Wish You Were Here In Dubrovnik

OVERVIEW

Wish you were here in medieval Dubrovnik, when stone walls, gates and watchtowers guarded every entrance to the city. Stepping through the 16th-century Pile Gate, once protected by a drawbridge that was raised at night, you begin to feel how each century left its mark on Old Town’s architecture. As you walk down the main street, known as the Stradun, you will pass some of the earliest buildings in Old Town, many of which were reconstructed following a catastrophic earthquake in 1667. Although the exterior of the Rector’s Palace has remained the same since the 15th century, the building has been used for different purposes, including an armory, a watch house and a prison. The 16th-century Sponza Palace – which survived the earthquake intact – sits on a spot where rainwater was once collected, while the city’s cathedral was heavily damaged in the earthquake and was rebuilt in a baroque style. With every stop, it feels as if you’re standing between eras, seeing how Dubrovnik kept rebuilding itself—true time travel for the soul.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Step into the Dubrovnik you wish you could have seen, entering the Old Town through the Pile Gate and tracing centuries of change inside the walls.
• Walk the Stradun and see buildings from the 14th to 17th centuries, each one a glimpse into that time period.
• Gain insight into how the earthquake of 1667 instigated the rebuilding of Old Town.
• Spend free time exploring the historical area around the 16th-century Sponza Palace.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.