The most predominant feature of Dubrovnik has to be the fortified walls that surround the city. Stretching uninterrupted for about 1 ¼ miles, they offer only three entry/exit points to this pedestrian-only city. (5,000 out of 50,000 residents live within the walls.) Building of this fortification system started in the 12th century as Dubrovnik gained power and was sought by numerous Republics. In fact in the 15th century, its Mediterranean fleet was second in size only to Venice. What’s ironic though, is that the walls were never really used for defensive purposes until 1991 during the Homeland War.Our apartment is located near Fort Lovrjenac, aka “Dubrovnik Gibralter”, the largest fortress on the perimeter. If this fortress were captured it would endanger the whole city and so its walls reach almost 40 feet thick. The entrance to the fortress still reads “Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro”, or “Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world”.
All of the pictures used in this post were taken from somewhere along the top of the wall.
A look down Main Street.
Our apartment is the one on the left, safely tucked behind the wall.
The gang hanging out on our little terrace.
A cruise ship leaving for Venice in the distance.
Look hard and you'll find Cole keeping watch.
This gentleman is a fixture, playing his music on the city fountain everyday.
Pirates!
