KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

Departing from the pier we will begin a walking tour of Kotor, a town in Montenegro on the Gulf of Kotor. Although it’s date of origin is uncertain, it probably developed from a smaller settlement of Catarum in early 1st century A.D.

Departing from the pier we will begin a walking tour of Kotor, a town in Montenegro on the Gulf of Kotor. Although it’s date of origin is uncertain, it probably developed from a smaller settlement of Catarum in early 1st century A.D. The strategic significant and wealth of the town made it a target for would-be conquerors and the rulers changed through the centuries: Byzantinum, Serbian, Hungarian-Croatian, Venetian, Austrian, Napoleonic. Essentially the city of Kotor retained its medieval appearance. The Rector’s Palace, patrician mansions dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, the cathedral and churches from the 12th to 18th centuries testify to the skill and enthusiasm of the builders and high artistic standards of Kotor. The Cathedral of St. Tryphon (sv.Tripun) was originally built in 9th century – legend has it that the relics of St.Tryphon were transferred to the church, whereupon this saint become the town’s patron. The interior contains a 14th century ciborium and a golden altarpiece with reliefs of saints, the work of an anonymous Kotor goldsmith in the 15th century. The treasury has a valuable collection of gold and silver objects, the work of 18th century Kotor craftsmen. Our next stop will be at the Maritime Museum, which developed from the collection of maritime objects founded in the 1880s. Housed in the 17th century Grgurina mansion, the museum features the collection of ship models, instruments, weapons, maps, charters and other documents, making this an institution of outstanding scientific and historical interest. Following a brief coach ride, we will arrive to the coastal town of Perast, a true museum-town. Of strategic importance n medieval times, it was first cited in the 14th century records, and apparently had a shipyard even then. Shedding the domination of Kotor towards the en of the 16th century, it became an autonomous maritime commune. Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the town and its navy flourished. Off the coast of Perast, in the middle of a small bay, is a man-made islet of rocks, on which a baroque church of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Skrpjela) was built in 1630. After an approximate 20 minute boat ride across the bay, we will visit the church containing many baroque paintings and icons by local and Italian artists, as well as over 2,000 silver votive tablets. From Perast we will return to Kotor where we will have some free time for shopping before returning to the pier and our awaiting ship. Please note there is approximately a total of 1 hour of walking included in this tour over flat ground.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES