If you are a fan of Game of Thrones then you probably heard about the city of Dubrovnik, if not today is the perfect opportunity. Dubrovnik is an ancient city on the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. The rich history, clear Adriatic sea, and breathtaking views are only half of the reasons you need to put Dubrovnik on your travel bucket list.
I went on a 5-day vacation to Dubrovnik and had a chance to fully experience and take in all its beauty. Here are 6 things you need to do and see in Dubrovnik even if you are visiting it only for a day.
6 Things To Do & See In Old City Dubrovnik
Walk Through Stradun
The most beautiful street in Dubrovnik is called Stradun. It is a natural center of the city. It is located in the heart of the old town of Dubrovnik and connects the eastern and western city gates. Stradun was created in the 11th century by burying a sea backwater, and today's Baroque appearance dates from the time after the big earthquake in 1667 when it was completely renovated. According to the urban plan, the ground floors of the houses, located on Stradun, were intended for shops, and their characteristically rounded doors were designed for easier display of goods in the most used spaces.
The architectural solution of this most famous Dubrovnik street reflects the harmony of the entire old town. Today on Stradun there are exhibits with paintings by famous Dubrovnik artists and souvenir shops. Stradun is 298 meters long and can be easily passed in ten minutes of comfortable walking. Walking through Stradun is like walking back in time. You can feel the history and what this street represents.
Watch The City View From Mount Srđ
Mount Srđ is located above the city of Dubrovnik on its northern side. The top of the hill is 415 m above sea level. It has been a natural shelter of the city of Dubrovnik from ancient times. Srđ protected invasions of various conquerors who throughout history have repeatedly tried to conquer the then Republic of Dubrovnik. On the hill of Srđ, after Napoleon's army fraudulently conquered the city of Dubrovnik, the construction of the Imperial Fortress began.
The fort had a huge strategic influence on the defense of the city from its northern side. At the top, there is a large concrete cross with an altar, the upper station of the cable car, and a television pole. You can go to Mount Srđ by cable car or by taxi. At the top, you need to find a nice place to sit and enjoy unforgettable views in all directions. Watching the sunset from Mount Srđ is absolutely breathtaking. No matter where you look, the view is stunning.
Walk The City Walls
The City Walls are one of the most monumental fortification monuments in Europe. Construction of the first fortifications began as early as the 8th century, but the most intensive construction was from the mid-15th to the end of the 16th century. The great earthquake of 1667 did not damage them much. The walls surround the city in the shape of an irregular polygon. They are 1940 m long and up to 25 m high. There are three entrances to the city walls: on Stradun at the gate of Pila, at the Fortress of St. Ivan, and near the Fortress of St. Luke.
You can walk on City Walls from 8 am to 8 pm. We went at 9 am and if you are not good with heat I would recommend going earlier or in the evening. There is not much shadow on the walls and it took us around 1 hour to walk through City Walls. You will get the most beautiful view of the city from the City Walls. The red roofs and sea in the background are just a perfect sight. Anywhere you look you will be stunned at how magnificent Dubrovnik is.
Have A Trip To Lokrum Island
The island of Lokrum was first mentioned in 1023 as the site of the founding of a Benedictine abbey and monastery. According to legend, it was on Lokrum that Richard I of England found salvation from shipwreck, returning in 1192 from a crusade from Palestine. The vow that, if saved, he would build a church at the site of salvation was partially fulfilled. He escaped by landing on Lokrum, but at the request of the people of Dubrovnik, he agreed that the church will be built in the City itself.
Island Lokrum is only 10 minutes ferry ride away from Dubrovnik. There are a lot of things you can see on Lokrum. What might come as a surprise are the peacocks that are living on this beautiful little island. You can easily see all islands in only a few hours. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones then you need to visit Lokrum as it was one of the filming sets.
Climb To Lovrijenac Forthress
It is triangular in shape with three levels and is 37 meters high. Towards the seaside, the walls of the fortress are up to 12 meters thick, and from the one facing the walls only 60 centimeters. This was done for the reason that cannons from the walls can break through the wall of Lovrijenac if it falls into enemy hands. Lovrijenac became a symbol of resistance against Venice, and the people of Dubrovnik carved the inscription "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro" or "Freedom is not sold for all the treasures of the world" at the entrance to the fortress.
Take A Photo On Jesuits Staircase
One of the most beautiful baroque buildings in Dubrovnik is the Jesuit Church. It was built at the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century, according to the project of the Italian architect Andrea Pozzo, with a beautiful baroque portal and an imposing facade that dominated this area.
Next to this church is a large building of the famous Dubrovnik University, Collegium Ragusnium. The Baroque staircase, which blends harmoniously with that church into one beautiful whole, was designed in 1738. Our apartment was near the Jesuits Staircase so we were able to often admire its beauty.
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Have you ever been to Dubrovnik?
Would you like to visit it one day?
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