Built in 10, the Bridge of Sights connects the interrogation rooms in the Doge’s Palace to the New Prison across the Rio di Palazzo. It was designed by Antonio Contino whose uncle Antonio da Ponte had designed the Rialto Bridge. According to one theory the name of the bridge comes from the suggestion that prisoners would “sigh” at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window on their way to the executioner. In reality, the days of summary executions were over by the time the bridge was built and the cells under the palace roof were occupied mostly by small-time criminals.
Best known as the home of the 16th-century church of the same name, San Giorgio Maggiore is a small island located across the lagoon from St. Mark’s Square. Designed by the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, the church features a façade clad in gleaming white marble and an open and airy interior that’s refreshingly bare of over-ornamentation. The main alter is graced by two of Tintoretto’s best paintings, the “Last Supper” and “The Fall of Manna.” Visitors can ride an elevator to the top of the church’s Neoclassic bell tower to enjoy a spectacular view of Venice.
Originally known as the Palazzo Santa Sofia but now commonly known as the Ca’ d’Oro,the 15th century palazzo was designed by architect Giovanni Bon and his son Bartolomeo. Although the façade of this splendid structure no longer features the ornamentation that earned the place its “house of gold” nickname, the now pink-and-white building is a treasure trove of art. Located on the Grand Canal, the Ca’ d’Oro is home to the Museo Franchetti, named after the man who donated the palazzo and its entire contents of Renaissance paintings, antiques, sculpture and ceramics to the city.
Commonly called La Salute, this 17th-century church stands at the point where the Grand Canal meets the Venetian Lagoon. The white stone edifice with its massive dome was constructed as a shrine to the Virgin Mary for saving the city from a plague that killed one third of its population. In addition to the altar sculpture that depicts the “Madonna of Health” driving the demon Plague from Venice, there’s an extensive collection of works by Titian on display, including ceiling paintings of scenes from the Old Testament.
flickr/Alice BarigelliOf all the stately palazzos that line the Grand Canal, no building better illustrates what life was like in 18th-century Venice than the Ca’ Rezzonico. Used as a setting for the 05 film “Casanova” starring Heath Ledger, the palace’s Grand Ballroom has played host to over-the-top parties for more than 0 years. English poet Robert Browning was one of the last to make the palazzo his home. Today, the entire building is open to the public as the Museo del Settecento. While many of the paintings on display are reproductions, the fabulous ceiling frescoes by the Tiepolo family are authentic and have been restored to their original glory.
As the only public square in Venice, the Piazza San Marco has been the city’s main gathering place for centuries. Surrounded by open-air cafés and landmark attractions, including San Marco Basilica and the Palazzo Ducale, it’s the natural epicenter for any visit to the City of Canals. The square is actually laid out in a trapezoid shape that widens as it approaches the basilica. Despite the crowds that throng it in summer and the rains that flood it in winter, St. Mark’s Square offers a memorable Venetian experience in every season.
The Rialto Bridge is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal. For nearly three hundred years, it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal on foot. The stone bridge, a single span designed by Antonio da Ponte, was completed in 1591 and was used to replace a wooden bridge that collapsed in 1524. The engineering of the bridge was considered so audacious that some architects predicted a future collapse. The bridge has defied its critics to become one of the architectural icons of Venice.
flickr/HarshLightDuring the prosperous centuries of the Venetian Republic, the city’s magistrates, or doges, ruled the city like royalty. The Palazzo Ducale was not only the residence of the doge but the city’s center of power and its administrative hub as well. The building was constructed in two phases. The eastern wing, which faces the Rio di Palazzo, was built between 1301 and 1340. The western wing, facing the Piazetta San Marco, took an additional 110 years to build and was completed in 1450. Visitors who take the Secret Itineraries tour can also walk through hidden passageways to view the private council rooms, torture chambers and the prison cell from which Giacomo Casanova made his escape in 1756.
flickr/Hernan PineraThere’s no better way to begin an exploration of Venice than with a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. In a city where cars are banned, gondolas, water taxis and public vaporetti (water buses) are the primary sources of transportation. The city’s aquatic thoroughfare snakes through the center of the city from Saint Mark’s Basilica to the Church of Santa Chiara. Lined on either side by Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance structures, the Grand Canal is crossed by four bridges, the most famous of which is the 16th-century Rialto Bridge. The best time of the day for a gondola ride is in the early morning when the canal shimmers with golden light.
