Kotor Fortress & City Walls: The Ultimate Hiking Guide (2026)
Visiting Kotor and not climbing up St. John’s / San Giovanni Fortress is like going to Rome and not bothering to see the Colosseum.
Controlling the Bay of Kotor from a karst limestone bluff, the imposing Kotor Fortress spreads along the mountain, reaching 280 meters at its highest point. Whether you call it San Giovanni, St. John’s, or simply the Kotor City Walls, this 4.5-kilometer fortification system is one of Montenegro’s most rewarding UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The reward for the climb: A panoramic view over the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the shimmering Boka Bay.
Official Entry Ticket
Skip the cash-only kiosks in the Old Town. You can now book your official entrance to the City Walls and San Giovanni Fortress online. The ticket is valid for the entire day.
Private Walking Tour
For the best context, pair your climb with a guided history tour. A local expert will lead you through the Venetian labyrinth and pace the ascent while detailing the fortress’s 1,000-year history.
Chronicles of San Giovanni
168 BC
Illyrian Roots & Roman Ascrivium
Owing to its strategic location, the site has been a defensive position since Illyrian times. When the Romans invaded and established Kotor as Ascrivium, they rehabilitated the existing structures into a formal fortification.
6th Century AD
The Byzantine Reconstruction
Emperor Justinian I commissioned a total reconstruction. For the next millennium, it served as a crucial stronghold for Byzantines and various Balkan kings at the intersection of the Mediterranean and the interior.
1420 – 1797
The Venetian Masterpiece
Under the Republic of Venice, the walls were substantially rebuilt to their modern 4.5km circuit. Bastions, depots, and the Church of Our Lady of Remedy were added, allowing the fortress to function autonomously during sieges.
1539
Defying Hayreddin Barbarossa
The fortress played a pivotal role in successfully rebuffing Ottoman forces led by the legendary Hayreddin Barbarossa. While other coastal towns fell, Kotor’s walls held firm.
Modern Era
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Now recognized globally as a “Venetian Work of Defense,” the fortress remains Kotor’s crowning achievement, attracting hikers from around the world to its 1,350 historic steps.
Climbing the 1,350 Steps
Hiking up the thousand-year-old stone pathway feels like stepping back in time. For most travelers, the ascent takes between 45 minutes and an hour.
The ancient stone staircase winds steeply up the karst cliffs, offering a glimpse into Kotor’s medieval defensive past.
The Halfway Point: Our Lady of Remedy
After roughly 650 steps, you’ll reach the Church of Our Lady of Remedy. Built in the 16th century, this Catholic church is seamlessly integrated into the ramparts. For those with less-than-optimal fitness, this is a reasonable milestone – the views from the church terrace are already superb.
The Summit: San Giovanni
Push through the remaining 700 steps to reach the San Giovanni summit. From here, the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the giant cruise ships in the harbor look minuscule. Pro Tip: Aim for the “magic hour” – one hour before sunset – for the most stunning photography.
The Three Gates of Kotor
Kotor’s city walls are pierced by three distinct gates, each serving a different strategic purpose. By nightfall, all gates were closed to ensure the safety of the residents within.
Entrance I
The Sea Gate
Built in 1555 following the Ottoman sieges, this is the most impressive entry. It opens directly onto the Square of Arms. Look for the weathered Lion of Venice relief just south of the gate, a symbol of the Republic’s centuries-long dominance.
Located at the wall’s thickest stretch, it was reinforced by the Valier Bastion to repel naval attacks.
Entrance II
The Northern Gate
Completed in response to the 1539 Ottoman invasion, this gate connects the city to the Škurda River. The river acts as a natural moat, creating a formidable barrier for any land-based invading force.
The Bembo Bastion and Kampana Tower were built specifically to guard this northern flank.
Entrance III
The Gurdić Gate
This is the oldest and most impeccable part of the walls. It features a unique triple-barrier system and a wooden drawbridge. The inner gate dates back to the 13th century.
Reinforced by Giangirolamo Sanmicheli, a renowned Venetian architect responsible for St. Nicholas’ Fortress in Šibenik.
Travel Tip: Climb the walls here for free to enjoy panoramic views over the southern end of the bay.
The Insider Alternative: The Ladder of Kotor
If you want to experience the fortifications from a different angle – and bypass the 15€ entrance fee – consider hiking the Ladder of Kotor. This centuries-old trade route starts just outside the Northern Gate and zig-zags up the mountain behind the fortress.
Halfway up, you’ll find a hidden “window” in the fortress wall that allows you to enter the San Giovanni ramparts for free.
Read the Ladder of Kotor Guide →How to Access the City Walls
There are two official starting points for hiking the ramparts up to the San Giovanni Fortress. Both are located within the northern and eastern sections of the Old Town and lead to the same central pay booth.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Daily during the tourist season.
The Entrance Fee
15€ per person.
Children under 12 are free. Payment is accepted via cash or card.
Local Insight: If you arrive before 7:00 AM, the ticket booths are typically unmanned, and you may find the gates open for an early sunrise climb. However, official admission begins at seven.
