Trip and I have been to Kotor several times, and I’ve hiked the ‘Ladder of Cattaro”, but we wanted to bring Madeleine & Erin to explore the fort as well. We did the same hike up the multi-switchback trail that I had done with Tim, Stephen & April, and we visited the same little cathedral.

The cathedral and its guard
Madeleine & Uncle Trippy above the cathedral

Then things got interesting. I had read about hiking up the trail to the fort, climbing up a ladder and through an opening, then walking back down the interior of the fort. How hard could it be?

Well, the ladder had been removed, but we weren’t discouraged. We clambered up and over, even if it wasn’t the most graceful moment.

Erin & Madeleine

The views from the fort were amazing.

Built in medieval times, the fort incorporates military building styles from Ilyrians, Byzantines, Venetians, and Austrians, all of whom took turns ruling this corner of the country.

Nicole on the descent with Kotor in the background
Regardless of the height, there are always cats

We descended down the stone steps into the walled city but, unfortunately for us, they were collecting tickets at the gate when we got down. Since we had come in ‘illegally’ through the wall, we sheepishly paid for tickets and went on our way. We did a little bit more shopping, then then retreated to our favorite restaurant in the city, La Scala Santa, for lunch.

Lunch at La Scala Santa (Kotor’s oldest restaurant) after a great hike