flickr/tisebSituated in St. Mark’s Square, the soaring 30-story Campanile and the massive basilica behind it are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice. Both date to the 9th century but have been rebuilt and embellished extensively over the centuries. San Marco Basilica serves as a showcase for the wealth that Venice accumulated as a military power. Its design mixes Byzantine and Gothic architecture styles in a unique way. Elaborate medieval mosaics cover much of the cathedral’s walls and vaulting. Behind the tomb believed to hold the remains of Saint Mark stands the altarpiece Pala d’Oro, a jewel-adorned screen of gold that is considered one of the finest works of Byzantine craftsmanship in the world.
The Campanile is the bell tower of the St. Mark’s Basilica and one of Venice’s most recognizable landmarks. The current tower is an early twentieth century reconstruction of the original tower, which collapsed in 102. An elevator brings visitors straight to the top of the campanile, where they have a great view over Venice and the lagoon.
10 Top Tourist Attractions in Venice10 Top Tourist Attractions in Venice
flickr/Eoghan OLionnainLocated in the heart of the old town, Cologne’s Rathaus is Germany’s oldest city hall. Its Gothic tower is decorated with more than one hundred sculptures. Construction of the tower started in 1407 and when it was completed, it was the tallest building in the city, even eclipsing the Gross St. Martin. After the historic building was severely damaged in the Second World War, the City Hall was only partially reconstructed; the rest of the complex was rebuilt in a modern style.
wikipedia/Raimond SpekkingThe 4711 Cologne House is undoubtedly the prettiest smelling house in Cologne. Located at Glockengasse no. 4, it is the birthplace and flagship store for the most famous brand of eau de cologne (water from Cologne). The number 4711 refers to a house number assigned during the French occupation at the end of the eighteenth century. Made since 1792, the original fragrance was known as Echt Kölnisch Wasser. The same formula is still being used today. The ground floor of the house is home to a store selling the famous perfume. On the first floor is a small museum about the history of Cologne 4711.
flickr/erixTravelers who love to shop need to visit Schildergasse, the busiest shopping street in Europe. This pedestrian-only street draws about 15,000 shoppers an hour. Running between Hohe Strasse and Neumarkt, the street dates back to Roman times. Artists painted coats of arms here during the Middle Ages. Located in central Cologne, the street features numerous department and chain stores, and trendy boutiques, including clothing store inside a glass building that is shaped like a whale. Shoe stores are especially numerous on Schildergasse . Streets around Schildergasse also offer good shopping.
flickr/Santa CruiserTravelers with green thumbs will naturally navigate to the Botanical Gardens & Flora, but any visitor will enjoy a stroll through Cologne’s oldest and most traditional park. The botanical gardens and flora used to be separate complexes but were combined into the botanical garden in 1920. The garden today contains more than 10,000 species of plants in a variety of settings, ranging from greenhouses to exotic gardens to rainforests. The historic building Flora was recently renovated and is now an elegant event center. The botanical garden is located in north Cologne near the cable car terminus.
flickr/Peter KrasznaiThe Museum Ludwig was created in 1976 to house the 350 pieces of modern art that the chocolate magnate Peter Ludwig donated to the city of Cologne; nearly two decades later, Peter and his wife Irene donated another 0 works, mostly by Picasso. Today the museum also contains important works by significant contemporary, expressionist and classical modern artists, as well as a collection of American Pop Art. Visitors say the exhibits are nicely arranged and like that the museum can be toured in a few hours, rather than taking up a whole day. Explanations are in several languages.
flickr/LeandroGross St. Martin is one of twelve Romanesque churches in Cologne. Thanks to its massive tower, the church is also one of the most imposing. Were it not for the crosses on top, visitors might easily mistake Gross St. Martin as a medieval castle. The church is considered one of the best looking buildings in Cologne, and is very popular with tourists. The Romanesque church was built between 1150 and 1250, after a fire destroyed the earlier church. Restored after being heavily damaged in World War if, Gross St. Martin with its trefoil choir still dominates the skyline in Old Town.
flickr/Alexander GorlinThe Cologne Cable Car, which connects the zoo and botanical garden, is considered the city’s safest transportation. In operation since 1957, the short trip over the Rhine River offers spectacular views of Cologne, including the river and Cologne Cathedral. It also passes over a nudist spa, but riders say they cable car is high enough that not too much can be seen. A popular Cologne tourist attraction, the vintage-style four-seat cable cars make the trip in 10 minutes.
