Crazy about Croatia — Postcard from Dubrovnik #2

Dubrovnik is a small city of about 43,000 on the southwestern coast of Croatia on the Adriatic Sea, in the region of Dalmatia. It is famous for its walled Old Town and was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1979. Bob and I decided to start our official introduction to Dubrovnik with a hike up Srd Hill for a good overlook of the city. The city is built at the base of, and up the side of a hill, so we had some steep urban walking on a series of steps in the residential neighborhoods before getting to the base of the hill hike along a busy highway. Those not wanting, or unable, to hike up the hill can pay for a gondola ride to the top.

A view of the port and surrounds as we start the in-town portion of our climb

We were charmed by the chapel and old cemetery among the trees

The sign for our zig-zaggy walk up the hill

The kindler, gentler portion of the walk — shaded and level and not yet too rocky

Looking down on the Lovrijenac fort just outside of the walled Old Town

Old and “New” Town — the official Old Town is the portion on the left within the long wall

Old Town from above — This is a popular spot for the cruises that come in, so it’s always well-peopled!

Looking almost straight down on the zig-zagged path up

One of the viewing platforms alongside a cafe at the top of the hill

Watching the gondola take a group back down

After hiking back down, we worked our way back through neighborhoods and into Old Town. Old Town is architecturally and historically interesting, set along a gorgeous coast, and filled with a number of museums, shops, cafes, and restaurants. We were only disappointed that you had to pay to walk on the wall ($24 each!), as we had been able to that for free in the UK. We decided to save the money, as we had a view from above on the hill.