Sea Gate
Vrata od Mora
The main waterfront entrance.
Built in 1555. Above the arch are emblems and the date of the town’s liberation on 21 November 1944. The passage opens onto Arms Square.
How to Get There
On foot from Kotor center ~1-2 min.
From TIV airport (Tivat) by taxi/transfer ~13 min.
From TGD airport (Podgorica) by taxi/transfer ~60 min.
Description
What this place is
The Sea Gate is the main entrance to Kotor’s Old Town, built in the mid-16th century during Venetian rule. Today it serves as the central entry point from the seafront.
Key features
- Built in 1555 under Venetian authority.
- Features a relief of the Lion of Saint Mark, symbol of Venice.
- Above the gate are inscriptions marking 1944 and liberation from Nazi occupation.
- Contains a stone relief of the Virgin and Child from the 15th century.
- Two old cannons stand in front as symbols of the city’s defense.
What to see
- The main arch of the gate with inscriptions from different eras
- Stone relief of the Virgin and Child (15th century)
- Arms Square with the stone “pillar of shame”
History
The gate was built in 1555 during the fortification of Kotor under Venetian rule. It became the main passage from the harbor to the central square.
Over the following centuries, new decorations were added: the Lion of Saint Mark relief as a Venetian emblem, and the Virgin relief highlighting the city’s religious heritage.
In the 20th century, new symbols appeared: a star and inscription commemorating 1944, when Kotor was liberated from Nazi occupation, as well as the socialist Yugoslav motto.
Practical information
Location: western side of Kotor Old Town, next to the waterfront.
How to get there: 10–15 minutes on foot from the bus station or directly from the port.
Access: free, open 24/7.
Visiting hours: any time.
Visit duration: 10–15 minutes to explore the gate and square.
Best time: morning or evening, fewer crowds.
