I am continuing my armchair series today and for the next for the next three posts as I revisit the fabulous walled city of Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Coast. Many of my followers will have visited this city. For you, let the memories begin, as they are for Peggy and me. If you haven’t been there, I suggest it would be a great reward for the self-isolation you have practiced during the battle against Covid-19. Start dreaming. The pandemic will pass.
OK, I’m in love. This walled city of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea is gorgeous. Once upon a time Dubrovnik was a major sea power in the Mediterranean Sea. At another time, it was the first nation in the world to provide official recognition for the fledgling United States of America fighting for independence.
As recently as 1991 it was under a devastating siege by Yugoslavian forces that laid waste to much of the city’s renowned beauty. Today it has rebuilt most of what was destroyed.
This is one of four blogs I did on Dubrovnik in 2013 and am reposting on my Armchair Series. First up is a look at magnificent medieval wall that surrounds the city and provides visitors with outstanding views of the Adriatic Sea and surrounding country. Second I will turn inward and look down from the walls on the city and its colorful tiled roofs. Third we will visit the city from street level. Finally, I want to feature some intriguing gargoyles we found in Dubrovnik. (Have I used enough superlatives?)
Any visit to Dubrovnik should include a walk around the mile plus (6,360 feet) wall that surrounds and protects the city. Considered to be one of the great fortification systems of the Middle Ages, the walls were named a World Heritage site in 1979. Reaching a maximum height of 82 feet, the walls were never breached during the 12th through the 17th century— providing five hundred years of peace and prosperity for the residents.
A fast walker can easily do the walk in an hour or so but plan on a more leisurely 2-3 hour stroll. You’ll need the extra time for photography, or just staring in awe.
NEXT BLOG: A journey around the walls of Dubrovnik looking down into the city.
I especially like the next-to-last photo of St. Blaise and the sea. Just lovely.
Just the saint and the sea in fair weather and fowl!
Beautiful place. It’s on my list. Wish I’d gone there years ago before it got discovered. Thanks for sharing! I’ve heard places like this in recent years have been getting too many visitors; like Venice it must be very tough on the locals. Perhaps when these places reopen they can find a way to better balance the tourism they need with quality of life.
We were lucky to visit when there weren’t too many visitors, but I totally agree. One thing that would help would be limiting cruise ship visitors to 2-3 three times a week with only one cruise ship on any given day. I suspect people will be more reluctant to cruise in the future, at least for a little while! It’s up to the various sites to limit the number of visitors. They can still have a healthy economy without being over run. But will they say no to reducing some of their profit? –Curt
Yes for the short term they won’t be getting many cruise ships. Once this is over, they will probably be happy to get all those tourists back.
I’m sure! I suspect at least some are appreciating their tourist-free time, however, like the bears in Yosemite.:)
I know I would be!
And very interesting about support for American independence! I never knew.
I didn’t either, Gale, before our visit. –Curt
I’m not sure I’ve seen a bad photograph of Dubrovnik. It’s high on our list of places to go. Looks like you had a wonderful visit.
It is hard to take a bad photo! 🙂 We enjoyed it. Could have spent much more time exploring! –Curt
It is a fabulous city. Spoilt now by cruise ships and game Of Thrones!
Ah, a pilgrimage site. Again, we were lucky to visit when the tourists were few, Andrew. But I certainly can understand while people want to see it. –Curt
An especially moving armchair travel for me, as we had planned to go there this year 😦 The trip wasn’t supposed to be until later so I’m hoping we can maybe still go, but not betting on it.
That’s us to, MB. We have a river trip planned on the Rhine this summer. Not much chance. Sigh. But there is always next year. 🙂 Dubrovnik is really worth a visit. –Curt
Oh the temptation. Croatia is high on our list.
I’d like to see more of the country as well, Peggy. It is supposed to be quite beautiful. –Curt
Mind blowing scenes from the city. It is really worth visiting. Every brick points towards a prosperous past!!
I thought it had a fascinating history. If the walls could only speak! Thanks. –Curt
So beautiful pictures 💕💕
Thanks, Saania. It’s a beautiful place! –Curt
Fabulous photos. I want to go there! It goes on the list.
Alison
Thanks. Always good to have a list, Alison! 🙂 –Curt
Croatia is on my list. But not via cruise ship…
I’d love to spend more time there, myself, Dave.