Dubrovnik’s Old Town occupies a promontory jutting out into the Adriatic and is surrounded by 1.5-metre-thick walls. This fortified city has weathered a few storms, the most recent being a shelling from the Yugoslav People’s Army, in 1991. Although damage was caused, the city quickly recovered. A trip to Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-designated Old Town is top of the list for tourists visiting Croatia.
The Old Town can be entered through either Pile or Ploče Gate. They’re connected by Stradun, the main thoroughfare through Old Town. The street is made of polished marble, and is lined with al fresco cafés, timeworn mansions and restaurants.
There’s a lot to see in the Old Town – cloistered monasteries, renaissance palaces and Gothic churches. The Rector’s Palace and the Franciscan Monastery are two of Old Town’s greatest treasures – make sure you check out the offbeat Pharmacy Museum within the monastery complex. Another popular activity is a stroll around the top of the city walls, where you’ll be treated to dreamy ocean views.