It was another beautiful day spent on the water in Kotor, Montenegro. Encircled by dramatic mountains, and nestled along the Bay of Kotor, the city is a cherished UNESCO World Heritage site.
Our first views were those of the harbor. As pretty as a postcard! We also saw the city walls surrounding Old Town on the way to our excursion meeting point. More on Old Town coming up!
Our excursion of choice was a 3-hour small group boat tour: Blue Cave, Mamula Island, Submarine Tunnel, Lady of the Rocks.
Knowing a little of the history of any destination is always helpful, but knowing the history of Yugoslavia and its downfall was particularly helpful for this tour (and in Dubrovnik and Koper – posts coming soon!). Here’s the condensed version. Yugoslavia was born after WWI when regions previously belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, including Croatian, Slovenian, and Bosnian territories, joined forces with the Serbian Kingdom. During WWII the country was invaded by the Axis Powers. This led to the rise of Yugoslav dictator Tito, whose reign lasted 35 years. The country broke up as a result of deep cultural and religious divisions between the ethnic groups, as well as the atrocities committed during WWII. Today, the former Yugoslavian countries are known as Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Servia, and Kosovo. Croatia and Slovenia lie on the Adriatic Coast, so they are two up and coming destinations that are a unique inclusion on many Mediterranean cruises.
En route to the Blue Caves, we passed a number of submarine tunnels. Many of these tunnels along the coast were built during WWII to host submarines, hiding them from enemy ships and warcrafts. The tunnels were open for exploration, but years ago after a couple of tourists got lost, launching a massive rescue mission, they were sealed off. There is about 100 meters left for small boats and swimmers to access.
From the top, an artificial rock surround make them blend into the cliff. The metal arms at the front, also dotted with artificial rocks, would swing closed to camouflage the entrance to the tunnels.
Next we sailed around Mamula Island. Thanks to its location on Boka Bay, this 19th century fortress served as a strategic military fortress during WWII. It was also used as a concentration camp by Italian and German forces. Today, it is a luxury boutique resort, which I find incredibly ironic. The website actually describes it as a place of calm. Nevertheless it was beautiful to sail around.
Finally we made it to the Blue Caves. Just like in Zakynthos, they were splendid. The water temp felt a little cooler, but who could resist the opportunity to swim in the Adriatic?!
We wish the swimming time was longer, but alas we had to make our way to the Lady of the Rocks, which was our final stop.
According to legend, the Mortešići brothers – one of whom had an illness – found an icon of Our Lady on a cliff (rock) in the Risan Bay. The brothers took the icon home, prayed, and the ill brother was miraculously healed. The people believed this was a sign that the rock was to become the home to a church.
Back at port, the kids headed to the ship, while the FamTrav husband and I explored Old Town. The walls tell the story of this ancient port town besieged by war and natural disasters. Once a necessary form of protection, it now serves as a boundary and major tourist attraction.
Of course we also enjoyed yet another fantastic seafood lunch. I cannot express how wonderful all of the fresh seafood was! It’s one of the things we miss most.
What an incredibly beautiful city!
Back on the ship, we checked out the Freestyle Daily for afternoon activities, had dinner together, and appreciated one last view of Kotor from our balcony as the ship pulled away.
Mykonos: Delos in 3D and an afternoon in Mykonos
Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves
Kotor : Blue Cave, Mamula Island, Submarine Tunnel, Lady of the Rocks
Venice: The Port That Almost Didn’t Make It
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