THE SPIRIT OF KOTOR

A perfect illustration of the Montenegrin spirit and its determination in the face of adversity, can be found in the spectacular coastal town of Kotor. This natural harbor was an important artistic and commercial center with famous masonry and iconography schools in the Middle Ages. However, when a large number of its monuments, including four romanesque churches and the extensive walls, were heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1979, Kotor’s residents refused to bow down and, with UNESCO's help, set about restoring the town’s architectural wonders to their former splendor.

An international mission of experts was dispatched by UNESCO to Montenegro to assess the damage and help draw up an overall restoration and reconstruction plan.
The site eventually became the first to make use of the 'World Heritage in Danger' designation.
Today, visitors to Kotor can once again enjoy the town’s splendid setting among spectacular mountain scenery, bask in the Mediterranean sun in the town’s many tranquil squares and take in such treasures as the cathedral of St. Tryphon (above), consecrated on June 19, 1166 and regarded as one of the most beautiful and unique examples of romanesque architecture to be found along the Adriatic Sea.