wikipedia/Raimond SpekkingThe Romisch-Germanisches Museum may be located in a modern building, but its interior contains parts of original Roman facilities, making it an archeological site as well as a repository for ancient artifacts. The museum was built so as to protect the site of an old Roman villa. A Dionysius mosaic can be found in the basement, while a section of an old Roman road is outside. The museum’s mission is to protect Cologne’s Roman heritage, which includes not only facilities but also items such as utensils and tools the Romans used in daily living.
flickr/Cha gia JoseOf the seven bridges that cross the Rhine River in Cologne, the Hohenzollern Bridge is the most famous thanks to its location near the cathedral. The construction of the original bridge took place from 107 to 1911. In 1945, German military engineers blew up the bridge when Allied troops began their assault on Cologne. Just three years later the bridge was partially repaired and in 1959 the Hohenzollernbrücke was completely reconstructed. Due to its location near Cologne’s main train station about 10 trains pass here every day. A pedestrian walkway allows visitors to cross the Rhine for a beautiful view of the skyline of Cologne.
Easily the most famous church in Germany, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) has been Cologne’s most prominent landmark for centuries. The cathedral stands on the site of a 4th century Roman temple, followed by a church commissioned by Maternus, the first Christian bishop of Cologne. Construction of the present Gothic church began in 1248 and took, with interruptions, more than 0 years to complete. Two huge towers, completed in 1880, dominate Cologne’s skyline; it is the city’s second highest building.
10 Top Tourist Attractions in Cologne10 Top Tourist Attractions in Cologne
flickr/makoto.miyagawaThis art nouveau iron-cast market along the shores of the Rio Negro is a sight to behold with its red and yellow painted facade. Inaugurated in 1883, the building structure was based on Les Halles in Paris and was entirely shipped over from Europe. Many of the traditional market items can be found here, from exotic fruits and vegetables, to spices, freshwater fish and handmade crafts. One of the most unique features of this market is the large number of indigenous medicines that can be found here.
flickr/lubasiSouth America’s only freshwater dolphins can be found in the Amazon and its tributaries. As an added bonus, they are pink. Not peachy, flesh-toned pink, but bubble gum and barbie outfit pink. Like many other dolphin species, they can be friendly and curious, which has created a large tourist industry of swimming with pink dolphins in Manaus. Though many different places offer this service, it seems to be done in two main ways. Some lodges will have captured dolphins (or corralled), and guests can swim with them in an enclosed area. Other tours will bring guests out by boat and allow them to jump in when they find a wild group.
flickr/whl.travelThis lovely, gold-toned mansion was originally built for German Rubber Baron Waldemar Scholz at the turn of the twentieth century. For many years after, it became the governor’s mansion and state capital building. In 1997, the building was again re-purposed into a cultural center, and in addition to tours of its lavish architecture and crucial Manauan historical importance, the building now hosts temporary art exhibits and concerts. The palace is in actuality a complex of buildings, and in addition to the main performance hall, it is also home to a coin museum, fine art museum, and sound-and-image museum.
flickr/Ministério da DefesaThis cable-stayed bridge was created in 2010 to overcome the slow ferry service to the neighboring town of Iranduba and its neighbors, and open access to the untouched rainforest behind. This turned a trip that once took 30 minutes or more into an expanse that can be crossed in five minutes or less, and allowed better access to the lands beyond. The steel bridge is about 3.5 km (2.2 miles) long and allows the Amazon’s shipping traffic to pass unhindered. It is so large that cruise ships can pass beneath without issue.
flickr/World Bank Photo CollectionThis is the city’s most popular beach for daytime boardwalk amenities and evening nightlife. It became popular because of its striking natural beauty as the yellow sands at low river levels provide a startling and beautiful contrast to the black waters of the Rio Negro. It is also perfectly positioned to watch the sunset, and is the most popular place in Manaus to do just that. Cycle rentals, volleyball courts and a large playground are all available, along with a large number of cafes and shops to explore.
wikipedia/Lincoln BarbosaThis archipelago of hundreds of long, ribbon like islands in the Rio Negro is geologically the remnants of a large river delta that was once here. It is the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, and contains a large amount of untouched jungle, an ecological station, and several jungle-based ecotourism lodges along the shores. The wildlife here is spectacular, and because there is little standing water, the mosquito count is very low. This makes it especially lovely for nocturnal wildlife viewing, though daytime tours for bird-lovers are also known to be rich in variety and beauty.
flickr/travfotosThe Encontro das Aguas (“Meeting of the Waters”) is the confluence between the black waters of the Rio Negro and the sand-colored waters of the Amazon. The difference in speed, temperature, and densities of the waters in the two rivers are so different that they create beautiful colored swirls as they intersperse without fully mixing together. This is a beautiful sight, and is best seen either by boat or by air.
