Dubrovnik, Croatia’s gem on the glimmering Adriatic, is undeniably touristic. However, it is also indisputably alluring. Thanks to its rich history, immaculately-groomed limestone buildings, commanding seaside position, and formidable, 7th century fortifications, the city attracts tourists from around the world.
Having discovered the rewards of off-season travel, Shawn and I visited the so-called ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ one April, thrilled to discover that while Dubrovnik’s streets were still teeming with cruise ship passengers by day, we largely had the polished limestone lanes to ourselves by night. Walking by the illuminated Rector’s Palace after darkness had fallen over Dubrovnik, we sifted through details from the city’s past, most notably that it was once the Republic of Ragusa, which existed for nearly five centuries.
The next day, we ascended the stairs near the Pile Gate and walked Dubrovnik’s walls, which wrap around the city for about 2 km. (1.2 miles). From this elevated perch, we watched as the city’s cable car ferried passengers to the top of Mount Srdj, as boats whisked visitors off to neighboring islands, and as locals hung pastel-toned laundry on rooftop lines, and untangled fishing nets. Gazing out into the open waters of the vast Adriatic, we felt torn, contemplating if we should return to the walled city below, or perhaps embark on an adventure via the sea.
We chose the former option, filling our remaining days with picnics on quiet back lanes, and attempts at balancing upon one of Dubrovnik’s famed maskerons.
Kotor, Montenegro; Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany; and Dubrovnik have set the stage for some of my most memorable wall walks. Which walls of the world do you find noteworthy?
On the left, Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street, and on the right, the Assumption Cathedral. Places of worship have existed there since the 6th Century. This cathedral was built after a strong earthquake in 1667 destroyed its predecessors.
A bird’s eye view of the Great Onofrio Fountain, which is just inside Dubrovnik’s Pile Gate. The fountain was built in 1438 to commemorate the completion of the city’s waterworks project.
The blue Adriatic Sea and Lokrum Island are visible in the background. An Austrian archduke once had a vacation home on the island, and today, day-trippers are ferried to Lokrum to swim, mingle with the island’s peacocks, and admire its flora.
Fort Lovrijenac. In a bid to maintain their independence from the Republic of Venice, the citizens of Ragusa rushed to build a fortification on this strategic spot before the Venetians could.
Soaking up the sun at one of Dubrovnik’s cliff bars.
A turret with an extraordinary view. According to a National Geographic piece, some astronauts have professed that the Adriatic Sea is the bluest place on earth, perhaps because of the limestone composition of its floor.
Shawn, ever the ham.
Homes on Mount Srđ (Srdj), behind Dubrovnik’s walled city.
The dome of the Dubrovnik Cathedral, and a precariously-placed ladder. On the right, walls along the seaside.
A fisherman out for a late-afternoon catch.
Dubrovnik’s bell tower. Inside is the bronze duo of Maro and Baro, who strike the bell. On the right, two fishermen untangle their nets.
A bride and groom pass on the lane below.
Where in the World?
Planning Pointers:
- The walk along the walls is about 2 km. (1.2 miles) long. We purchased our tickets just inside the Pile Gate, and that is the way we entered the walls too (from Stradun). There are two other entrances to the walls: by Fort St. Johns and by Fort St. Luke, Od sv. Dominika Street.
- An adult’s ticket price is 100 kunas.
- There isn’t any shade atop the walls, so be sure to plan and dress accordingly: bring water, wear a sunhat/sunscreen. On the walls, we did pass several small shops/restaurants with souvenirs, cold drinks and sweet treats. We also noticed at least one set of restrooms.
- Hours vary, based upon the season. Check the Dubrovnik Card website for more details.
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
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Filed under: Featured, Travelogues Tagged: Adriatic Sea, Croatia, Dubrovnik, Europe, travel, UNESCO World Heritage City, Walls of Dubrovnik
