Categories

Friday, 12 February 2016

CROATIA - Dubrovnik (Old City Wall & Lovrijenac Fortress)

IMG_0360
Dubrovnik city walls are considered to be one of the most grandiose fortification monuments in Europe. These walls are a complex system of ofrtifications. It measures 1,940m long and consists of the main city wall and various towers, fortresses, revelins, armory, trenches, 2 lift bridges and the seawall Kase. The current fortification dates back to 14th century.


DSCF8006
Jesuit’s staircase was quiet in the morning, so this is best time to take photos before hordes of tourists arrive!


DSCF8007


DSCF8020

DSCF8026

IMG_0322
We walked out from Pile Gates to view the outer walls.


IMG_0323

DSCF8035

DSCF8039

DSCF8055
Lovrijenac Fortress was my first destination that morning.


DSCF8058
It was easy to find our way to the fortress. There’re signs pointing the way to us.


IMG_0328

DSCF8060

IMG_0329
The fortress was built on 37 meter high sheer rock, outside of Dubrovnik’s ramparts.


IMG_0330
Fort Bokar was built to defend the main entrance gate to the city, bridge and moat at the Pile.


DSCF8063
The staircase that leads to the fortress.


DSCF8065

DSCF8068
View of Dubrovnik city wall from the fortress.


IMG_0336

DSCF8069
Yes, I’ve reached the entrance to Lovrijenac Fortress.


DSCF8073
NON BENE PRO TOTO LIBERTAS VENDITUR AURO means “Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world”. This was the motto of the Republic of Dubrovnik and this inscription was carved over the entrance to the fortress.


DSCF8072
The entrance fee for the fortress alone is 30kN. However, because I bought the ticket for the fortress first, I can keep the ticket and get discount at city walls.


DSCF8080
Looks like we’re the first to arrive that morning.


IMG_0337

IMG_0338

DSCF8083

IMG_0340
The view was breathtaking from the top of the fortress.


IMG_0342

DSCF8087

IMG_0344

DSCF8089

DSCF8097

IMG_0345

DSCF8099

DSCF8103

DSCF8104

DSCF8108

DSCF8113
The price to climb the city walls is 100kN for adults, children 5 to 18 years old is 30kN and children under 5 free of charge. Opening hours are open from 8am to 7pm in summer.


DSCF8115
And now my walk on the city walls began! The entrance I took was on Stradun by the Pile gate. There’s another two entrances which are by Fort Saint John’s and at the Custom’s House gate.


IMG_0346

IMG_0347
The walls are 1,940 meters long and to walk all the way around which usually takes an hour. However you can stop halfway if you want.


DSCF8119
I started the walk towards the sourthern section of the city walls.


IMG_0349
The Stradun as viewed from the city walls.


DSCF8122

IMG_0351
It’s a great way to view the Old City.


DSCF8124
Lovrijenac Fortress is just across the city walls.


DSCF8130

IMG_0350

IMG_0353

IMG_0354

IMG_0356

DSCF8134

IMG_0358

IMG_0359

DSCF8138

DSCF8139

IMG_0362

DSCF8142
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, sun glasses, hat and most importantly, sun block while walking under the sun like this. There is barely any shades while walking along the city walls.


IMG_0363

DSCF8150

IMG_0368

DSCF8153


DSCF8154
Along this section, there are several cafes and souveniour shops which is ideal for a short break.


DSCF8160

IMG_0370

DSCF8162

IMG_0374
A boat that heads to Lokrum.


DSCF8166

IMG_0376

IMG_0378
Church of St. Sebastian is a 15th century church built by Ploce Gate since St. Sebastian is the saint protector against plague.


IMG_0379

IMG_0382

DSCF8181

IMG_0387

IMG_0389
Fort Minceta is the highest point of the city wall.


IMG_0390

DSCF8195

DSCF8197

IMG_0393
Amazing view of the city’s red roof from the city walls.


IMG_0398

DSCF8202
My city walls walking is almost complete.


IMG_0400

DSCF8207
This photo was taken on top of Minceta Fort.


DSCF8211

DSCF8213
It is really an unique experience and I think it’s a must-do in Dubrovnik.


DSCF8216
Time to leave the city walls. The sun was beginning to be unbearably hot. Therefore it’s best to do this in early morning or evening.


IMG_0403
Time to refill our water bottle.


DSCF8221

DSCF8222
And one last stop to make before leaving Dubrovnik: a visit to the “Iron Throne” replica.


IMG_0405

IMG_0406

IMG_0407
In order to take photo with the Iron Throne, you can either pay 30kN or take photo for free by buying any souvenior worth 70kN and above. We bought a keychain here and took turn to take photo.


DSCF8229
It’s my turn, haha.


DSCF8247

DSCF8245

DSCF8246

DSCF8250
Pancake and ice creams marked the perfect ending to my trip in Dubrovnik.


DSCF8252

DSCF8258
Time to head to the airport.


DSCF8263

DSCF8264

DSCF8259

DSCF8260

DSCF8261

DSCF8267
My son having fun playing games at the airport before boarding the plane.


DSCF8278
Goodbye, Croatia. Greece, here I come.

No comments:

Post a Comment