As Manaus is entirely surrounded by the Amazon rainforest there are dozens of jungle lodges in the area. Most are reachable by boat and range from rustic fan-cooled huts to luxurious air-conditioned chalets. Many of these lodges can be found near Iranduba including the Ariau Towers, a luxury hotel built in the treetop canopy of the jungle, and the Tiwa Amazonas Ecoresort which offers air-conditioned cabins around a private lagoon. Activities at jungle lodges include piranha fishing, jungle treks, night walks, canoeing trips and bird spotting.
This theater was created with the wealth of the late 1800’s rubber industry, and its pink, arched roof with a central golden dome painted with a resplendent Brazilian flag speaks highly of the opulence of the time. It has been called the jewel in the heart of the Amazon, and continues to be home to the Amazonas Opera Festival and the Amazonas Philharmonic. The building itself is a collection of the best of Europe’s building materials, as it was built with Carrera marble, Scottish steel walls, Alsatian roofing tiles, and almost 0 Italian chandeliers, many of famed Murano glass.
flickr/Jorge from BrazilManaus is THE place in the Brazilian Amazon to find a jungle river trip to suit most people’s needs. Although located in the heart of the world’s biggest rainforest, tourists have to be prepared to travel for at least a few days out of Manaus if they are serious about spotting a wide range of wildlife. Birds including macaws, hummingbirds can generally be spotted during most trips. Alligators, snakes, sloths, river dolphins and a few species of monkey are sometimes seen on a three-day trip. Sightings for large mammals and cats, however, are very rare.
10 Top Things to Do in Manaus10 Top Things to Do in Manaus
The Arkadi Monastery was the site of one of the most tragic incidents in Crete’s history. In 1866, the Cretan residents, who were then under Turkish rule, decided to revolt. At one point during the rebellion, more than 940 Greeks, mostly women and children, took sanctuary in the monastery. The Turks lay siege to the monastery for three days and were finally able to break into its gates. At that point, the refugees decided to end their lives rather than be taken prisoner, and blew up barrels of gunpowder, which ended up killing hundreds of Turks and Cretans. The incident sparked sympathy and worldwide attention for the plight of the people of Crete. The monastery, which has been around since about the 12th century, was restored in 1870.
The old town of Rethymnon (or Rethimno) is located in the midst of the modern city and features a rather unique blend of Venetian and Crete architecture. Rethymnon was established in 04, after the Venetians had conquered Crete, so most of the remaining buildings in the old town area are of Venetian creation. The Old Town’s narrow streets and its small Venetian harbor are wonderful for walking, shopping, enjoying dinner at a small tavern and taking in Rethymnon’s remarkable architecture. Travelers will want to check out the nearby Fortezza Castle, which was built in 150, and sits on a low hill in the middle of Rethymnon.
Situated on lovely Mirabello Bay in eastern Crete, Agios Nikolaos offers visitors a mix of the modern and the traditional. It is a medium-size port town that is extremely picturesque and has some style and charm, which it exploits to the full. The town’s Lake Voulismeni, which is lined with charming small cafes and boutiques, has been the subject of a number of legends. One myth is that the goddess Athena used to bathe in this almost perfectly circular body of water. Another legend claims that this beautiful lake is bottomless. Agios Nikolaos is one of Crete’s most popular tourist destinations.
flickr/sez9While all of Crete’s beaches are beautiful, there is something very special about the beaches that can be found on the island of Elafonisi. Located in South-west Crete, Elafonisi is separated from Crete’s shores by a very shallow lagoon. In fact, it is so shallow that visitors can easily walk the 0 meters (650 feet) to the island. The waters around this island are crystal clear, and its sand ranges from sparkling white to a soft pink hue. This island’s beaches are very popular with locals and visitors, so it can be a bit crowded in some areas. Travelers who want to avoid the crowds can just walk a little farther in, where they’ll find plenty of nice, quiet spots.
