What's your pick for the European holiday? Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Scandinavia? What are the chances you're going to say, "Hey, let's go Dubrovnik"?
I am aware, I know. Dubrovnik, Croatia, wasn't even in my list of must-see places. But I thought I'd opt for an open mind. It is, after all, an UNESCO World Heritage listed site. And what a trip it was. I have had my great number of going around the world and trust me, I always had something to say of each country - positive or negative. But for Dubrovnik, I was literally stumped for words.
It's like falling in love and not being able to explain why. The Croatian city inspires that kind of feeling. With traditional red roofs from the walled old town built across a rocky Adriatic promontory, there's a lot to explore in the medieval fortified city. Through the glorious architecture, the amazing history, the fascinating culture, the rich tradition, the existing town ... oh look, I'm gushing already.
Old Town Vibes
My first stop was the famous walls inside the Old City. I was told this can be one of the best preserved fortification complexes in Europe, that are back to the 15th century. I can definitely see why. It's no Great Wall of China however i must say it is well developed to protect the city from the many attacks it faced back then. I took nearly 2 hours to walk down the 1,940m-long stretch, which included 16 towers, five forts, six bastions, a breakwater and 2 drawbridges.
It may not be extremely safe for children to wander on their own unless these are on a tight leash, though. The walls are pretty steep and wind down to the drawbridges. You can enter via the Pile Gate on the western side or even the Ploce Gate on the eastern side. In any event, the walk along the walls gave breathtaking views from the Old City. And of course, you can't miss the outstanding 31m City Bell Tower which was built in 1444. Walk up to Minceta, the best tower at the north-east corner of the walls, for the best view.
Like a huge fan of William Shakespeare, I obviously needed to visit the Lovrjenac Fort, which is situated to the west of the Old City with a 37m-high rock. This is where local actors perform functions the great literary author in the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. It was a true pity I did not get to see any plays as the festival starts on July 10 annually and goes on until August. But I'm bound to make a mental note than it.
Quaint And Quirky
Entering the Pile Gate, you'll come to a street called Placa or Stradun. Oahu is the main shopping area as well as the widest and the most beautiful street here which divides the previous City into its southern and northern parts. When I say shopping, That's not me talking about designer brands or factory outlet shops. These are generally quaint little shops where one can buy an unique little souvenir, select a handcrafted jewellery, taste the neighborhood olive oil - everything and anything Dubrovnik.
Also, you can catch your breath at the local cafes dotted down the street. This is the best pause to see the famous Onofrio Fountain, which stands at the eastern stand of Stradun. I became amazed at its intricate architecture. Could you imagine: This fountain was built in 1438 as part of a water supply system from the well 12km away and it's working? I filled my water bottle derived from one of of the 16 remaining carved masks that has been gushing water into a drainage pool. I wasn't really confident that one could drink the water, though some tourists did. Erring on the side of not wanting a bellyache, I made a decision against it.
Even if you don't practise the faith, it's worth visiting the churches in the Old City. Namely, you'll find five - St Blaise, Franciscan Monastery, Cathedral, St Saviour and Dominican Monastery. I came across the Franciscan Monastery particularly interesting, mainly because it houses the third oldest pharmacy in Europe, nevertheless the only one still working, apparently. Going back to 1317, the Old Pharmacy was actually a monastery pharmacy for sick Franciscan friars but it was open to the public as time passes. All the products for facial or body creams are produced based on age-old recipes. (I couldn't resist hand cream with orange extracts - it smelt and felt great.)
Because i was pressed for time, I decided to see the whole city via a cable car ride. It even beats the vista from Minceta Tower. The ride is simply five minutes and it takes you up of a mountain that overlooks Old City. While Old City is undeniably an enchanting place, I was really curious about the real Dubrovnik. What are the people like? What's the culture? And what is the signature dish?
Nice To Meat You
Konvale region, inside very south of Croatia, was my next stop. Here, the preserved nature, precious rural architecture, ancient monuments and the distinctive traditional costumes happen to be kept alive by the those who are extremely proud of their heritage. To this day, you can sense the spirit of history and experience the century-old traditions in the city's ancestors.
Take a romantic walk across the cobbled streets in Cavtat, the biggest and the only urban centre in Konvale municipality. This little town offers a range of excellent restaurants and cafe bars all inside a stone's throw of the sea. Croatians have a tendency to often eat fish, while they have an abundant supply of fresh seafood within their shores. But if you ask me, it's their meats that are to die for. I went to the Konavoski Dvori in Gruda, Ljuta, famed for its steak and lamb, along with potatoes, cooked in ash. Yes, yes it's true.
The result was tender, incredibly juicy and absolutely exquisite. A double treat was seeing the servers dressed in their national costume. Their outfit is the greatest representation of the Croatian folklore heritage with Konvale embriodery carried out in mostly red, black and green colour and a golden yellow border. To top it off, there is a cute little white headdress that varies in case you are single or married. My next meal with the Steak House in Hotel Croatia confirmed the meats allow me to share truly special. The Cowboy Platter with beef, lamb, ribs and pork chop served sizzling on a hot plate was as huge as it was lip-smackingly delish.
Now that I have discovered Dubrovnik, from the coastline to its meats, I know I have to return. The pearl with the Adriatic? Indeed.
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One of the most gorgeous cities on the planet for travelers is Dubrovnik. If you are intending to visit this amazing town, right here you have all of the.
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