Church of Our Lady of Remedy

About

The Church of Our Lady of Remedy is one of Kotor’s most beloved hillside landmarks, perched above the Old Town on the path leading toward St. John’s Fortress. Built in 1518, it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary as a plea for protection during outbreaks of plague—an origin that remains one of its most interesting historical facts. For centuries, locals climbed to the church seeking healing, safety, and gratitude after surviving illness. Inside, the church is modest but deeply atmospheric. Its stone interior holds a small collection of devotional objects, including votive offerings left by sailors and families who believed the Virgin safeguarded Kotor from epidemics. The simple altar, framed by soft light from narrow windows, reflects the church’s role as a place of quiet reflection rather than grand ceremony. The climb itself is part of the experience. As visitors ascend the stone steps, they pass terraces that once served as resting points for pilgrims. From the church’s courtyard, the view opens dramatically over Kotor’s red rooftops and the shimmering bay—one of the most iconic panoramas in Montenegro. Informational plaques explain how the church became a symbol of resilience, surviving earthquakes and centuries of weather on the steep mountainside.

Kotor Montenegro

Location

The Church of Our Lady of Remedy sits halfway up the steep path of the Kotor City Walls, on the hillside above the Old Town. Built in the 15th century as a votive church, it offers a welcome pause during the climb toward St John’s Fortress, with growing views over the terracotta roofs and the Bay of Kotor. The path to the church begins inside the Old Town near the North Gate or close to St Mary’s Church, so you pass through the historic centre before starting the ascent. Once you reach the small white church, the walls continue upward to the ruined fortress at the top. Down below, the Old Town holds the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, the Maritime Museum in the Grgurina Palace, the Gallery of Solidarity inside Pima Palace, the Cats Museum and St Michael’s Church with its Lapidarium. The Sea Gate and Clock Tower stand on the Square of Arms, while the quieter Gurdić Bastion marks the southern edge of the fortifications. The church itself is a quiet and atmospheric stop on the way to the fortress, linking the museums, churches and palaces of the walled town with the wide panoramas higher up the mountain.