Bay of Kotor Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Bay of Kotor Boka Kotorska Бока Которска
Geographic region of Montenegro
View over Bay of Kotor
Country	Montenegro
Towns	Kotor, Herceg Novi, Tivat, Risan, Dobrota, Perast, Prčanj

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Official name	Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor
Criteria	Cultural: i, ii, iii, iv
Inscription	1979 (3rd Session)
Area	14,600 ha
Buffer zone	36,491 ha

The Bay of Kotor, also known as the Boka, is a beautiful bay on the Adriatic Sea. It's located in the southwestern part of Montenegro. The area around the bay is also called the Bay of Kotor.

This place is famous for its old towns. Kotor, Risan, Tivat, Perast, Prčanj, and Herceg Novi are some of these towns. They are very well-preserved and attract many visitors. The natural beauty here is also a big draw. In 1979, the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means it's a very special place that needs to be protected. Many old churches and monasteries are found here. They bring in people interested in history and culture.

Discover the Bay of Kotor
Images for kids
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Discover the Bay of Kotor

The Bay of Kotor is often called the "Boka" for short. It's not just a bay; it's a whole region. The bay itself is a deep inlet of the Adriatic Sea. It looks a bit like a fjord, but it's actually a submerged river canyon. This makes it very unique and scenic.

A Special Place on Earth

The Bay of Kotor is known for its stunning natural beauty. You can see tall mountains rising straight from the water. The calm blue waters of the bay reflect the green hills. This creates amazing views everywhere you look. It's a perfect spot for taking photos.

The climate here is Mediterranean. This means warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It's a great place to visit almost any time of year. The fresh air and beautiful scenery make it a popular destination.

Towns to Explore

Several historic towns are dotted around the Bay of Kotor. Each town has its own special charm and history.

Kotor

Kotor is the most famous town in the bay. It's a medieval walled city. The old town is a maze of narrow streets and charming squares. You can climb the ancient city walls for amazing views. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon is a must-see. It's a very old and important church.

Perast

Perast is a small, picturesque town. It's known for its many old palaces and churches. Right off the coast of Perast are two small islands. One is called Saint George. The other is Our Lady of the Rocks. This island was built by sailors over centuries. They dropped stones into the bay to create it.

Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi is located at the entrance of the bay. It's known for its strong fortresses. The town has many stairs and beautiful gardens. It's a great place to explore history and enjoy the sea.

Risan

Risan is one of the oldest settlements in the bay. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times. You can find Roman mosaics here. These show how people lived thousands of years ago.

Tivat

Tivat is a modern town with a beautiful marina. It's a popular spot for yachts and sailing. Tivat also has a lovely botanical garden. It's a good place to relax by the water.

History in Every Corner

The Bay of Kotor has a very long and interesting history. Many different cultures have lived here over time. This includes ancient Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. Each group left its mark on the region.

The old towns have many historic buildings. You can see churches, palaces, and fortresses. These structures tell stories of the past. They show how people lived, worked, and defended their homes. Exploring these sites is like stepping back in time.

The Bay of Kotor was an important trading center for centuries. Its protected waters made it a safe harbor. This helped the towns grow and become wealthy. The rich history is a big part of what makes the Bay of Kotor so special.

Images for kids

Perast and Bay of Kotor from Saint Nicholas' Church
Bay of Kotor.
View over Bay of Kotor.
Churches in the Bay of Kotor: 1) from the 9th and 2) 10th and 11th century
The Bay of Kotor within the Kingdom of Zeta in the 12th century
Historic map of the Bay of Kotor
Kotor and Boka kotorska
Cathedral of Saint Tryphon in Kotor.
Saint-George and Our-Lady-of-the-Reef, two islands off Perast.
Town of Perast, Kotor Municipality
Bay of Kotor and Illyrian fortresses on the hills 1)Risan 2)Gosici 3)Kremalj (Mirac)
Kotor bay from St John Castle.
Stone lion and the Bay of Kotor. Perast, Montenegro.
The ancient fortifications of Kotor
Panorama of the Bay of Kotor
Kotor Bay, as seen from the Lovćen mountain.

Bay of Kotor facts for kids

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