Dubrovnik - Croatia

 Long before Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik was already known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic". The squares, the narrow alleys, the red tile roofs, its imposing walls and cathedrals, the architecture, make it one of the most famous and popular destinations on the Adriatic coast.  

Raquel visited the city last month and sent me the first postcard. The others were sent by Christina, Christa and Natalia.

 

"The 'Pearl of the Adriatic', situated on the Dalmatian coast, became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO." - in: http://whc.unesco.org

 Dubrovnik has always been one of the most important coastal cities in the Mediterranean. It was a city-state in the Middle Ages and its fame and influence rivaled that of Venice in the heyday of the 16th and 17th centuries. Much of the fortune came from the prosperous maritime trade. 

 Those coming from the sea had to respect the two kilometers of solid 17th-century walls that surrounded an evolved, clean city of unique beauty. Despite being coveted, the Walls of Dubrovnik were never crossed by enemies, even Ottoman attacks were thwarted.

 

The old city walls of Dubrovnik are one of its best-known features, now more than ever thanks to being featured in the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Built in the 10th century and modified in the 13th and 14th centuries, these formidable walls–as high as six meters in places, and up to six meters thick–provided a solid defense against invaders. Totaling nearly two kilometers in length, Dubrovnik's city walls make a great spot for a casual stroll and offer numerous excellent views over the Adriatic and inwards over the old city center. 

 

Another fun thing to do when visiting Dubrovnik is to head to the hills–via cable car. The Dubrovnik Cable Car whisks visitors high above the Old Town, up Srd Hill, with the views only getting better and better as you climb. - in: https://www.planetware.com

The journey lasts less than 10 minutes and you're rewarded with this view.