Dubrovnik Old Town, The Pearl of the Adriatic

After a few days relaxing and unwinding by the sea in Lapad Bay, 

I was well and truly ready to go and explore Dubrovnik Old Town. 

We were greeted by the old wall, blue skies, a crystalline, clear azure sea and

the laughter of sea kayakers returning from a fun outing.

We walked through the Pile Gate into the Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik Old town and 

I was enthralled by the cute drains set in the walls.

 They are called Maskerons and were used to drain rainwater from the rooftops.

Legend says that if you can balance on the head, stand facing the wall and take your shirt off,

you will find true love. Having already found true love...I didn't try!

The Stradun, long and wide, paved with gleaming marble, funnels tourists to
 the Bell tower and beyond.

The Church of St Blaise (Crkva Sv Vlaho), a stunning baroque building by Venetian architect
Marino Gropelli, completed in 1715 and dedicated
to Dubrovnik's patron Saint.

According to legend, in February 971, Venetian ships had dropped anchor near Dubrovnik, ostensibly 

to take on food and water before moving on, but were really there to spy on Dubrovnik's defences.

St Blaise revealed the plan in a dream to the rector of the cathedral, Stojko who informed the city council of the threat. The city closed it's gates and manned the walls. The Venetians, seeing the 

city had been closed, abandoned plans of attack, upped the anchors and left.
St Blaise was made the patron Saint of Dubrovnik.

We walked the streets, soaking up the history and the atmosphere.
If only these walls could talk.

The detail on the columns of City Hall so intricate and delicate.

The bold door knockers remind me of China.

The architecture of Dubrovnik encompasses you, 

something beautiful at every turn, through every doorway.

The frescoes above doorways with stories to tell.

The beautiful Old Town harbour, once a major trading port,
St John Fort, protecting the port from pirates and war since 1346.

Now used by local fishermen and boats taking tourists

on adventures to local islands. 

The atmosphere filled with happy anticipation of fun days ahead.

We walked through the narrow stone alleys of the old town.

The Jesuit church of Saint Ignatius, decorated with elaborate frescoes

depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ignatius was discovered.

 Homes line the alleyways, hidden from the hustle and bustle.

Locals going about their everyday life in one of the 

World's greatest preserved medieval cities.

With so much beauty, history, atmosphere and culture, it is no wonder 

that tourists flock to Dubrovnik to soak it all up.

I didn't need to balance on a Maskeron to fall in love with this

wonderful place and it's people, Dubrovnik charmed me from the start.