Italy and Croatia 2014 — Day 12

Today is the day that I’ve waited for for many months. Today was our excursion to Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, and the focal point of this entire trip. We have heard so many wonderful things.

Notwithstanding the ride there from Split (120 miles, much of it on two-lane roads with many hairpin turns and switchbacks), the day was awesome! Dubrovnik is everything that has been said about it. It is picture-perfect!

Dubrovnik

This seaside city has some of the best-preserved medieval walls in Europe.

City Walls

All visitors to the city MUST walk the walls since this is Dubrovnik’s signature attraction. They are more than a mile in length although you do not have to walk the entire length to get a flavor for their scope and breadth.

Extensive Walls

In addition to the walls, their are other elements of the city’s fortifications which are just outside the walled Old Town.

Fort Lovrijenac

The walls also afford a birds-eye view of the city.

Looking Down at the Stradun

Of course, there are other significant sights within the Old Town. The main entrance into the walled city is via the Pile Gate, which has a statue of St Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik.

Pile Gate

Just inside the gate is the Onofrio Fountain, part of the city’s water supply system.

Onofrio Fountain

The main thoroughfare in Dubrovnik leads from the fountain to Luza Square, the city’s main square. It is straight, attractively paved with worn white stones, and lined with restaurants and shops. It is known as the Stradun or Placa.