WanderLex

Tag: Dubrovnik

  • Mount Srd of Dubrovnik

    Mount Srd of Dubrovnik

    I have planned to visit Mount Srd of Dubrovnik to take in the best view of the walled city and its surrounding coastline. But the windy weather of the past few days made me worried whether Dubrovnik cable car will be closed during my visit. And a check with the receptionist of Hotel Dubrovnik Palace confirmed my doubt.

    The kind gentleman probably sensed my disappointment and suggested alternative ways up to Mount Srd. Either taking a 2-hour hike uphill or simply hiring a taxi to bring me there. I decided to opt for the easy way this time because of my hurting knees after my hike in Kotor.

    We were travelling along a single lane road up to Mount Srd and I was busy checking out the surroundings. My friendly driver Bernin then decided to stop somewhere to show me some of the best views of Dubrovnik.

    View of Dubrovnik and Lokrum from Mount Srd

    The walled city already looks stunning on the ground level and the view from Mount Srd just upped its appeal by notches!! It’s one of the most noteworthy moments of my trip!

    Stunning view of Dubrovnik from Mount Srd

    View of Dubrovnik from Mount Srd

    I was trying to steady myself near the cliff when Bernin took this – can’t thank him enough LOL.

    WanderLex at Mount Srd of Dubrovnik

    Fort Imperial on Mount Srd

    As a result of this commanding view made Mount Srd a prime target during the siege of Dubrovnik. Yugoslav People’s Army comprising of Serbian-Montenegrin troops were determined to overrun the fort while shelling the walled city. The aggressors tried to occupy Fort Imperial but the Croatian forces entrenched themselves inside and withstood the attack.

    “The bastards came from that direction,” Bernin said while pointing to the faraway mountains.

    Around Mt Srd in Dubrovnik

    Mt Srd in Dubrovnik

    The old Napoleon’s era Fort Imperial built in the early 1800’s is now Homeland War Museum.

    Road leading to Fort Imperial at Mount Srd

    The Fort Imperial at Mount Srd

    Direction to Fort Imperial at Mount Srd

    The extensive damage of Fort Imperial is clearly shown.

    Damage to Fort Imperial at Mount Srd

    The museum exhibits documents, maps, photographs, videos and more to give visitors a detailed insight into the aggression on Dubrovnik. It also shows the timeline of the liberation actions taken by the Croatian Army to regain their territories.

    Homeland War Museum

    Inside Homeland War Museum

    Exhibits inside Homeland War Museum

    Exhibits inside Homeland War Museum

    Exhibits inside Homeland War Museum

    Exhibits inside Homeland War Museum

    Exhibits inside Homeland War Museum

    The artillery attack damaged many parts of Dubrovnik along with civilian casualties…

    Photo inside Homeland War Museum

    Photo inside Homeland War Museum

    On top of Fort Imperial stand a communications tower and many more sighting of damages.

    Roof of Imperial Fort

    The view from Fort Imperial

    Just next to old fort is Dubrovnik cable car station and the White Cross.

    Dubrovnik cable car station

    White Cross at Mount Srd

    After thanking and paying Bernin, I went over to Banje Beach to have a look before making my way back to Hotel Dubrovnik Palace for checking out.

    Banje Beach of Dubrovnik

    Banje Beach of Dubrovnik1

    I suppose not all the Croatians are keen to join the European Union…

    EU graffiti at Dubrovnik

    I am so going to miss this brilliant view of Adriatic Sea.

    Hvala Dubrovnik, I will be back.

    The baclony view of Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

    The baclony view of Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

    The baclony view of Hotel Dubrovnik Palace

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  • Dubrovnik City Wall Walk

    Dubrovnik City Wall Walk

    The impressive fortified Dubrovnik city wall encircles the Old Town like a stone guard that shield away any unwanted attention. It’s known to be the best fortification systems in Europe that have successfully protected the wealthy sea-trading republic for centuries. While some may argue that it’s the skilful diplomats who have maintained the city’s freedom rather than the impregnable wall, none can argue about its immense visual appeal.

