Time to The full Monte
Natasha Wynarczyk is delighted to find that Montenegro is small but purrfectly formed
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As I follow my group on a guided tour of Kotor Old Town’s weaving maze of medieval streets, I’m desperately trying to concentrate on learning about the place’s history. But in truth, I’m distracted – for everywhere I look I can see them. Some are lounging in the hot sun, others are peering from windows, or eating the biscuits left out for them by friendly locals, while there are a few contentedly purring in doorways. And every single one of them is adorable. As a cat lover with my own moggy back at home in Britain, I am in feline heaven. Kotor, arguably Montenegro’s most stunning town, was historically aptly named
Cattaro. For centuries, hundreds of cats have lived within the town walls, after coming on ships from abroad.
During that time, they have protected its inhabitants from disease-spreading rats and poisonous snakes.
Fortified with a famous town wall whose construction began in the 9th century, Kotor is believed to be one of the best preserved medieval urban areas in the Med and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
It has withstood earthquakes, sieges and wars, all while the cats have lived there, meaning they are now seen as a sign of good luck. To thank them, Kotor residents take good care of the animals, leaving them bowls of water and biscuits, while its numerous gift shops are full of moggy merchandise. Kotor is so cat-mad, it’s even home to a quirky feline museum. Of course, I had to take a short break from the tour – which took in sights such as the beautiful 17th-century Venetian Clock Tower, the large Armory Square and St Tryphon Cathedral, built in 1166 – to pop into the Cats Museum and take a look. Just like the town itself, the museum’s interior is covered in cats, from unusual
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