Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
From the top of the Kotor fortress, you get an absolutely stunning view of the area. The red-roofed houses right below are Kotor's Old Town historic district, though the town itself sprawls on both sides of the bay.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
The walls of St. John's Fortress as seen from the heart of Kotor's Old Town.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
The steps at the bottom look innocent enough, but remember you have 1,350+ of them to go (plus whatever you hiking you plan to do beyond the fortress walls).
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
As you hike, you'll encounter several old ramparts and watchtowers. Some of them hold some... interesting treasures.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
To the left, you can see your progress on the main staircase winding up the fortress, by way of which you have already come.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
The flag of Montenegro flying high atop the Castle of San Giovanni, one of the most spectacular lookout platforms along the fortress hike.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
Some sections will give you the option to deviate off the main steps and travel along smoother paths. While in the end you have to climb the same elevation, the fortress has three different routes of ascending difficulty to provide something for all.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
The final ascent to the Castle of St. John, which marks the highest point of the fortress but by no means the highest point of the hikes possible.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
View down into the ruins of a once-royal palace. The roofs are pretty much crumbled by now, and nature is beginning to reclaim the stone.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
Aside from the main cathedral at the base of the fortress, the tower of the Church of our Lady of Remedy is one of the most iconic sites along the fortress.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
Be on the lookout for signage painted along the the fortress walls. They'll tell you (somewhat clearly) where major intersections between routes lie. Also, look out for red and white targets that mark the trails into the mountain regions.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
Shortly after the Castle of San Giovanni, be on the lookout for a target marker painted next to a hole in the wall. Climb through it for access to all the hiking trails, as well as a short trek to a house that sells homemade cheese and rakija.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
Through the fortress hole, you'll see the remains of a small church in the valley. Walk down to the church and follow the signs for the hiking beyond.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
As seen form the fortress, the Restaurant Nevjesta Jadrana, which is located right at the top of the Ladder of Cattaro (the 70+ switchbacks you can see from the fortress). Its gray stones are hardly noticeable among the desolate landscape.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
04/23/2018
A signboard with this map sits at the fortress entrance. It's a good idea to take a photo so you have some reference of where you are on the hike.