Adriatic Cruise Chronicles – Dubrovnik

Our last stop in Croatia was Dubrovnik, probably the most famous and popular of the Croatian Dalmatian coast cities…and one that those of us who remember the awful ‘Homeland War’ recall, since it was under siege and bombed by Serbian/Montenegrin forces for months in 1991-92.

Dubrovnik, Croatia (3 November 2025)

“DOO-brov-nick”…we were told the accent is on the first, not the second syllable. It is known for its magnificent seaside walls that were built from the 13th to the 17th century. The peak of the independent city-state’s existence (1358-1808) is due to its tolerance of all faiths, abolition of slavery in 1416 and that it traded freely with the West in Europe and the east. Make trade, not war.

Sadly, this shot from high ground down the coast is as good as the morning haze would allow. It was overcast and rainy all day.

Behind the Wall, the Franciscan Friary Bell Tower,

Dubrovnik, Croatia (3 November 2025)

Fortunately, the rain stopped by the time we explored the inviting streets and alleys, but the low ceiling added a mood that I appreciated. Between the fortifications and the political acumen of the rulers, Dubrovnik thrived for centuries as a trading center…able to withstand the conquering impulses of European powers.

Amerling Fountain [1902], Dubrovnik, Croatia (3 November 2025)

Near the Pile Gate entrance to the old quarter is this mythological encounter. I was unable to find the exact tableau depicted, but do know that the figures are Aphrodite, the goddess of love and Pan, the god of the wild. She, in all her unclothed glory, appears to be trying to persuade him that he can do better than a sheep. Men are dumb sometimes.

 

Feeding Time, Dubrovnik, Croatia (3 November 2025)

Occasionally, a resident will attract the pigeons (rats with wings as far as I’m concerned) with food. The feeding frenzy lasts moments, and it’s amazing how every last one of them gets the signal to take off at the same instant.

Organ in St. Blaise Church, Dubrovnik, Croatia (3 November 2025)

St. Blaise church is dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik, the head and protector of the city. The medieval edifice was completed in the 1350’s using funds from heirs killed by the Black Plague. That church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1667 and again by fire in 1706…not the best job of protecting, I suggest. The current baroque building was completed in 1715. One day I will write a blog post on the beautiful organs of European churches.

Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia (3 November 2025)

The city was a primary location for shooting the ‘Game of Thrones’ TV series. Among the dozens of souvenir shops are a few that claim to be ‘official’ Game of Thrones purveyors…whatever that means.

Franciscan Friary and Church, Dubrovnik, Croatia (3 November 2025)

Not many structures survived the quake of 1667. It was good that all the churches were open during the day. Our guide said if we are caught in the rain, they are an easy refuge.

Although we were there a second day and it was bright and sunny, I chose to join a special side trip to the Ston salt pans and an oyster cultivation experience. Beck opted to return to climb the walls around the old quarter, but I couldn’t resist communing with my invertebrate friends.