My Russian Life: Dubrovnik - the walled city

As in Croatia. Former member of Yugoslavia, declared independence in 1991 after the fall of communist rule throughout the region. But in war conflict with the Serbs from 1991-1995 in their fight for independence.

A great place to visit. We loved it.

Quick geography lesson..... Here's the former Yugoslavia countries, with Croatia in yellow

And as I mentioned in the title, we visited Dubrovnik, which is the southern region of Croatia known as Dalmatia. Fun fact - the Dalmatian spotted dog is named after this region, due it's spots resembling the 1000+ islands that line the coast of Croatia. Some sources say the 1st dalmatians were from Croatia, but our tour guide said this wasn't true.

Sources differ on how many of the islands are inhabited by at least 1 person - somewhere between 50-65. I need my own island!

Dubrovnik is a walled city (considered one of the 10 best preserved medieval walled cities), and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walls run 2 km around the city, and are 4-6 meters (13-20 feet) thick.

If you watch the HBO series Game of Thrones, which I do not, the Dubrovnik city walls (and other surrounding areas) are filmed for the show. All of the locals asked us about Game of Thrones (I guess I need to download Season 1).

Here's the old city. We stayed just to the right of the photo, at a hotel called Villa Dubrovnik. But more on that later.....

At our hotel, with the city in the background. It may look far in the photos, but it was a easy 15 minute walk (or 8 minute boat ride if you're feeling lazy)

The city of Dubrovnik was built & grew due to it's sea trade, and in the Middle Ages, it became one of the few city-states in the Adriatic region that rivaled Venice. The city developed significantly during the 15th and 16th centuries. At one time, Dubrovnik was an independent republic and it managed to survive for many centuries, despite constant threats to its territory from the Ottoman Empire and Venice.

Today, Dubrovnik still has a very active seaport, but tourism is now their primary industry. Especially cruise ships. It has around 40,000 year-round inhabitants, and is called the "Pearl of the Adriatic"

You can walk along the entire city wall, and it gives you great views of the inner city and the surrounding areas. There are sections of the wall that still show damage from the 1991 bombings of the city.

Here is Minceta Tower, and it is located on the northern section of the wall. It was built in 1319, and is the highest point on the wall.

One of several bell towers along the wall pathway

I was impressed by the size of this fireplace

Lots of terracotta rooftops.... It's hard to see in the photos, but you could see many old roofs next to very new roofs, which were replaced after the 1991 bombings of Dubrovnik (during the Croatian War of Independence)

Fort Lovrijenac, which is built on a 37 meter (120 foot) high rock along the sea, built in the 11th Century. The fort was built to defend the city against Venetians.

Enjoying the view and the weather

Here is Lokrum Island in the background, The Dubrovnik Cathedral (Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) on the right, and St. Blaise Church on the left.

Currently a Hilton, this was once the Grand Imperial Hotel. Build in 1897, it was the 1st location with electricity and an elevator. It was a refugee shelter for local residents during the 1991 bombings, and was directly hit by several bombs.

An example of a house that was directly hit by the bombs, and never repaired.

The Franciscan Monastery. Built in 1317. It apparently has the 3rd oldest pharmacy in the world still operating inside (I didn't go in).

A great garden.... Love the monks!

The Stradum, or Placa Street. The main merchant street and gathering place in the city. It's paved in incredibly smooth and polished (and slippery) limestone.

Big Onofrio's Fountain..... one of two fountains that supplied water to city residents. Build in the 15th century, along with a large aqueduct system.