Day 7: Croatia - Dubrovnik (Day1)

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is straight out of a fairy tale! With its majestic medieval walls, breathtaking vistas, and enchanting old town, it's no surprise this Croatian gem was the perfect setting for Game of Thrones' King's Landing.

 

In 1667, Dubrovnik was devastated by a major earthquake, which destroyed much of the city and led to significant rebuilding. The city's Baroque architecture and layout that visitors admire today largely stem from this period of reconstruction.

Rector's Palace

Ragusa was the historical name for Dubrovnik, a thriving maritime republic during the Middle Ages. The Rector was the elected official who governed the city-state for a month at a time, ensuring fair and efficient administration. The Rector's Palace served as his official residence and the seat of government.

City Wall and Minčeta Tower - our first view of the massive city walls.

 Statue of Aphrodite and Pan on Brsalje Terrace

Pile Gate

The Pile Gate is one of Dubrovnik's most iconic landmarks and serves as the main entrance to the city's stunning Old Town. Constructed in the 15th century, this magnificent gate is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, featuring an imposing stone archway and a wooden drawbridge that once defended the city from invaders.

 One particularly fascinating detail about Pile Gate is the small statue of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's patron saint, perched above the entrance. St. Blaise is a constant presence in the city's architecture, symbolizing protection and unity for its residents.

Baroque church of St. Blaise

The church houses sacred relics of the city's patron saint, including his arm, skull, and leg, preserved in ornate gold and silver reliquaries. These relics miraculously survived a devastating fire in 1706 that destroyed much of the church's interior, a fact seen as a divine sign of St. Blaise’s protection over the city. The church was rebuilt in its current Baroque style by Venetian architect Marino Gropelli between 1706 and 1714, and the relics remain a centerpiece of Dubrovnik’s cultural and religious heritage, prominently featured during the annual Feast of St. Blaise on February 3rd.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

St. Savior Church

Onofrios's Large Fountain

There is a popular local legend associated with the Onofrio Fountain. According to the tradition, if you drink from all 16 taps of the fountain in a clockwise direction, your wish will come true.

Stradun

The Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street, is a stunning marble-paved promenade that runs through the heart of the Old Town. Its smooth, polished surface is one of the most distinctive features of this historic city. Over the centuries, millions of footsteps have gradually worn down the marble, giving it a shiny, smooth texture that adds to the street's charm and character. The constant flow of tourists and locals alike has contributed to the unique shine that now reflects the city's long-standing history and its vibrant present.

Statue of Marin Držić

Marin Držić is a renowned Renaissance playwright often called "Dubrovnik’s Shakespeare." The statue has become a popular spot for tourists seeking good luck. Located near the Marin Držić Theatre in Old Town, visitors believe that rubbing the statue's nose will bring fortune and ensure a return trip to Dubrovnik. Over time, this has given the bronze statue’s nose a shiny, polished appearance.

Can you spot the cross in this photo?

 The cross is actually the large cross atop Mount Srđ, a prominent landmark in Dubrovnik. It was destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s but was later rebuilt as a symbol of hope and resilience. Today, it stands tall, reminding visitors of the city's strength and history.

Son#2 was fascinated by this striking relief found on the base of the statue of poet Ivan Gundulić.

Could this relief very well be the secret inspiration for Game of Thrones? Picture this: a regal queen sits poised on her throne, guarded by a fierce dragon and a mighty winged lion, as chaos unfolds around her. Could this be the prototype for Daenerys Targaryen, with her fiery dragons, or Cersei Lannister, ruling from the Iron Throne?

Dubrovnik's Historic Old Port (Stara Luka)

LUNCH - Tata's Cocktails & Burgers

During our Balkan tour, all meals were included and arranged by the tour operator, except for today when we had the freedom to explore and enjoy lunch on our own. We practically had seafood almost every day on this trip, so we decided to switch it up and went for burgers instead!

One great perk of traveling during the shoulder season with a guided group tour is the opportunity to stay in 4 to 5-star hotels at a lower cost, thanks to block bookings, along with cheaper flights. And yes, shoulder season means the colder months. Coming from my corner of the world where it’s forever summer, the cold climate is an adventure itself. It’s a thrilling shift—stepping into a world of vibrant fall foliage, wearing clothes you otherwise never get to wear—something other than the usual tees, shorts, and flip-flops I live in back home—and savoring the comforting scent of hot drinks.

Of course, there are some downsides. A fixed itinerary means a packed schedule—wake-up call at 6:00, breakfast at 7:00, and off to the next destination every day. Dinner is usually buffet-style at the hotel, and unless you have dietary restrictions, you don’t get to choose. Free time is a luxury, as the tours often wrap up just before dinner. But today was a rare treat—we got back early and finally had time to relax at the hotel after a day of exploration.

Buffet dinner @ hotel

Chilling @ Hotel Valamar Lacroma 

FUN FACT

Historically, Dubrovnik's citizens were required to donate a stone equal to their body weight for the construction of the city's walls. This practice dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries when the city was fortifying itself against potential threats. The city walls of Dubrovnik are famous for their strength and preservation, and the donations of stone were a way for the citizens to contribute to the collective defense. Each resident would give a stone, and it was believed that this contributed to the city's security and prosperity. This practice was part of the broader civic responsibility for the protection of the city.

Stay tuned as Day 2 of Dubrovnik promises even more adventures.