5 Best Sights in Montenegro

Especially beautiful at night when illuminated, Kotor's well-preserved town walls were built between the 9th and 18th centuries. They measure almost 5 km (3 miles) in length and reach up to 66 feet in height and 52 feet in width. They form a triangular defense system around the Old Town, then rise into the hill behind it to Tvrđava Svetog Ivana (St. John's Fortress), 853 feet above sea level. You can walk up to the fortress along the walls; allow at least one hour to get up and back down, wear good hiking shoes, and remember to bring water.

Undoubtedly Kotor's finest building, the Romanesque cathedral dates back to 1166, though excavation work shows that there was already a smaller church here in the 9th century. Due to damage caused by several disastrous earthquakes, the cathedral has been rebuilt several times—the twin Baroque bell towers were added in the late 17th century. Inside, the most essential feature is the 14th-century Romanesque-Gothic ciborium above the main altar. Also, look out for fragments of 14th-century frescoes, which would once have covered the entire interior. A collection of gold and silver reliquaries, encasing body parts of various saints and crafted by local masters between the 14th and 18th centuries, is on display in the treasury.

Undoubtedly Montenegro’s most magical place, Ostrog is peaceful, picturesque, and packed with presence. Located an hour north of Podgorica, the 17th-century Orthodox monastery is built into a vertical cliff above the road to Nikšić and holds the remains of Saint Basil of Ostrog. The complex is divided into upper and lower parts, and walking the almost 3 km (2 miles—uphill, very uphill) between the two is a rite of passage in these parts. The views and history are worth every bead of sweat. Trains run between Podgorica and Ostrog station, from where the long walk begins. The monastery is still an active one, so be sure to be respectful of the monks who live on the property.

St. George is a natural island, but its sibling, Our Lady of the Rocks, is artificial. Folklore says that in 1452, local sailors found an icon depicting the Virgin and Child cast upon a rock jutting up from the water. Taking this as a sign from God, they began placing stones on and around the rock, slowly building an island over it. By 1630 they had erected a church on the new island. The original icon, attributed to the 15th-century local artist Lovro Dobričević, is displayed on the altar. Over the centuries, locals have paid their respects to it by donating silver votive offerings, some 2,500 of which are now on display. The church is also home to more than 60 paintings by local hero Tripo Kokolja, one of the three men honored in Perast's main square.

The other island, home to the Monastery of St. George and dating back to the 12th century, is closed to the public. In the 18th century, the island became a favorite burial place for local sea captains, whose crypts remain today. Though closed to the public, you can snap photos from the shore or from neighboring Our Lady of the Rocks.

To visit Our Lady of the Rocks, hop on a taxi-boat from Perast's waterfront (a 5-minute trip that costs €5 round-trip); there is no shortage of options.

On the hill behind Kotor, 853 feet above sea level, this fortress is approached via a series of bends and some 1,300 steps. The fantastic view from the top makes the climb worthwhile: the terra-cotta rooftops of the Old Town, the meandering ria, and the pine-clad mountains beyond. On the way up, you will pass the tiny Crkva Gospe od Zdravlja (Church of Our Lady of Health), built in the 16th century to protect Kotor against the plague. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and take plenty of water. The route up starts from behind the east side of the city walls.