Square of Arms

The Square of Arms is a large, longitudinal square entered through the Sea Gate, and featuring some of Kotor’s most important landmarks such as Rector’s Palace, Napoleon’s Theatre, and the clock tower from 1602. In front of the tower stands a tiny stone obelisk (“pillar of shame”) which was a place of punishment in the Middle Ages.

Hundreds of years ago, offenders of certain kinds were tied or chained to it and then publicly humiliated. It rarely took long for the whole town to find out about the poor man’s or woman’s transgression, and the feeling of embarrassment and humiliation would stick perpetually. When the poor soul was finally released, the sight of the looming pyramid-shaped pillar would suffice to strike fear deep into the mischief-maker’s heart.

Kotor Old Town

Immerse yourself in the centuries-old architecture of Kotor’s Old Town. Scenic courtyards, shops, and restaurants are behind every corner.

Main Entrance to the Walled City

The Sea Gate is one of three entrances to Kotor’s Old Town. It faces the side where the cruise ships dock and opens onto the Square of Arms.

Even though this medieval practice has been discontinued, there is still a solemn atmosphere about this chipped and weathered relic of the past. The pillar blends in well with the clock tower; you almost need to look twice to differentiate it against the backdrop of wrinkled stone blocks.

On the northern end of the square stands the ochre-colored Napoleon’s Theatre. This 18th-century edifice was turned into one of the region’s first theaters by the French occupation forces in 1810 when Napoleon Bonaparte ruled over large parts of Europe and beyond. Since 2006, this iconic building has made up part of the 4-star Boutique Hotel Cattaro.

The Rector’s Palace stretches over almost the square’s entire western flank, incorporating the sea gate into its structure. It was built during the Venetian period and used to accommodate local district governors – il provveditori. Besides these most prominent buildings, there is a smattering of beautiful, well-preserved palazzi that are home to a wide range of shops and services.

Hotel Cattaro Kotor

Escape to charming Kotor with a romantic four-star boutique stay at the Hotel Cattaro Kotor. Located on the Square of Arms, the location couldn’t be any better.

Part of Kotor’s charm lies in the lived-in streets that are bustling with locals who come here for work or leisure – and not only tourists. The Bizanti and Beskuca Palaces sit on a narrow street that connects the Square of Arms with the Flour Square which is home to a series of other important landmarks of Kotor such as the Pima and Buca Palazzi.

Several events are celebrated here with lots of singing and dancing. It’s the endpoint for the passionate and fiery Carnival celebrations in February and August. The Square of Arms is anchored in the northwest by the majestic Kampana Tower and in the south by the waterfront (“Riva”) where you can find oceanfront restaurants as well as numerous boat tour operators and water taxis.

Kampana Tower

Unwind on the bench in the small park in front of the Kampana Tower, the largest of all bastions that made up Kotor’s majestic city walls.

Kotor

Enjoy a day trip or holiday in Kotor to discover the hidden treasures tucked away in the narrow cobblestone streets of its UNESCO-protected old town.

Kotor Boat Tours

Discover jaw-dropping views, stunning coastal scenery, and a mild Mediterranean breeze by getting on a Kotor Boat Tour across the bay.

The Square of Arms connects with the two main old town arteries, which lead to Kotor Cathedral on one side, and the Milk Square with the churches of Saint Nicholas, Saint Luke, and Saint Mary on the northern side of the old town. Less than five minutes away is the trailhead to Kotor Fortress, and many intimate bars, shops, and cafes along the way.

The Square of Arms is an inevitable stop during your tour of the walled city and is the heart of Old Town’s 100+ independently owned eateries and boutiques. Some of Kotor’s best old-town restaurants and best old-town hotels are situated within footwalk distance of the square.

Kotor Cathedral

Erected in 1166, Kotor Cathedral is one of the oldest religious edifices in Montenegro. As the most emblematic building in the old town, it’s a must-visit.

Hotels in the Old Town

Conveniently located in the heart of the historic center, Kotor’s Old Town Hotels combine home-like comfort with contemporary conveniences.

Things to do in Kotor

Here is a list of things to do in Kotor. Find out which are the most significant places, activities, and venues of this beautiful medieval city.