Croatia Travel Blog

13 January 2008 No Comment

On our first full day we immediately set off to see the main attractions Dubrovnik had to offer. The first, and mostly highly recommended, was the walk along the Dubrovnik Wall. We started the walk at the Pile Gate side entrance, inside the wall. I think it was 50 Kuna to enter. When doing this tour, make sure you have some water and all the camera gear you’ll need. There is no way to get back down accept the entrance. So be prepared. The tour goes for over 2 kilometers and can take 3-4 hours.

Once we climbed the steep staircase to the top of the wall, we were blown away at the incredible views of Tower Loverjenac (an outside fortification), and the small bay the separates them. As we moved along to the Northern most post, Tower Bokar (Lapidarij), the view of Tower Loverjenac and the bay came into view. Hulking man-made fortresses, separated by a peaceful bay of crystal blue-green sea.

Up again we moved to the main wall. On the city side some ruins from the bombing were still noticeable, as were the newer red roof tiles on the homes that had been restored. At the top of the wall there were homes with windows facing the Adriatic and Island Lokrum. There was a gate there that was at the peak height of the wall. That gate with the various backgrounds made for an excellent photo opportunity.

Continuing on, we stopped at the high southern tower that offered a straight shot of Island Lokrum, a large, undisturbed island that is just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik. We did not have time to go, but friends went and loved it, so I have to recommend it as a great secluded beach getaway.

Facing south on the Dubrovnik wall we could see the incoming tour ships parked in the distance between Lokrum and the rising mountains of the mainland.

As we made our way around the south side of the wall towards the Vrata Od Ploca entrance (the south gate main entrance), I found excellent vantage points to shoot the top of the Church of St. Blaise. When we reached the Eastern most point of the city, the view across the red roof tiles with the blue Adriatic in the background was breath-taking. This is considered the most famous vantage point to shoot Dubrovnik. It’s here the uniqueness of the city and it’s history is best shown.

Not only were the views of the Church of St. Blaise and other important architecture outstanding, but it also provided a taste of local life as well…fresh clothes hanging on rooftop patio clothes-lines, bottles of walnut liquor fermenting in the sun. This liquor was used as a local after dinner drink, or for special celebrations. We were able to purchase some at a local market in the main square. It was interesting, and I do suggest it if you enjoy the taste of walnuts.

Finally we made it to the highest point on the tour, the Minceta Tower. The short, but steep climb up was well worth it. The views of the city were the best here, and even the views of the outside city and surrounding hills were at their best here.

We spent about 3 to 4 hours touring the wall and taking in every aspect possible. Please be sure to set aside enough time to do this right. Unfortunately the gates open after sunrise and close before sunset. So you are stuck with making the most of mid-day high sun. Even so, the clarity of the views will guarantee incredible images.