Historic Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” It’s astounding scenery and architecture make for an incredible getaway to a cultural landmark in Croatia. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I spent 2 days in this port-of-call and love sharing tips. Read on and learn about a Dubrovnik walking tour in the Old Town, on the wall and Lovrijenac Fortress.
About Old Town Dubrovnik
This ancient city’s Old Town is entirely surrounded with defensive stone walls completed in the 16th century. Furthermore, the walls stretch for 2 km, encompassing most of the city and reaching a maximum height of 25 m (83 ft). Because Dubrovnik was vulnerable to foreign attacks, the fortification was built to protect their beautiful city. One of the best ways to experience the Old Town is to walk the walls of Dubrovnik.
Overall, the architecture in the walled city displays Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. However, most of the architecture is Baroque, because the 1667 earthquake destroyed much of the Gothic and Renaissance. The Revelin Fortress, Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace were the only building to survive the earthquake. Later, the walled city was rebuilt and is still intact today.
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Dubrovnik, Croatia Walking Tour Highlights
Old Town, Wall & Fort Lovrijenac
The best thing to do in Dubrovnik is to walk the 2 km of walls, straddling between the Old Town and the sea. Visitors can walk the walls independently or with a Guide. I recommend to buy ticket online for 40 Euros to avoid long queues at Walls of Dubrovnik.
There is no shade along the way, so prepare for the hot Adriatic sun. However, there are 3-4 cafes along the way for a drink or snack. Three different entrances are available to walk the city walls, but you must walk counterclockwise. Overall, you need about 2 hours to fully experience the 2 km-long walk. A sunset tour is a good idea if you have the time.
Walking Dubrovnik Walls
I started from the main entrance at Pile Gate, however, you can also start at St. John’s or St. Lucas’ Fortress. This stands out as one of the highlights of all my travel experiences from 105 countries. Firstly, I walked by the viewpoint with Fort Lovrijienac across the inlet. After walking the wall, I climbed to the top this fort.
Photo op Tip: Along the wall with the Fort Lovrijenac in the background makes for an awesome photo, as shown in my first photo.
I continued along the wall looking out at the Locrum Island on the seaside and the numerous orange terracotta rooftops of the town. Also, looking down at the Old Town, you see cathedral towers, residential areas with colorful clothes drying in the sea breeze.
Continuing on I walked over the St. John’s Fortress looking out over the Old Harbour. Near the highest point of the wall at Minceta Fort, many people sit on cushions for fantastic views of the setting sun.
Overall, there are 6 forts along the wall: Lovrijenac, Revelin, Minceta, Bokar, St. John and St. Lucas.
Old Town
Afterwards walking the walls, I explored and shopped in the Old Town below. One of the first things you notice at the Pile Gate entrance is the round Onorio’s Fountain with a cupola. It has 16 water taps and stone masks. The pedestrian, main street is called Stadun, a good place to stroll and shop on its limestone path.
Architectural highlights include the Gothic Rector’s Palace, Baroque St. Blaise Church and the Renaissance-style Sponza Palace. I also had a wonderful time shopping for Burano (Venetian) lace tops and dresses at fashion boutiques. Old Town is a fantastic place to shop for souvenirs, clothing and handicrafts. However, you will pay marked up prices in comparison to shopping off the beaten path.
Old Town is loaded with amazing restaurants. You can choose a quiet alleyway or bustling square to enjoy a meal or refreshment. I ended my day at Segreto Italian Restaurant for red wine, mouth-watering mushroom risotto and amaretto tiramisu, al fresco style on the terrace.
Lovrijenac Fortress
Just outside the western Wall of Dubrovnik is Lovrijenac Fortress. This fort and theater stands on an island dubbed “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar.” At 37 m (121 ft) above sea level, steps take you to the top for incredible panoramic views of the turquoise waters and walls of Dubrovnik. It’s a triangular shape with 3 terraces and cannons displayed. It costs 15 Euros for the Lovrijenac Fortress entrance.
The fort is known for being important to resisting Venetian Rule. The people of Dubrovnik hurried to build the fort in the 11th-century, beating out the Venetians. Also, there’s an outdoor café at the base of the stairs with views of the fort and walls of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik Cable Car
The Dubrovnik Cable Car provides the best bird’s eye view of the Walled City and surrounding Adriatic Sea. It sits on Srdj Hill and can be easily reached by walking. From the Old Towns Pile or Ploce Gates, it’s just a 10 minute walk with some stairs to the lower station.
There are many ways to take in the views, before taking the Cable Car down. The area provides Panorama Restaurant & Bar, amphitheater, hiking trail, shops and museum. You can purchase Dubrovnik Cable Car Ticket Online (recommended) or onsite.
The cable car is open April – November, opening at 9 am. During high season, it’s open until midnight. It costs 30 Euros for a roundtrip ticket.
Enjoy Dubrovnik!
Dubrovnik has become one of the most popular Mediterranean destinations for many reasons, such as, it’s historic architecture, stunning scenery and shopping. So, plan your visit for dusk or dawn without the crowds and find out why this is the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” If your travels bring you to Dubrovnik, feel free to leave tips or suggestions below.
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