Leaving the Ionian Sea going north, one sails into the Adriatic Sea and the southern tip of Croatia where Dubrovnik pops up.  The entire pedestrian only Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Another exquisite walled city that feels like a small town, but 500 years ago was a major maritime power with the third biggest navy in the Mediterranean!

Approaching our destination.

THE thing to do in Dubrovnik is to walk the 15th century wall.  A mile and a half will give you outstanding views of the walled town, the surrounding neighborhoods and, of course, the sea.  But – one must be prepared for ups and downs as 18 flights of stairs will be completed by the end of the walk!!  Also, if you are a Game of Thrones fan you can watch for familiar scenes;-)

Great old wall – still protecting the Old Town.

Just as in prior walled cities in the area, the walls did a good job of protecting from everything EXCEPT that 1667 earthquake.  Then Dubrovnik also fell victim to the violent separation of Croatia from Yugoslavia in 1991 (one forgets that so many wars of separation took place in this area in the early 1990’s).  The city was devastated but repaired quickly.  The reminders of the war and the rebuild are the brighter orange tiles seen when walking the wall.

Lots of great views from above the city.

Our climbing efforts are rewarded with more great pics of bell towers and our ship in the background.

The highest point on the wall – what’s a few more stairs?!?

The second big attraction in Dubrovnik is walking – or strolling – the Stradun, the main pedestrian promenade through the middle of town.  It begins at one gate into the city and runs right into the middle of ‘the Wall walk’ at the other end of the town.  A walkway now – it was once a channel that divided the town into two parts.

The Stradun is very Italian!

They even found room for most of a basketball court.

A view of a newer part of town outside the old wall. The Fort of St. Lawrence is on the left.

On the very last part of the Wall walk, one comes face to face with that bell tower seen at the beginning of the walk.  If timed right (on the hour or half hour), you might see Maro and/or Baro strike the bell!

Come on guys – you can do it!

Back down on  the ground, one must walk the Stradun.  It’s the best place for people watching, shopping and gelato;-)  There are many arms off the main drag that lead to many other museums and churches.  One even looks like the Spanish Steps in Rome.  These lead to the old Church of St. Ignatious.

More steps – up to Church of St. Ignatious.

An elaborate interior.

This may be the last of the walled cities on this trip.  They have provided incredible views, great exercise and lots of history!  Now a few more beaches and the canal city of Venice.  But, what we are really excited for is Rome and the Ryder Cup, where activities have already begun.

E & G – all walled out and ready for golf