Dubrovnik, Croatia
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St. Blaise Church was originally 14th-century Romanesque, but this was badly damaged in the 1667 earthquake and finally destroyed by a fire in 1706. The church was rebuilt in its present baroque style between 1706 and 1714.
A glimpse of the Adriatic through a small window in the wall surrounding Old Dubrovnik
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.
Constructed mainly during the 12th–17th centuries, mostly a double line, have long been a source of pride for Dubrovnik. The walls run an uninterrupted course of approximately 1,940 metres (6,360 ft) in length, encircling most of the old city, and reach a maximum height of about 25 metres (82 ft). The bulk of the existing walls and fortifications were constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries, but were continually extended and strengthened up until the 17th century.
Narrow Streets of Old Dubrovnik
These streets were wide enough to allow a horse, donkey and cart to pass, but mostly, people simply walked these narrow streets. Old Dubrovnik is still the permanent address of many citizens who make this ancient city their home.
This view of the old harbour of Dubrovnik is from the city wall near the southern jetty. The massive building at the entrance to the harbour is St. John's Fort, then follows part of the famous city wall which completely surrounds the old city, and can be walked along for its entire length.
Just inside the main entrance of the Rector's Palace is this beautiful open-air courtyard flooded with light