Kotor: The Gem of the Adriatic

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee eng-gles-kee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih jelovnik, molim
  [Moh-lee-oh bee yeh-lohv-neek, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vyeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-stah?]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJuče
  [Yoo-cheh]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gde je...
  [Gdeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na mapi)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah mah-pee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sledeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [Yeh-dnoo kahr-too (doh)]

Kotor, originally known as Acruvium, was founded by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. Located in a strategic bay, it served as an important maritime and trading center. The town's early history is marked by Roman and Byzantine influences, which are still evident in its architecture and urban layout.

During the medieval period, Kotor became a significant political and economic hub. In 1420, the city voluntarily came under the protection of the Venetian Republic, which lasted until 1797. The Venetians fortified the city with impressive walls and built many of its iconic structures, including churches and palaces, leaving an enduring architectural legacy.

Throughout its history, Kotor faced numerous threats from the Ottoman Empire. Despite several attempts, the Ottomans never managed to conquer the city. In the early 19th century, Kotor became a focal point during the Napoleonic Wars. After the fall of Venice, Kotor was briefly occupied by French forces before being handed over to the Austrian Empire.

From 1815 to 1918, Kotor was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, during which time it experienced significant development. The Austrians enhanced the city's fortifications and infrastructure, making it an important naval base. This period also saw the flourishing of cultural and educational institutions.

Kotor played a strategic role during World War I, with its harbor used by the Austro-Hungarian Navy. After the war, Kotor became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later known as Yugoslavia. The city experienced periods of growth and turmoil during the Yugoslav era, including during World War II and the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

Today, Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its well-preserved medieval architecture and stunning natural setting. The city's rich history is reflected in its cobblestone streets, ancient walls, and numerous historical buildings. Kotor continues to attract visitors from around the world, drawn by its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Kotor is accessible via several modes of transportation. The nearest international airport is Tivat Airport, approximately 8 kilometers away. Alternatively, Podgorica Airport is about 90 kilometers from Kotor. From either airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use public transportation to reach the city. Kotor is also a popular stop for cruise ships, and regular bus services connect it to major Montenegrin cities and neighboring countries.

Kotor is compact and many attractions are within walking distance. Local taxis are available and relatively affordable for trips within the town and to nearby areas. Buses connect Kotor to other towns in Montenegro, including Budva, Tivat, and Podgorica. Car rentals are an option for those wishing to explore the surrounding regions at their own pace. Bicycles and scooters can also be rented for a more intimate exploration of the town.

The official currency in Montenegro is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Kotor. Currency exchange services can be found in banks and exchange offices.

Kotor is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Kotor has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. There are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The nearest hospital is in Kotor, providing comprehensive medical services.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing beachwear outside of the beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. A slight nod of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as seafood and local wines. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kotor like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Montenegrin goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss climbing the city walls for a panoramic view of Kotor Bay. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a historic church.