October 5: Kotor, Montenegro

The old city of Kotor is butted up to a sheer cliff and cradled by the sea offering it a prime protected site for many centuries. Surrounded by its walls that climb high into the hills behind the city it has survived centuries of possible destruction due to war. It did receive damage by the earthquake of 1667 as well as the more recent one of 1979. Small bridges built between buildings were installed to provide support to the walls of each creating a tunnel feeling as one walks up the alley ways.

The ancient walls that surround the city are still intact enough to provide a pathway to a vista high on the mountain behind the city. With only 1355 steps to traverse, one can climb to the small fortress of Saint John above to take in the magnificent vistas from above. Cobblestone, loose rock, concrete steps -- all combine to give the experience a challenge, but one that is well worth the effort.

The original city contains many of the villas, shops and churches of the medieval period. Now hotels the villas stand elegantly at attention overseeing the city squares. The cathedral as well as the Basilica date back to 9th century. Both the Greek Orthodox and the Roman Catholic take pride in their respective houses of worship. Kotor is a quaint walled city sitting on the shores of a beautiful bay quietly encompassing its environment as it has for centuries.