Dubrovnik

A magnificient Old Town with medieval ramparts and treasures hidden between these 800 year-old walls...a UNESCO World Heritage Site and what a beauty! We walk the entire wall as well as Fort Lovrijenac. These walls are the symbol of the city and completely surround it along with its forts which protected its occupants during the 15th and 16th century. Dubrovnik, once called Ragusa (that's right, just like that delicious Swiss chocolate), is well known as the filming location for Game of Thrones which portrays it's capital city King's Landing.

There are several city entrances, the main one being the Pile Gate, which consists of two doors outside and inside the walls, stone bridge with arches and a drawbridge. When you first enter you are welcomed by Onofrio's Fountain and the Franciscan Monastery.

Fortress Lovrijenac, is also known as the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik and is known as one of the most impressive locations in the city. Here's the story...The Venetians had plans to build their fort on the same spot at the beginning of the 11th century in order to control Dubrovnik. Rumor got out and when the townspeople heard of this plan they immediately decided to build their fort on the 37 m high cliff in order to protect Dubrovnik from the Venetians. Supposedly they built it in only three months and when the Venetians finally did show up with their ships full of building material they had to turn around and return home with an unfinished task. For centuries, this fortress was the greatest defender of the city's freedom. Above the entrance is a message engraved in stone "NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS VENDITUR AURO" which translates to "Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world".

We enjoy the guided tour through the town:

Erica, Francisco and I walk the entire wall, take in the sites and stop for a cappuccino as well. We find a nice little restaurant called "Pupo" down one of the alleyways and share a truffle risotto, a tagliettel with mushrooms, a plate with cheese and prosciutto and some local wine, of course.

On our way thru town we make our way to the old pharmacy at the Franciscan Monastery (one of the oldest in Europe) founded in 1317 as an in-house pharmacy for Fransciscan friars which was later introduced to the public. The pharmacy is still functioning and while visiting we decide to purchase some special eye cream! We may be unrecognizeable once we start using this!

A quick visit to the church:

We stroll through the main gate and look for our bus #6 which will take us back to our hotel.

And the sunset is beautiful!