May 25 Cruising the Adriatic Part 6 Kotor and Budva, Montenegro

The next day found us in the beautiful harbor of Kotor, Montenegro, which got its name from the dark forested mountains which can appear black in certain lights.Montenegro--"Black Mountains"

Kotor is at the most secluded end of the Gulf of Kotor, often described as the southernmost "fjord" in Europe.  

 Kotor is another of the walled cities of the region, with evidence of many cultures before.  This is the view from outside the Venetian fortifications, Founded by the Romans as part of the Province of Dalmatia, Montenegro with its capital Kotor was ruled subsequently by Venice, Bulgarians, Ottomans, the Hapsburgs and Napoleon, and finally Yugoslavia before becoming its own independent country.  A click on the link at Kotor will take you to many more beautiful pictures.

Our knowledgeable guide Martin was very helpful as he showed us through Kotor and nearby Budva.  He pointed out many beautiful churches with their mosaics, the predominant style of religious art of the period.

It is hard to overstate the beauty of these countries!

                 

Exterior of a church

Here a local shopkeeper is making crepes.  (Alas, no time for anything but a picture!)

We did stop for some local refreshments at a nearby restaurant.  

Cats were everywhere on our trip, and all were apparently well-fed!

As our ship departed Kotor we passed several churches, monastaries and convents sprinkled about the area.  Montenegro was a wonderful surprise on our journey, and would be a choice destination in the future.

Sunset on the Adriatic

May 24 Cruising the Adriatic Part 5 Split and Trogir, Croatia

Dalmatia was the birthplace of Diocletian when it was a Roman province.  Though from humble origins he rose through the military ranks to ultimately become emperor of Rome.  Born in the city of Solin, he returned to the city of Split to build his retirement palace, pictured below.  The city of Split grew up over it and it was buried for centuries until excavated in more recent times.  Our visit to Split took us to multiple levels in the city.   

Diocletian's Cellar

 Diocletian's courtyard, complete with reenactors.  The Romans had a "love affair" with all things Egyptian, importing the sphinxes here and sometimes building for themselves pyramids for tombs.

A beautiful tradition of Croatia is the Klapa singing, a capella groups in each city that hold regular competitions.  This group sings in the vestibule of the cathedral hourly.  Their music is gorgeous! (jump forward to 1:28 mark to avoid all the introduction)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3BfC40R5YY

A link to a second group singing "Hallelujah."

 The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, consecrated at the turn of the 7th century AD, is regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure, without near-complete renovation at a later date (though the bell tower dates from the 12th century). The structure itself, built in AD 305 as the Mausoleum of Diocletian, is the second oldest structure used by any Christian Cathedrall  

The fun and irony of this is that, though Diocletian was the cause of the last, largest and bloodiest official persecution of the early Christians, they ultimately turned his mausoleum into a church!

 This boat on the side of the cathedral is an example of medieval Christian graffiti probably drawn by Christian Crusaders passing through on their way to the Holy Land. 

Following our visit to Split, our guide Haris took us to Trogir and Salona (once Solin and the birthplace of Diocletian.)  Here is the remnant of the amphitheatre at Solin where Christians and gladiators fought.

A Dalmatian house with a stone roof, typical of Dalmatia.

Two tourists in Diocletian's courtyard

May 23 Cruising the Adriatic Part 4 Zadar, Croatia

Leaving Ravenna and San Marino behind we again crossed the Adriatic to Zadar, Croatia, where we were met by our guide Eduardo.

 Zadar is a walled city dating back many centuries, with remnants of multiple conquerors in sight.  Notice the winged lion over the city gate entrance....Venice was here.
 As was Rome...

Sea Organ

There are two features which set Zadar apart from the rest of the world: 

the Sea Organ 
and 
the Sun Salutation.  

The Sea Organ contains pipes and openings which, when played upon by the winds and waves, emit beautiful haunting and soothing tones.  Sun Salutation is an effect rendered by multiple solar panels inlaid in the concrete structure of the beach.  The lights play and the children dance.  (Click on the link and watch both.)

A Roman column later used by the people as a "shaming pillar", to which the offender was chained and left for a period of penance, similar to the way stocks were used in later times.

 

The next day: more of Croatia, a beautiful country of which we knew so little but have already grown to appreciate and enjoy.

May 22 Cruising the Adriatic Part 3B San Marino

South of Ravenna is the tiny independent Republic of San Marino.  (Monaco and the Vatican City are both smaller, but neither is a democratic republic.) We took a bus trip in order to visit this unusual country.

San Marino rests on a mountain-top surrounded by Italy.  When Garibaldi united Italy from many small countries and kingdoms, the San Marino citizens begged to be left alone.  Because they had supported him and his troops during his war for unification, he agreed to leave them out as they desired.

 San Marino issues its own stamps and currency.  Though Italian is its official language, it is in every way independent.  It elects two presidents a year, each serving only six months, for "to leave a man in charge longer invites tyranny." Hmmmm?

 The United States and San Marino have long had cordial relations.  The US recognized San Marino in 1861 when that country made President Lincoln an honorary citizen.

Some of their recent postage stamps feature well-known figures.

This small arena is where they practice their crossbow, a sport in which this tiny country excels.  "We're small but we're proud of being small!"  A parade of medieval sorts leads off the festivities!

Crossbowmen of San Marino

the Basilica (the only church in town)

Town Hall

The Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace) is the town hall of the City of San Marino as well as its official Government Building.

This is the "third tower", a remnant of the earlier castle, and the location for our San Marino geocache.  We attempted and succeeded in getting at least one cache in each new country.  

Local inhabitant who watches over the geocache

Back to the ship and another night of rest before Croatia.