiences of the people in thisarea both presently, And in the past.
And of course, we touched on it before.
The main issue here is over tourism.
All of the visitors due to the cruisesputs pressure on infrastructure, and adds
noise pollution, as well as the air andwater pollution, and can contribute to
(18:40):
water scarcity when droughts are an issue.
It's estimated that Kotor gets aquarter of a million visitors each year.
The socioeconomic makeup ofthe area is in flux as well.
They are constructing new tourist centers,roads, and buildings along the coast.
This may seem like a good ideafrom a financial standpoint.
(19:02):
But these additions arechanging the coastline.
This makes keeping the buffer zonefirm vital to maintaining the property.
And as mentioned before, in 1979,there was an earthquake which
damaged many of the culturalmonuments and historic urban areas.
However, they were restored due tohelp from UNESCO and have retained
(19:25):
their aesthetic quality as a result.
I'm confident that this site will continueto be enjoyed in its current state by
future travelers for years to come.
Thank you for joining us today.
Our next episode will take us to theNgorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania,
(19:46):
which is the home to the Great Migration.
We'll be taking you to avast forest filled with
wildebeest, zebras, and gazelle.
A place that is truly larger than life.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
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