Surrounded by massive stone fortification walls, the old town of Dubrovnik, once known as Ragusa, attracts tourists worldwide as a magnet. This rich history town in the south of Croatia, located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, is the port in which large cruisers from all over the world are coming.

Dubrovnik

The old town of Dubrovnik is protected by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. According to CNN, it is also one of the ten best preserved medieval cities in the world. That is why Dubrovnik is one of the most interesting locations for the film industry. If you are a fan of The game of Thrones (I am) you have certainly seen some parts of Dubrovnik. For example, the famous scene "Walk of Shame" Cersei Lannister was shot in this city.

To understand this town we have to go about 14 centuries back to the past, more precisely in the 7th century when the old town of Dubrovnik was founded. It is surrounded by walls in the period from 13th, when it gets its first urban plan, to 17th century. The port of Dubrovnik was a great trading power. In this rich trading republic in the Middle Ages, there were hospitals, pharmacies, sewage system, nursing home. The interesting fact is that for the first time in the world in 1377 the first quarantine regulations were issued in Dubrovnik, for all travelers and goods that came to this port from the sea and from the mainland, because of suspected infections.

On the way to the old city

We arrived in Dubrovnik from Montenegro by bus, and then walked from the bus station to the old town. It was a long walk because the distance is not small, but this is the best way to get to know the spirit of the town, because Dubrovnik is not just an old town, Dubrovnik is also lovely beyond stone walls.

Actually, over time, for the Baroque period, the old town became small for its citizens. Rich citizens began to build their beautiful villas and summerhouses outside the walls of the old town. In this part of the Dubrovnik was born famous scientist Ruđer Bošković and writer Marin Držić.

Along the way we enjoyed the view over the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

Time passed quickly and soon we saw the walls of the old town. These walls run almost 2 km (1.2 miles) around the city. You can climb on these walls and walk around the old Dubrovnik, looking at town from another angle.

Inside the stone walls - walking through the pedestrian streets of this charming city

The old town of Dubrovnik is extremely well preserved for a medieval city. The main street - the square, Stradun, is full of tourists. During the summer tens of thousands of tourists daily walked through this street. It can not be determined from which part of the world there are most tourists.

From all sides you are surrounded by shops, where there is plenty of souvenirs with the sign of Dubrovnik. In the streets, friendly waiters invite you to visit their restaurant. Food in the whole Balkans is fantastic (I recommend) but in this part of the peninsula you can enjoy the seafood, as well as a traditional good barbecue. The elderly ladies and grandmothers are very cute, which on the sidewalks sell handmade tablecloths.

Walking from street to street, we encountered magnificent churches and cathedrals - Church of Saint Blaise, Dubrovnik Cathedral, Church of Saint Blaise,Little Church of St. Nicholas, Church of St Joseph, Church of Our Lady of Mt.Carmel...
The protector of the city of Dubrovnik is St. Blaise. According to tradition, since ancient times in 972, the Dubrovnik celebrations of St. Blaise as his protector.

The enjoyment is to wander the narrow cobbled streets of this town, which resemble Italian towns. With Italian towns Dubrovnik has been in contact during its long history. This influence is visible at every step, on the facades and in the architecture. These charming narrow streets are especially pleasant during summer heat, because they provide the necessary shade.

After all, tired and full of impressions we went back to Bay of Kotor to finish our vacation. Dubrovnik left a strong and unforgettable impression on us. It was not difficult to understand why this town -so magnificent, charming and rustic - is one of the most visited in the Mediterranean.