Dubrovnik, Croatia’s gem on the glimmering Adriatic, is undeniably touristic. However, it is also indisputably alluring.
Thanks to its rich history, immaculately-groomed limestone buildings, commanding seaside position, and formidable, 7th-century fortifications, the city attracts tourists from around the world.
Having discovered the rewards of off-season travel, Shawn and I visited the so-called ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ one April. We were thrilled to discover that while Dubrovnik’s streets were still teeming with cruise ship passengers by day, we largely had the polished limestone lanes to ourselves by night.
Walking by the illuminated Rector’s Palace after darkness had fallen over Dubrovnik, we sifted through details from the city’s past, most notably that it was once the Republic of Ragusa, which existed for nearly five centuries.
The next day, we ascended the stairs near the Pile Gate and walked Dubrovnik’s walls, which wrap around the city for about 2 km. (1.2 miles). From this elevated perch, we watched as the city’s cable car ferried passengers to the top of Mount Srdj, as boats whisked visitors off to neighboring islands, and as locals hung pastel-toned laundry on rooftop lines, and untangled fishing nets. Gazing out into the open waters of the vast Adriatic, we felt torn, contemplating if we should return to the walled city below, or perhaps embark on an adventure via the sea.
We chose the former option, filling our remaining days with picnics on quiet back lanes, and attempts at balancing upon one of Dubrovnik’s famed maskerons.
Kotor, Montenegro; Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany; and Dubrovnik have set the stage for some of my most memorable wall walks. Which walls of the world do you find noteworthy?
Where in the World?
Planning Pointers:
- The walk along the walls is about 2 km. (1.2 miles) long. We purchased our tickets just inside the Pile Gate, and that is the way we entered the walls too (from Stradun). There are two other entrances to the walls: by Fort St. Johns and by Fort St. Luke, Od sv. Dominika Street.
- There isn’t any shade atop the walls, so be sure to plan and dress accordingly: bring water, wear a sunhat/sunscreen. On the walls, we did pass several small shops/restaurants with souvenirs, cold drinks and sweet treats. We also noticed at least one set of restrooms.
- Hours vary, based upon the season. Check the Dubrovnik Pass website for more details.
- Need more inspiration? This link contains an index of all my posts from Croatia.
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
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