023 RUSSIA - Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor (WHS)

The Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor encompasses the old town of Kotor, the fortifications of Kotor and the surrounding region of the inner Bay of Kotor.

The old town of Kotor is contained within the city walls and a well preserved and restored medieval cityscape with notable building including the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Kotor was heavily damaged during the earthquake on April 15, 1979 and this prompted the site to be also listed on the Danger List in 1979 when the site was inscribed.

The fortifications consist of a system of defensive military buildings to protect the medieval town of Kotor. They include the city walls with gates and bastions, ramparts that ascend the mountain of St. John, the castle of St. John and supportive structures. While some of the structures date back to Roman and Byzantinian times, most of the fortifications were erected during the Venetian rule; later some modifications were made by the Austrians.

The region that is included in the heritage is the inner bay of Kotor (past the Verige strait) with its surrounding mountains and towns, notably Risan and Perast in addition to Kotor. Further the islets of St. George and Our Lady of the Rocks are part of the heritage site.

About the sender

Екатерина Стифеева (direct swap) sent from Moscow (Russia) on 27.08.2013