Climb the 1,350 stone steps to San Giovanni Fortress above Kotor
Ascend zigzagging medieval stone fortifications hugging sheer limestone cliffs for spectacular panoramas of Boka Bay.
At a glance
April to June and September to October for cooler hiking temperatures and clear coastal light
Early morning before the direct Mediterranean sun hits the eastern cliff face
2 to 3 hours round trip for the 1,350 stone steps and summit exploration
Steep fortress stone stair hike · Karst mountain viewpoint
Demanding
Drop-in possible
Why the San Giovanni ramparts are the crowning jewel of the Adriatic
Enclosing the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kotor, the defensive ramparts of Kotor are an extraordinary marvel of military engineering. Begun under the Byzantine Empire in the 9th century and dramatically expanded by the Republic of Venice between the 15th and 18th centuries, the walls do not merely encircle the flat town: they climb straight up the near-vertical karst cliffs of Saint John's Hill (Mount Lovćen ridge) in a dramatic 4.5-kilometre zigzag of stone ramparts, battlements, and gun bastions.
To reach the crumbling citadel of San Giovanni at 280 metres above sea level, you must tackle roughly 1,350 uneven stone steps carved into the mountain rock. Along the way, you pass the 16th-century Church of Our Lady of Remedy, erected by grateful survivors of the 1512 plague, where hikers pause on a shaded stone terrace.
Reaching the summit fortress as the sun illuminates the deep indigo waters of the Bay of Kotor—often celebrated as southernmost Europe's only fjord—is an unforgettable triumph. Below, the maze of terracotta roofs looks like a miniature mosaic floating on the edge of the glassy bay.
Climbing the Venetian stairways above the fjord
Starting inside Kotor's Old Town
Pass through the narrow cobbled passageways behind St. Mary's Collegiate Church to reach the signposted stone stair entrance.
Ascent to the Church of Our Lady of Remedy
Climb roughly 500 steps through pine and wild fig scrub to reach the peaceful terrace of the 1518 chapel at 100 metres elevation.
The upper zigzag bastions
Follow the stone curtain wall as it switchbacks along the mountain ridge, with every corner opening wider vistas of the shimmering bay.
San Giovanni Fortress summit
Pass through vaulted archways to explore the ruined barracks, gun platforms, and the flagstaff flying the Montenegrin double-headed eagle.
Plan your experience
When to go
The climb is best undertaken from April to June and September to October when the morning temperatures are moderate. In July and August, begin your climb before 07:30 to avoid brutal Mediterranean midday heat on the unshaded stone face.
Getting there
Kotor is easily reached by bus or private vehicle from Tivat, Budva, or Dubrovnik (roughly two hours via the coastal border). The fortress entrance is situated directly within Kotor Old Town.
Booking & permits
A modest municipal maintenance fee is collected at the entrance booths during daytime between April and October. Outside of peak hours early in the morning or off-season, the trail is unstaffed.
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners with excellent grip (worn limestone can be slick)
- At least one litre of drinking water per person (local vendors sell cold drinks along the way at higher prices)
- Sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
- Camera with a wide-angle lens for capturing the expansive bay panoramas
Before you go
- Start early in the morning to climb in the cool shade of the mountain
- Take extreme care around unfenced fortress ramparts and ruined masonry at the summit
- Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with local Vranac red wine at an Old Town konoba tavern after descending
Official information
Always verify permits, seasonal weather conditions and access directly with public authorities:
Official municipal destination portal detailing fortress trail access, safety guidelines, and Old Town heritage.
Official national tourism resource for visiting the Bay of Kotor, Lovćen National Park, and coastal Montenegro.
Ways to experience it
Hike independently up the clearly defined stone staircase, taking frequent breathers at the chapel and bastion lookouts at your own pace.
Join a guided morning historical hike with a local Kotor guide who explains Venetian-Ottoman naval wars and karst mountain ecology.
Certified providers & operators
Kotor Heritage Guides
Guided Old Town and Venetian fortress mountain walks
Licensed local historians based within the city walls of Kotor.