Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik's Old Town is a stunning historical area on the Adriatic coast in southern Croatia. Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich history, and beautiful coastal setting. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the region.
Key Highlights of Dubrovnik Old Town
City Walls: The massive stone walls encircling the Old Town are one of Dubrovnik's most iconic features. Built between the 12th and 17th centuries, these fortifications were designed to protect the city from invaders. The walls are about 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) long and up to 25 meters (82 feet) high, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Visitors can walk along the walls and explore the fortresses, including the Minceta Tower and Fort Lovrijenac.
Stradun (Placa): This is the main street of Dubrovnik's Old Town, stretching about 300 meters (980 feet) from the Pile Gate to the Ploče Gate. Stradun is lined with beautiful stone buildings, cafes, shops, and restaurants. It's a vibrant area, perfect for a leisurely stroll to soak in the historic atmosphere.
Rector's Palace: This Gothic-Renaissance palace was once the seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa (as Dubrovnik was known historically). Today, it houses the Cultural History Museum, showcasing exhibits related to the city's history and culture. The palace is noted for its beautiful architecture and courtyard.
Sponza Palace: Another significant historical building, Sponza Palace dates back to the early 16th century. It was originally a customs house and mint, and now it serves as the city archives, containing important documents from Dubrovnik's past.
Dubrovnik Cathedral: The Assumption Cathedral, commonly known as Dubrovnik Cathedral, is a beautiful Baroque church built on the site of older cathedrals dating back to the 7th century. It features a treasury with an impressive collection of religious relics and art.
Church of St. Blaise: Dedicated to the city's patron saint, this Baroque church is one of Dubrovnik's most beloved landmarks. St. Blaise is celebrated annually in the city with a major festival on February 3rd.
Onofrio's Fountains: Two large fountains, the Big Onofrio's Fountain near the Pile Gate and the Small Onofrio's Fountain near the Luža Square, were built in the 15th century as part of the city's water supply system. They are still functional and are popular meeting points.
Franciscan Monastery and Museum: This complex includes a beautiful cloister, a pharmacy dating back to 1317 (one of the oldest in Europe), and a museum with a collection of artifacts and manuscripts.
Cultural and Historical Significance: Dubrovnik's Old Town has a rich history as a maritime republic and a center of trade and diplomacy in the Mediterranean. Its cultural heritage is evident in the preserved architecture, art, and traditions that continue to thrive in the city.
Visiting Dubrovnik Old Town
The Old Town is pedestrian-only, preserving its historical charm and making it ideal for walking tours. It's a place where history, culture, and stunning natural beauty come together, attracting tourists, historians, and art lovers alike. The city also gained international fame as a filming location for the television series "Game of Thrones," which used Dubrovnik's architecture to represent the fictional city of King's Landing.
Visitors can enjoy not only the historical and architectural sights but also the vibrant local culture, including festivals, traditional cuisine, and local crafts.
Dubrovnik played a significant role as a filming location for the popular television series "Game of Thrones," where it represented the fictional city of King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
Key "Game of Thrones" Locations in Dubrovnik
Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress): This impressive fortress, located just outside the city walls, was used for scenes set in the Red Keep, the seat of the king in King's Landing.
Pile Gate and Bokar Fortress: The Pile Gate, one of the main entrances to Dubrovnik's Old Town, along with the adjacent Bokar Fortress, featured prominently in scenes depicting the entrance to King's Landing.
Minčeta Tower: This prominent tower, part of Dubrovnik's city walls, was used to depict the exterior of the House of the Undying in Qarth. In the show, Daenerys Targaryen visits this location to retrieve her stolen dragons.
Dubrovnik's Old Town Streets: Many of Dubrovnik's narrow streets and alleys were used to represent various parts of King's Landing, including scenes involving Arya Stark during her time in the city, the infamous walk of atonement ("Walk of Shame")
Jesuit Staircase: These grand baroque stairs, located near the Church of St. Ignatius, were prominently featured in Cersei's walk of atonement.