Dubrovnik in Croatia
On my way to Dubrovnik, I spend one night in charming Zadar. After close to four hours driving the next day, I reached Dubrovnik. It is the third stop of my road trip through Balkan countries. Driving was good however with considerable traffic even though it was low season.
Dubrovnik Walls in Croatia include the Minceta Tower
Driving into town, I got a glance of the 14th Century Minceta tower. Built in 1464, it forms part of the walls surrounding the Old Town.
During its construction, a shortage of local building material occurred. Hence, the authorities ruled that anyone visiting Dubrovnik had to bring a stone from either Gruz Habour or Ploce to be used to finalise the Minceta Tower.
Lovrijenac Fortress
First place I visited was the small bay situated between the Lovrijenac Fortress and the Old Town of Dubrovnik. I was also looking forward to a tasty dinner in one of the restaurants on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
The ship in the picture is a copy of the original embarkations used a long time ago. This one is geared for taking visitors for a cruise around the area.
In the little bay below, you can rent kayaks and do some paddling in the water around Dubrovnik.
Old Habor of Dubrovnik in Croatia
I took a guide for the next day as the history of Dubrovnik is amazing. The guide advised that the best time to visit is 7:00 am. In fact, later on, the Old Town got seriously crowded.
Walking down the many steps, I had a first glance onto the old harbor.
Walls of Dubrovnik
Next view I got was a glance of the amazing walls surrounding the Old Town. They run some 2 kilometers and are between 4 and 6 meters thick. Thinner on the seaward side and thicker on the landward side.
They were constructed between the 12th and 17th Centuries.
Game of Thrones
These walls were the filming location of this very popular movie.
Stradun
This is the 300 meter long Stradun or Placa. It runs East to West and connects Pile Gate to Ploce Gate. These are two of the entrance points into the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
This street used to be a marshy channel that separated the town from the mainland. It was reclaimed in the 13th Century.
Old Town of Dubrovnik
The entire Old Town of Dubrovnik is pedestrian area. Only small vehicles or carts can deliver merchandise to the restaurants, hotels and shops on the Stradun. From there, the goods have to be carried up the innumerable steps and stairs.
If renting an accommodation within the walls of the Old Town, keep in that in mind. You will be confronted by a large number of steps to get there. And you will probably then have to walk up to the 2nd or 3rd floor to reach your accommodation. There are no elevators.
Having said that, those narrow alleys are absolutely charming.
Sponza Palace
This is the 16th Century Sponza Palace also called the Divona. During time, it served many different purposes including customs office, armory, bank, school, treasury, etc. Its atrium served as a trading center and business meeting place. Nowadays, it is home to the city archives including documents dating back to the 12th Century.
Dubrovnik Cathedral
The 12th Century Dubrovnik’s Cathedral was built on the site of several earlier churches.
As with many other buildings, it was largely destroyed during the 1667 earthquake. It took three decades to rebuilt it with the help of Italian architects.
Onofrio’s Fountain
In the old days, Dubrovnik was supplied with fresh water delivered by boats as wells were insufficient to cater for all. Then, in the 15th Century, it was decided to build an aqueduct to bring water from a spring some 12 km away. The Italian architect Onofrio della Cava was charged with the work. The fountain carries his name up to today.
Lokrum Island
Lokrum Island lies some 600 meters of the coast of Dubrovnik. Legend says that English King Richard Lion Heart shipwrecked on it around 1192. He pledged to build a church there but was persuaded to build it in Dubrovnik instead.
Ferries take you to Lokrun Island. You can visit the Benedictine Monastery, botanical garden and the small salt lake on the southern side.
Cable car to Srd Mountain
As it was getting late in the afternoon, I decided to take the cable car to Mount Srd overlooking the Old Town of Dubrovnik. It is short 4 minute ride up which however can also be done by taxi. Whatever means you decide to take, I definitely recommend to get this birds eye view of the town. There is also a restaurant and a war museum on top.
Concluding this contribution on Dubrovnik, I would say it would really be quite an amazing place if it was not so overcrowded.
Conclusion
I have mentioned only a couple of places but there is much more to see and do. Take the walk of the walls, visit one of the oldest pharmacy of Europe, or get to Sveti Jakov beach, etc.
Tips on Dubrovnik in Croatia
Visiting Croatia by car
The roads approaching Dubrovnik are good. However, they are one lane with plenty of traffic even when travelling off season. Hence, I was prepared for some slow driving. I would not like to be on that road during high season.
Parking in Dubrovnik
Parking is not easy in areas close to the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Garages are available but very, very expensive. Some accommodations offer parking. Mine did but charged me hefty for it. In addition, the hotel was pretty shabby.
Accommodation in Dubrovnik
If I where to go back. I would choose an accommodation a bit further away and pay for the short taxi ride to get to the Old Town. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Western Pile Gate.
If you opt for a hotel within the Old Town of Dubrovnik, know that they are pretty expensive. Or if opting for some rental, be prepared that it is all about steps within the Old Town. Locals joke that they are the fittest people in Croatia.
When to visit Dubrovnik
I would recommend to definitely visit off season as it gets tremendously crowded. Cruise ships off load thousands of tourists in one go. Hence, you will find the Old Town laterally invaded by visitors.
Its worth getting a guide
I would also recommend a guided tour to be done preferable very early in the morning to enjoy the beauty of the place without thousands of visitors.
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