Unconquered wall of Dubrovnik and Minčeta tower

Dubrovnik is a significant medieval city. Many would start the story about Dubrovnik like that. But that's partially true. Dubrovnik is an eternal city. Its unconquered walls and forts, its streets and churches confirm that statement. Alongside with its historical, touristic and national importance, Dubrovnik and its walls have many stories to tell. Here's what you need to see in this magical walled city and its biggest tower - Minčeta tower.

Dubrovnik was a big portion of time a city-state - the Republic of Ragusa. Its huge significance is unquestionable. Being exposed to the sea and all the conquerors that are coming from the land and the sea, Dubrovnik had to protect its inner city well. Thanks to city's brilliant architects and smart rulers, this city stayed untouched for many centuries. Let me present you Dubrovnik, its walls and its forts.

Dubrovnik walls

You are in front of the Pile's gate, on the southwestern corner of the old town. Flight, bus, check-in, luggage are far behind. Prepare your energy and oxygen, since you will be walking a lot. Let's go! Pass through the drawbridge and cross the moat and you're inside the game of Dubrovnik. Pile's gate was built in the 15th century, and it is made of stone and wood. On the top of the gate, you'll notice a little statue of Saint Blaise (Croatian: Sveti Vlaho), a saint protector of the city. Legend has it that Saint Blaise protected the city walls from the big earthquake in 1667. The truth is that the earthquake really devastated the city and only the wall survived untouched. Continue walking down the narrow streets with beautiful corners, where each one of them hides some gossips centuries and centuries old. Stony and wooden stairs are everywhere, and each stairway is decorated with some plants and clothes hanged for drying.

Speaking of the walls, let's say that Dubrovnik Old Town wall is almost 2 km long and at some points 25 m high. The construction and with a few reconstructions took almost five centuries (from the 12-17th century). The wall itself was surrounded by the moat and decorated for the defending purposes with many towers, bastions, and fortifications. While you are trying to find a way out of the Dubrovnik maze, in front of you will appear the Minčeta Tower. 

Minčeta Tower

Once important protection bastion, today it is a favorite selfie spot. Its shape and volume dominate the northeastern part of the old town. This significant tower was built as four-sided protecting tower against the Turkish attacks. Later, the nature of the battles changed so is the Minčeta Tower. That's why now it has a rounded shape, and the last changes on it were made in the 15th century.

Today, Minčeta Tower is a museum and the best viewpoint in the town. Literally, the whole old town is visible, Lokrum island, nearby fortress Lovrijenac, and of course - her majesty The Sea, Adriatic Sea.

After taking a dozen photos, now let's continue, because the Fortress Bokar is waiting for us.  Unconquered wall of Dubrovnik and Minčeta tower are just the beginning, and this story is going to be continued here: Unconquered wall of Dubrovnik and its western forts.