Castle of San Giovanni

What is this place

The Castle of San Giovanni (St John’s Fortress) is Kotor’s upper fortress, sitting on a 260-m slope directly above the Old Town. It forms the main part of Kotor’s historic defensive system and is the city’s most famous panoramic climb.

Key features

• Fortifications developed between the 9th and 15th centuries, with major expansion under Venetian rule.
• The defensive walls stretch for about 4.5 km, reaching over 20 m in height in some sections.
• The ascent follows a path of ~1350 steps along the inner slope.
• Along the route are small bastions, viewpoints and the Church of Our Lady of Health (15th century).
• The summit provides one of the most iconic views of Kotor and the Bay of Kotor.

What to see

• Ruins of upper bastions, walls with embrasures and remains of casemates.
• The Church of Our Lady of Health halfway up.
• Viewpoints overlooking the Old Town, harbour and the Lovćen mountains.

History

The first fortifications on the slope above Kotor appeared in the 9th century as protection against pirates and Arab raids. The defensive core expanded over time, creating a layered system around the Old Town.

During the Venetian era (14th–18th centuries) the fortress underwent major rebuilding: new walls, bastions and defensive lines were added, forming the extensive system seen today. The ascent route became part of the official military access path.

After the 1979 earthquake sections of the walls and trail were damaged, later reinforced and partly restored. Today San Giovanni is one of Kotor’s most visited sites and an essential element of its UNESCO-listed heritage.

Practical information

Location: eastern slope above Kotor’s Old Town; access near the north gate or via steps from Arms Square.

Getting there: walk from within the Old Town; nearest parking areas are outside the walls near the north gate and the waterfront.

Access: entry is ticketed in high season; winter access may be free. The path is open during daylight hours.

Visiting hours: best in the morning or near sunset; midday in summer is very hot.

Visit duration: allow 1.5–2.5 hours for the ascent and descent.

Best time: April–June and September–October; in summer, go early.

Notes: the path is steep and can be slippery; sturdy shoes and water are essential. After rain stones are wet, and in summer there is almost no shade.