    Now, the thick sturdy-looking stone wall is a marquee attraction of Dubrovnik and becoming Croatia’s most popular destination. Therefore, no visit to this coastal city would be completed without a walk around the outstanding walls of Dubrovnik. Besides the great views around the Old Town, it also lets visitors gaze over those orangey rooftops. And have an up-close glimpse of intimate insights into Dubrovnik and its inhabitants.

    The entrance to Dubrovnik city wall is near the old port area which on its own a great place to explore. Plus the numerous boats against the backdrop of the Old Town and Mount Srd are simply stunning.

    Many boats at Dubrovnik old port

    Dubrovnik old port overview

    I also went over to the jetty of St. John fort for some photo-taking.

    View of St John Fort in Dubrovnik

    I hereby forewarn anyone who’s considering doing the same thing. While the jetty looks great and the chairs look inviting, please be mindful of the incoming waves during rough tides at St. John fort.

    Jetty of St. John Fort at Dubrovnik

    Jetty of St. John Fort

    Once I started walking atop the city wall, Dubrovnik’s landmark orangey Terracotta roof tiles are even more apparent and quite a contrast to almost everything else. The scenic cityscape and the Adriatic Sea from up here are amazing, I only wish I have better photographic skills to capture its beauty.

    Oh, and my entrance fee is covered by the 1 day Dubrovnik Card.

    Entrance to Dubrovnik City Wall

    Dubrovnik City Wall Walk

    Dubrovnik City Wall Walk

    Dubrovnik Wall Walk

    Dubrovnik Wall Walk

    Southern entrance of Dominican Monastery

    Dubrovnik Wall Walk

    Up close with Dubrovnik City Wall

    It’s also a unique way to see the town from an angle which most cities do not offer. I can look down at those quiet alleys, even peek into some private courtyard and opened windows if I want to.

    Alley view from Dubrovnik City Wall

    Sea of orange roofs at Dubrovnik

    View of Old Town from City Wall

    Along the Dubrovnik Wall

    Kids having fun at Dubrovnik

    Dubrovnik in frame

    The owner of this rooftop must be having some of the best views in Dubrovnik. What a place to have a nice private party and how I wish to be on his invite list!!

    Rooftop at Dubrovnik

    I can also see Greater Dubrovnik which sprawls beyond the city walls.

    Greater Dubrovnik

    It’s nice to see Pile Gate and Placa Street (Stradun) from the top too.

    Pile Gate from the Dubrovnik City Wall

    Stradun from the Dubrovnik Wall

    That’s the infamous Buza Bar but I opt to continue exploring the intriguing city wall instead.

    Buza Bar in Dubrovnik

    Strong waves and the Dubrovnik City Wall

    Dubrovnik City Wall Walk

    The views get even better as I approach Fort Bokar. Here I can see Fort Lovrijenac just right across and what a stunning scene it is!

    Walking towards Fort Bokar in Dubrovnik

    Fort Bokar and Greater Dubrovnik

    Fort Lovrijenac of Dubrovnik

    Awesome view from Fort Lovrijenac

    I suppose the view from Fort Lovrijenac overlooking the City Wall will be equally majestic and so I made my way across. Then the rain started to pour like no tomorrow with big raindrops inflicting pain on my face.

    Once again, the waves reminded me of the power of nature, one very scary experience as I could have been swept away. I was very taken aback by the crashing waves but not sure how I still managed to click the shutter.

    The sudden waves at Dubrovnik

    Indeed, the view from Fort Lovrijenac is really out of this world. Just look at these pictures and video!

    Dubrovnik City Wall from Fort Lovrijenac

    Stunning view of Dubrovnik

    View from Fort Lovrijenac

    Around Fort Lovrijenac

    Around Fort Lovrijenac2

    The city wall walk which is around 2km long left me totally enchanted by the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea. I couldn’t find any better words to describe its beauty myself. This place is just so dazzling.

    The heavy rain and strong wind became more and more unbearable that I decided to retreat to a sheltered place, which is none other than the Tourist Information. That’s when I realised I was the only one out in the rain at Fort Lovrijenac…

    I went on to take more pictures around the Old Town when the rain isn’t that heavy, before boarding a bus back to rest.

    Caught in the rain at Dubrovnik

    Red umbrella at Dubrovnik Old Town

    After the down pour at Dubrovnik

    My takeaway dinner
    My takeaway dinner

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