Dubrovnik, Croatia
Within tall and strong medieval walls lies one of the most beautiful coastal cities of Europe. Some call it the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, although I think that sounds too much like a tacky cruise liner to really do it justice. Let’s just call it for the name that evokes enough wonder these days – Dubrovnik.
The Croatian city has become a huge tourist town and it’s easy to see why. Stepping through the large stone entranceway, through the fortified walls, you suddenly find yourself in what could be a section of a theme park or a Las Vegas casino. Smooth marble floors; fountains spurting water from stone mouths; cafes lining the pedestrian-only streets; and beautiful churches and towers in panorama.
There are no cars in the old city and little alleyways run off the main boulevards. They’re filled with restaurants, shops, old homes and photo opportunities. It would be easy to get lost except it is mainly in a grid pattern. Not that getting lost would be unpleasant – everything is so gorgeous in Dubrovnik. At night it’s even more spectacular, and I have to look closely at the stars to make sure they’re not painted on a ceiling.
Although Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century, it didn’t really hit its stride until the 13th century and it reached its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries. The architecture styles show a mixture of medieval, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque.
The area was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979 but that didn’t spare it from damage during the conflict in the Balkans during the 1990s. A general from the Yugoslav People’s Army was sentenced by the International Criminal Tribunal for his role in the siege of Dubrovnik and the destruction of heritage-protected buildings in the Old City. After the war, UNESCO put in a lot of effort to help restore the city.
As part of my week of World Heritage Sites in Europe, I would now like to share some photos of what is officially called the ‘Old City of Dubrovnik’.
Mary @ Green Global Travel |
It is easy to see why Dubrovnic is such a hot spot for travellers! Coming from North America, it is so humbling to imagine a city that was founded over a century ago – the result being this stunningly beautiful, thriving UNESCO World Heritage site and city with a multitude architectural influences. Nazdravlje!
Michael Turtle |
Coming from Australia, I have the same reaction all the time. You see places that were built hundreds of years before the world knew your country even existed and it’s hard to understand. But then you have somewhere like Dubrovnik which is not only old but so beautiful… and has withstood the test of time. It can be quite incredible.
Nicole |
We were just in Dubrovnik about 3 days ago. I try to find the beauty in pretty much every place we go. The wall is nice. We walked it. And the water is beautiful. But, that’s about all I could think of. Then again, I also got really sick there. So, it wasn’t the best experience. But the sunsets, just gorgeous. And I appreciate that it’s so old.
Michael Turtle |
I think you must be the first person I’ve ever heard say that they didn’t LOVE Dubrovnik. Perhaps it was because you were sick… or perhaps the crowds made things a little too murky. I’ve got to say, though, it’s one of the best old cities I’ve ever seen in Europe and the water just tops it all off!
T.W. Anderson @ Marginal Boundaries |
Ahhhhh, cafe-lined streets, the quiet arts and crafts of the local villagers, the cool breeze of the sea, fresh seafood, good wine, gentle climate…what’s not to love!!!!
Awesome stuff 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Michael!
Michael Turtle |
It certainly sounds like you’ve got a soft spot for this part of the world!! 🙂
Jennifer |
Absolutely loved Dubrovnik! We’ve traveled quite a bit all throughout Croatia and it is definitely our favorite city in the country.
Michael Turtle |
There’s something really unique and special about it, isn’t there? I guess that’s why it’s become such a tourist hotspot… it looks like it was made just for them! 🙂
noel |
Beautiful city, I would love to visit some day, it just oozes old world
Come and link up with us today for Travel Photo Mondays, the link runs all week so I hope you can join us for the next installment?
Michael Turtle |
Thanks Noel. I’ll check out Travel Photo Mondays – sounds like fun. I definitely got plenty of great shots from Dubrovnik. It’s such a photogenic city!!
Pennie |
Visited Dubrovnik in 80’s and will never forget this city loved it and was able to see fresco’s on walls and ceilings believe many were distroyed when war of 90’s purposely targeted piercing roof tops to damage old city destroying fresco’s
Davide |
I loved my visit to Dubrovnik, unfortunately I was there only for one day so I might go back to see more!
Michael Turtle |
I got the feeling it was a city that you could get a good sense of in a day… at least the old part of the city. But I’m sure the more you explore, the more Dubrovnik opens up and reveals itself to you.
Ali |
I was only in Dubrovnik for a day but I loved it. Such a gorgeous city! I’d love to go back, but not in the heat of August.
Murad |
Dear Michael,
I was in Dubrovnik just for 2 days but I loved it very much. I would be very happy to visit again this city. What is your travel plans for 2016? It would be very nice to see the name of our country in your wishlist countries too. When you are in our country, I will be very happy to assist you just free of charge. We are passionate to show you our country because, we love history, fauna and flora, culture and cuisine, and people of our country and we love to travel.
Azerbaijan bordered by Russia, Georgia, Iran, Turkey, Armenia and the Caspian Sea. Home to UNESCO world heritage sites and signs of early civilisations, the landscape and history leave plenty to be explored.
Michael Turtle |
I would love to get to Azerbaijan! It’s a part of the world that I really haven’t explored so hopefully there’ll be an opportunity to get there in the next couple of years!
Patricia Franjkovic |
Wow, what great pictures! Dubrovnik is really a beautiful place to be! Always a pleasure reading about and get some other impressions =)
Very kind regards from Patricia from http://www.croatiastories.de/
lukas kae |
amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing with us
Sharvi Sharma |
wow! love the pictures you’ve put. Visiting Croatia next month. Very informative blog!