Spinalonga is an island fortress on the southwestern entrance to the Gulf of Elounda. It used to be part of the nearby Peninsula Spinalonga, however in 1526, the Venetians cut a canal through it to separate the two. The island was also fortified and, for many years, was the first line of defense for Elounda. From 103 to 1957, Spinalonga, was used as a leper colony for people from all over Greece who were suffering from the disease. Today, Spinalonga is just a short boat ride away from both Elounda and Agios Nikolaos and is popular with tourists, who come to the island to see the remnants of the abandoned leper colony, the fortress and numerous old structures. However, visits to this island are limited to a few hours, as there are no accommodations on Spinalonga.
The Heraklion Archaeological Museum enjoys the reputation of being one of the most important museums in Greece, especially when it comes to its collection of Minoan artifacts and artwork. Visitors to this museum can enjoy seeing fragments of the original frescoes from the Minoan Palace of Knossos. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum also has exhibits dedicated to all of the periods of Crete prehistory and history, up until the late Roman periods. Highlights include statues of the Snake Goddess, the famous Bull-Leaping Fresco and the enigmatic Phaistos Disk. In addition, the artifacts found in this museum were all discovered in Crete.
flickr/orientalizingOne of Crete’s most beautiful beaches, Balos Lagoon is located near the town of Kissamos. Sandwiched between the small island of Imeri Gramvousa and Crete itself, the beach is accessible by boat or car. Visitors are greeted with a stunning vista created by an outcropping of rock that is surrounded by pink sand and blue and turquoise water. This is arguably the most photographed natural attraction in Crete, which causes tourists to visit in massive numbers. The months of July and August are the busiest.
This harbor was built between the years 1320 and 1356 by the Venetians and was an important trade center until the early 20th century. The harbor could not accommodate larger ships, so the port was eventually abandoned by big vessels in favor of Souda’s harbor. Today, though, Chania’s old harbor is still used by smaller boats and yachts. The harbor’s crowning jewel is its lighthouse, which was built by the Venetians around 1595 to 01, and is one of the oldest in the world. Most people come here to enjoy a stroll through the harbor, sip their coffee or have breakfast with a view of the lighthouse or enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and ouzo shops.
Some sites require more effort to enjoy than others, and Samaria Gorge is one of those. Located in the National Park of Samarai in the White Mountains, this stunning gorge is a ten-mile downhill hike that ends at a black-sand beach in Agia Roumelli on the Libyan sea. It passes through forests of ancient cypresses and pines, then cuts between vertical cliffs through the mountains. Depending on a person’s speed and fitness level, this hike can take between four to seven hours. At the end of the trek, most hikers hire a boat to take them to Chora Sfakion.
Located some 5 km (3 miles) south of Heraklion, the Palace of Knossos is the most important and best known Minoan site in Crete. Knossos is also often associated with the legend of the Athenian hero Theseus killing the Minotaur. The great palace was built gradually between 1700 and 1400 BC, with periodic rebuildings after destruction until it was devastated once and for all by fire. Knossos incorporated numerous rooms such as the Throne Room, named for a large chair that is built into the wall, facing several benches. The main function of the palace is still under debate. It could have been used primarily as an administrative or a religious center.
10 Top Tourist Attractions in Crete10 Top Tourist Attractions in Crete
flickr/Carine06Located in the eastern section of Dubrovnik, the Old Port is protected by two breakwaters: the Porporela, built in 1873, and the much older Kaše, which was built in 1485 from massive stones piled on wooden foundations. In Dubrovnik’s seafaring heyday, forts were constructed around the perimeter of the harbor to guard the city’s ships. Today, the Old Port is both a tourist attraction and a departure point for cruises to the beaches on nearby Lokrum Island. With its scenic views and built-in benches, the breakwater Porporela is a popular place to take an evening stroll and watch the sun disappear over the Adriatic Sea.
