The oldest city in Boka Kotorska is the city of Risan. Located in a valley at the foot of the Orjen massif, it is the oldest settlement on the shores of the bay. From Kotor getting here is very easy, and it's really worth it. Having overcome only a few kilometers, along the way you can still call in a tiny, but no less amazing Perast.
The first attraction that you will meet at the entrance to Risan will be the active women's monastery of Banya. It owes its unusual name to the Roman baths located here in ancient times. Now only an amazing name remains of them, the buildings themselves were completely destroyed by a powerful earthquake. Located on a small hill and surrounded by cypresses, Banya Monastery rises beautifully above the shore of the Bay of Kotor and annually attracts many pilgrims and tourists.
From here it is only a few hundred meters to Risan, overcoming which you get to the central street of the city, beautifully decorated with two rows of massive palm trees. It should be noted that almost all the palm trees that we meet in Montenegro were brought here from more southern latitudes to please the eye. But they took root and quite well adapted to the local climate.
If we briefly mention the climate, then of all the cities of the Bay of Kotor, there is more sun in Risan than, say, in Kotor itself, Perast or Prcanj. The mild Mediterranean climate of Risan suits both children and adults. Fresh sea air and the sun have a great effect on the immune system. Guests of Risan are happy to walk along the shady alleys of thuja and eucalyptus trees, because the coniferous smell has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and helps to get rid of stress. And what kind of stress can there be in this calm and lush green town surrounded by mountains and gentle sea?
Of the sights of Risan, Roman mosaics should be especially noted. To look at them, tourists come here from all over Montenegro. The ruins of a once rich Roman villa are located a couple of hundred meters from the main street, but it is impossible to pass the turn - it is marked with a large sign. The main relic is a fully preserved scene depicting the Roman god of sleep - hypnos, on the floor of the once rich house of a Roman patrician. And this is the only complete mosaic image of this deity in the world that has survived to this day! The mosaic belongs to the II-III century AD, it was discovered in 1930, and since 1960 this place in Risan has been protected as a monument of ancient history.
Not far from the mosaics there is a small city park. Here, on hot summer days, you can relax in the coolness under the crowns of massive trees. There is also a small playground - a favorite place for families with children to spend their leisure time. There are two more local attractions near the park: the Orthodox Church of St. Apostles Peter and Paul, the construction of which began in 1601 and was completed in 1796; and to the right of it is a small church of the Archangel Michael.
We recommend continuing the walk by walking along the central square of Risan, where on weekends you can find a rich market. There is always a large selection of fresh herbs, vegetables and fruits for your table. From the square, the old Gabela street goes up, the unique pavement of which has existed since the Middle Ages! The houses on it were rebuilt many times, but the buildings of the 17th-19th centuries have survived to this day, in total, the architectural complex of Gabela has 31 buildings. The name "Gabela" itself comes from the Italian gabella - excise tax on salt, and it, in turn, from the Arabic "bondage" - duty, tax. In the old days, salt was traded here, and on the way, carts loaded with sacks of this precious commodity went to the mountains.
It is worth mentioning the beaches in Risan: there are several of them and even in the midst of the summer season they are not as crowded with people as in the popular Budva. Numerous cafes and restaurants are spread along the entire embankment. There is even a restaurant for bikers passing by along the road! Why not a local attraction?
Finishing our story about Risan, it is worth mentioning that from this city it is within easy reach to the cities of the Herzen Riviera. And if you suddenly get bored, why not go on a little trip? From here, from Risan, it is much easier to make a one-day educational tour to the very Herceg Novi - the city, which is called the botanical garden, which we will tell you about in our next articles.
