Monday, May 20, 2013

Every Mile a Memory ( Part 5 ) Dubrovnik - The Pearl of the Adriatic




Dubrovnik is the most famous tourist destination of Croatia. Most tourists arrive here via cruise ships.  As we docked at Dubrovnik, our tour director told us that everyone was required to bring their passports and identification cards. We had to pass through immigration at the port and the customs officials will check our documents. There was a town shuttle to Pile Gate provided by our cruise ship for $14.00 roundtrip ( $7.00 one way ) for those who wish to stay longer at the Old Town.

Also known as the " Pearl of the Adriatic", this medieval walled city of Dubrovnik became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Dubrovnik situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. The official currency is Kuna ( HRK). The exchange is 7.3Kunas/Euro. You do not need to exchange your Euros to Kunas, they quote their prices in Euros and accept Euros. The official language spoken is Croatian. 



On our Dubrovnik shore excursion, we enjoyed a fabulous view of the city as we rode a cable car up Mount Srdj. Opened in 2010, the gleaming orange cablecar you see scaling the steep incline high up over the Old Town is both a tourist attraction and a piece of history. Mount Srdj served as a frontier against the Turks and a Napoleonic fort where brave Croats kept Serb forces at bay in 1991.


Here’s a view of the old city from on top of a nearby Mount Srdj which is reachable on cable cars. From the top of the mountain, you'll have a spectacular view over Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian area.

( courtesy of Lulu Kamatoy )

Lulu was the only one who was able to hike to the cross that was on Mount Srdj. The views from above looking over the city walls, are amazing!  It's definitely something you must do in Dubrovnik.


When we came back down, we went on a walking tour through Old Town, where you will see you the city’s finest sights. It is important to all who wish to visit here that in the Old Town you cannot come by car because traffic here is forbidden. Wandering around all the little alleys and streets, we felt relatively safe. According to our tour guide, if we want to get a clearer picture of the area you can also walk atop the Old Town walls. Unfortunately, we had only an hour to roam around the town on our own and have lunch.

This is Ploce Gate at the eastern entrance of the old town.





Things to see inside the Old Town of Dubrovnik:

The Onofrio fountain strategically located inside the Old Town built in the 15th century as part of the water supply system. It has a huge central dome and its sixteen sided drinking fountains served the public drinking water for a number of centuries and even during the Balkans War in the early 1990s.  The fountain is still in use today, and you can drink the water. A ledge and steps around the water trough provide a perfect resting spot for tired visitors.


St. Blaise chuch - was built in Baroque style. It is one of the favourite wedding ceremony churches in Dubrovnik.


St. Viaho  ( St Blaise ) is the patron saint of Dubrovnik.


The Franciscan monastery ( the one on the right ) was one of the richest churches in Dubrovnik until the 1667 earthquake destroyed it.


inside the Franciscan Monastery



Stradun - is the main street of the Old Town of  Dubrovnik. It has kept its beautiful looks with the stone houses on both sides with beautiful churches, palaces, fountains and statues along its way since it was built in the 17th century.  Along this street are a number of quality retail shops, tourist shops, and a number of restaurants.


Things to buy in Dubrovnik:




Everything in Dubrovnik is amazing, a MUST SEE place. The Old Town walls are really worth visiting. I recommend walking around the Old Town of Dubrovnik! It gives you the feeling like you are lost in an old mediaval city with the very small roads! It is a must to get a guided tour and learn the history and see the churches.

This is the most romantic town for couples, with the cobbled streets, romantic alleys, nooks and crannies cafes, delicious food and breat taking views of the sea.

It was a fantastic experience!! Join me as we sail to our next port stop........ SPLIT, Croatia.

CIAO !!






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