Banje Beach is the closest beach to the Old Town, which makes it the most convenient beach and the beach with the best views of Dubrovnik’s walls. The island of Lokrum can also bee seen. Part of this pebbled beach requires an entrance fee, but there is also a public part, which is always livelier and more relaxed. It’s a great way to beat the heat after some sightseeing in the Old Town. Activities here include beach volleyball, mini football or water polo. You can also enjoy lying on deck chair and having a drink.
flickr/Son of GrouchoLocated near the Pile Gate at Stradun’s west end, the Franciscan monastery is home to the oldest still-operating pharmacy in Europe. While most of the church’s original construction was destroyed during the 1667 earthquake, the Romanesque cloister and gardens that greet visitors are much the same as they were 500 years ago. An ornately carved portal crafted in 1498 is on display as well. Treasures from the monastery’s collection of rare books and art objects are exhibited in a large Renaissance hall. Herbal lotions and potions made from centuries-old recipes are available for purchase from the 14th-century pharmacy.
flickr/NH53During the 15th century, Dubrovnik took steps to ensure that the city had a supply of fresh water by building an aqueduct system connected to a spring in nearby Šumet. Master builder Onofrio Giordano della Cava was entrusted with the task. Two fountains bearing the architect’s name mark the end points of the aqueduct system. The more impressive of the two is the 16-sided Big Onofrio Fountain, which stands on the Stradun in front of St. Savior church. Topped by a large cupola made by Milanese artist Peta Martinov, the fountain still provides cold and clear water to thirsty visitors.
flickr/Lawrence OPThe busiest entrance to Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town is Pile Gate, which is actually two gates in one. Built in 1537, the outer gate features an arch built into a semi-circular fortification. Ornamented by a statue of St. Blaise, the city’s patron saint, the 15th-century inner gate leads visitors to the Stradun. The drawbridge before the double gate is no longer pulled up at night with winches and counterweights. Nowadays, the gates stand open 24/7. Locals dressed in period costume sometimes pose as guards for photo opportunities.
Situated on a towering rock overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Lovrijenac was constructed as a detached fortress to repel attackers from both land and sea. The original structure dates back to at least 1301. Its triangle shape and staggered terraces were built to accommodate the shape of the rock. The fortress was so impenetrable that it could be held by a 25-man garrison. Today, Lovrijenac is a popular attraction in Dubrovnik and plays host to a variety of cultural events, from the world series of cliff diving to local productions of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It also served as a backdrop in some of the most memorable scenes from the “Game of Thrones” series.
flickr/archer10In addition to serving as the home to the Rector of the Republic during his term of office, the Rector’s Palace was also a meeting place for the city’s governing bodies, an armory, a prison and the local lock-up. Like other structures in Dubrovnik, the original medieval palace has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The palace is notable in that it manages to blend Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements into a unified whole. Now home to the Cultural History Museum, the Rector’s Palace has been decorated with period furnishings to recreate the styles of the original rooms.
The best way to enjoy a panoramic view of Dubrovnik’s ancient city is by gliding to the top of Mount Srdj on an ultramodern cable car. Located just outside the city walls, the cable car station offers visitors a quick, easy and scenic mode of transport to the peak of the rugged little mountain. In addition to a restaurant, snack bar and souvenir shop at the summit, there’s a small museum and memorial commemorating the Homeland War of the 190s as well. Hikers may enjoy descending the mountain by way of a steep ropeway trail.
flickr/Tambako the JaguarMuch of Dubrovnik was destroyed by an earthquake in 1667, but reconstruction gave the prosperous city the chance to rebuild with an organized scheme. The rows of baroque homes and shops that line Dubrovnik’s main thoroughfare are a lasting result of this careful planning. Running through the center of the Old Town, Stradun is a beautiful street where visitors can shop for souvenirs, enjoy an ice cream at a sidewalk café or join the locals for the traditional evening stroll. Many of the city’s monuments are located on the Stradun too, including the landmark 15th-century bell tower at the end of the Stradun in Luža Square.
flickr/archer10Walking along the top of the city’s medieval walls is a highlight of any stay in Dubrovnik. The walls encircle the entire Old Town quarter and take at least an hour to explore. Most of the walls were constructed during the 13th century but have been reinforced over the years to withstand repeated attacks. A series of imposing towers intended to protect the city against the Turks, were added in the 15th century. Fans of the TV series “Game of Thrones” will recognize sections used as settings for the show’s capital city of King’s Landing. Standing 25 meters (80 feet) high in some places and up to 6 meters (20 feet) thick in others, the walls are an awesome sight in their own right, but the views that they offer of the town, the harbor and of the Adriatic Sea are simply spectacular.
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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Dubrovnik10 Top Tourist Attractions in Dubrovnik