The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO.
The old town of Dubrovnik is completely surrounded by intact fortified walls, even including the Old City Harbor. The walls run for 1940 meters encircling the city and are considered amongst the greatest of fortification systems during the Middle Ages because they were never breached during that time period. The walls were so strongly constructed, they even withstood any damage from the earthquake of 1667.
I've walked all 1940 meters of the walls surrounding the city. Nearly 2 kilometres (1.25 miles) doesn't sound like a lot but take into consideration that they're having one of the hottest summers in nearly 50 years and that a lot of stairs are involved as the walls vary in height towering above the city at 25 meters high at some points. There are three entrances to the walls and I started my walk on them at the Gate of Ploče. Once I reached the top of the steep staircase leading me to the top of the walls, I were immediately rewarded with stunning views of Fort Lovrijenac rising on a gorge 37 meters high. This fort defended Dubrovnik from attacks from both the land and the sea. It certainly earned the message carved into its doors: "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur Auro." ("Freedom can not be sold for all the treasures of the world").
I've realized a couple of things: first, that Dubrovnik in the summer is incredibly hot (+36), expensive and teeming with tourists, and. I didn't planed to spend a lot of time there. Couple of hours was more than enough of time to do the main thing I really wanted to do in the city — walk its famous walls.
While Dubrovnik went centuries without a war breaching its thick walls, the city was severely bombed during the Balkan Wars in the 1990's. Today, though, you would never know it — except by looking at the city’s rooftops. Bright orange roof tiles indicate roofs that were restored after the bombings.
Made 4,343 steps just in over two hours.
The best hidden gems of town are in the less travelled areas up or down many, many steps. Dubrovnik has steps, 5,423 to be exact and the glorious hidden gems are up there waiting to be discovered. Rest up, bring some water, a hat and sunglasses and get ready to roam.
There are only three entrances to the city walls and once you’re up on them, traffic is one way. You’ll walk more than 1/2 way around before you come to the first exit. So bring water! There is also minimal shade, so if visiting in the summer, wear sunscreen.
Tickets are 100 kuna's (2015) for adults. Visiting times are from 8:30am – 6:30pm.
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