Dubrovnik

Following a wonderful two weeks in Zagreb, we have now arrived in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Sea (The Dalmatian coast). Considered to be one of the most important tourist destinations within the Mediterranean, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

One legend states that Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century on a rocky island named Laus by refugees looking for a new homeland. However, some recent archeological finds pose a more plausible theory that Dubrovnik was really founded sometime before the birth of Christ by Greek sailors. For a time (1205-1358) the city came under the sovereignty of Venice, but then bounced between Hungry, the Serbian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire because of its strong maritime trading and skill at diplomacy. In August of 1296, most of the city was destroyed by a great fire, but was quickly rebuilt.

Our apartment is in the Old Town's walled fortifications which is off-limits to all vehicular traffic. Consisting of a very spacious bedroom, a full bathroom, and a combination kitchen/dining area, this is a lovely accommodation in a four hundred year old building.

The main entrance to the Old Town walled fortifications. This is where we were dropped off to walk to our apartment.

On the mainland side, the Old Town is bordered by Rocky Mountains.

...and the fortifications on that side buttress up against the base of the mountain.

On the Adriatic side, the fortifications of the Old Town extend out into the water.

Like many medieval fortifications, there is an inner gate just past the outer gate.

Just inside the inner gate is the Onofrio Fountain. Along the base perimeter are stone masks throwing water out of their mouths. Dubrovnik is one of only a few European cities that have spring water that is safe to drink. A real rarity.

The Main Street running through the heart of the town.

Looking back towards the main entrance.

Just a few steps into Old Town is the St. Francis of Assisi church.

While it may not be as large as some of the cathedrals one finds in Rome, it is still quite beautiful.

There are nine altars along the walls....

...including this one dedicated to St Francis of Assisi.

There are many alleyways shooting off of the main one, many, like this one, going up the side of the hill.

This side street leads to our apartment .

...and here we are. This building is 400 years old.

The combination kitchen/dining room.

The bathroom.

And the bedroom. This picture does not really capture the spaciousness of this room.

Our first night here, we went in search of a nice place to eat and found the Baracuda pizza restaurant in one of the nearby alleyways. According to Eddy the cook/manager, during the War of Croatian Independence, hand grenades went off in the alleyway and caused some damage to the restaurant...

...which is still visible on the wall.

The Baracuda cook/manager, Eddy.