San Giovanni’s Stairway

The stairway leads from the lower streets of Kotor Old Town to the San Giovanni fortress at the top of the hillside above the town. The route follows a stone-pa…The stairway leads from the lower streets of Kotor Old Town to the San Giovanni fortress at the top of the hillside above the town. The route follows a stone-paved path with approximately 1,350 steps, climbing through defensive walls, ruined church buildings and fortified positions built during the medieval and Venetian periods. Views open progressively during the climb, expanding from the Old Town rooftops to the full inner bay panorama at the summit. The fortress at the top provides an open viewing area.

The trail entrance is inside the Old Town walls, accessible from the upper streets near the northern gate. The climb takes approximately forty-five minutes to one hour depending on pace. Entry to the trail may require a ticket during the main tourist season. The path is uneven in places, with no handrails on some sections.

Suitable footwear is recommended. The trail is one of the most visited landmarks across Boka Bay and provides the highest viewpoint accessible on foot from within the walled town.