San Giovanni Fortress

San Giovanni Fortress in Kotor is a breathtaking cliffside ruin towering above the medieval town, reached by a winding trail that offers panoramic views over the entire Bay of Kotor.

San Giovanni Fortress, also known as Kotor Fortress or St. John’s Castle, rises high above Kotor Old Town. This impressive ruin stands as a reminder of the centuries when Venetians, Ottomans, and local rulers fought for control over the bay. Today, it is one of Montenegro’s most famous viewpoints and the reward for those willing to climb more than 1,300 steps up the mountainside. The path is lined with old stone walls, Mediterranean herbs, and ever-changing views of the red-tiled rooftops clustered around the harbor below.

The fortress was built in several stages starting in the 13th century and was heavily reinforced during Venetian rule. Along the way, you will also pass the small baroque church Our Lady of Remedy, a place where pilgrims once stopped to pray. At the top, a breathtaking panoramic view opens over the entire Bay of Kotor, with its winding serpentine roads, fjord-like inlets, and dramatic mountain walls. Many visitors choose to make the climb early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and to watch the sunlight turn the town golden.

Visiting San Giovanni Fortress requires some effort, but the hike itself is what makes the experience so special. Every time you turn around, a new view of Kotor and the bay unfolds, and at the summit, the ruins seem to echo with centuries of history. Bring water and sturdy shoes, but once you reach the fortress walls, take a moment to pause and admire one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal landscapes.

The journey to San Giovanni is just as memorable as the view from the top — a walk through Kotor’s history and nature at the same time.