Too see

The Walls of Dubrovnik are a series of defensive stone walls surrounding the city of Dubrovnik in southern Croatia. With numerous additions and modifications throughout their history, they have been considered to be amongst the great fortification systems of the Middle Ages, as they were never breached by a hostile army during this time period. In 1979, the old city of Dubrovnik, which includes a substantial portion of the old walls of Dubrovnik, joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

The oldest systems of fortifications around the town were likely wooden palisades. Today’s intact city walls, constructed mainly during the 12th–17th centuries, mostly a double line, have long been a source of pride for Dubrovnik. The walls run an uninterrupted course of approximately 1,940 meters (6,360 ft) in length, encircling most of the old city, and reach a maximum height of about 25 meters (82 ft). The bulk of the existing walls and fortifications were constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries but were continually extended and strengthened up until the 17th century.

This complex structure, amongst the largest and most complete in Europe, protected the freedom and safety of a "civilized" and "sophisticated" republic that flourished in peace and prosperity for some five centuries. The walls were reinforced by three circular and 14 quadrangular towers, five bastions (bulwarks), two angular fortifications and the large St. John's Fortress. Land walls were additionally reinforced by one larger bastion and nine smaller semicircular ones, like the casemate Fort Bokar, the oldest preserved fort of that kind in Europe.

The moat that ran around the outside section of the city walls, which were armed by more than 120 cannons, provided superb city defense capabilities. The city walls have been preserved to the present day, not only because of the knowledge of the skilled construction workers and the constant care provided by city dwellers that maintained and rebuilt the structures as needed, but also because of the brilliantly reputed diplomacy in Ragusa, which managed on many occasions to avoid dangerous measures taken by enemies against the Republic of Ragusa.

Within the Old City of Dubrovnik sits the Franciscan Monastery, a sight already on many must-see lists. Yet what lies inside the monastery often doesn’t receive the full attention it deserves. We’re talking about the Old Pharmacy. This pharmacy is the third oldest in all of Europe and the oldest pharmacy still in use to this day.

Originally opened in 1317, the Old Pharmacy has been opened for over 700 years. It’s not just working as a historic sight-to-see nowadays. Anyone in need can still stop in to purchase medicine. Many of the pharmacy’s original objects, like stone bowls, ancient lab equipment, ceramics and medical books, are on display in the monastery museum, yet the containers set on its shelves are still in their original spots and date back to the 15th century.

The best way to explore cities is with an expert who can show you all the charms and beauty of the destination, followed by a lot of information...The best way to explore cities is with an expert who can show you all the charms and beauty of the destination, followed by a lot of information...

1. OLD TOWN
(Orientation tour in the old city 1h30)

2. GAME OF THRONES
(Tour of the Old Town and Fort Lovrjenac locations where the series of Games of the Thrones was filmed 2h)

3. MIX AND MATCH
(Game of Thrones + Old Town 3h-3h30)