Page 150 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

148  CRO A TIA AREA B Y AREA

Exploring Dubrovnik
From the autumn of 1991 until May 1992, Dubrovnik
was the target of relentless, heavy bombing by Yugoslav
troops. During this period over 2,000 bombs and guided
missiles fell on Dubrovnik, damaging some of the most
significant symbols of Dalmatian culture. Over half the
houses and all the monuments were shelled. The war
also hit the city’s economic activity, especially tourism,
which suffered a dramatic decline for four years.
Only after the Erdut Agreement of 1995 did life begin to
return to normal. UNESCO and the European Union set
up a special commission for the reconstruction of the The solid Minčeta Tower, part of the
wall defences
city, and in a remarkably short space of time much of
the damage has been repaired. Dubrovnik has now from 1537. The bridge crosses
regained much of its former splendour and tourism is a moat which is now a garden.
once again flourishing. The gate is a strong defensive
structure built on different
levels. In a niche above the
ogival arch stands a small statue
of St Blaise, the patron saint of
Dubrovnik, by Ivan Meštrović. In
the ramparts between the inner
and outer walls is a Gothic door
dating from 1460.
P Minčeta Tower
Tvrđava Minčeta
This is the most visited of the
walls’ defensive structures. It
was designed by Michelozzo
Michelozzi in 1461 and
Splendid view from the impressive city walls completed by Juraj Dalmatinac
three years later. The semicircular
P Walls the Adriatic and the port. tower is crowned by a second
Gradske zidine Completing the defences to the tower with embrasures at the top.
n (020) 324 641. Open Jun & Jul: east and west of the city are two
8am–7:30pm; Apr, May, Aug & Sep: fortresses: the Revelin and P Ploče Gate
8am–6:30pm; Oct: 8am–4pm; Nov– the fortress of Lovrijenac. Vrata od Ploča
Mar: 9am–3pm. Access to the walls The gate faces a small port and
near the Franciscan monastery in P Pile Gate is preceded by the polygonal
Poljana Paška Miličevića, the large Gradska vrata Pile Asimov Tower. Dating from the
square behind Pile Gate near the This is the main entrance to the 1300s, the gate is reached by an
Dominican monastery. &
old fortified centre. The stone imposing stone bridge. A moat
A symbol of Dubrovnik, the walls bridge leading to Pile Gate is separates the gate and Revelin
offer splendid views from the Fort (Tvrđava Revelin),
guards’ walkway. They were designed in 1538 by
built in the 10th century, with Antonio Ferramolino. It
modifications in the 13th century. was the last of the def­
They were then reinforced at ences to be built. The
various times by great architects city’s art treasures were
such as Michelozzo Michelozzi brought here for safety
and Antonio Ferramolino. in times of difficulty
The walls and ramparts are because of the fort’s
1,940 m (6,363 ft) long and reach strength. The Lazareti
a height of 25 m (82 ft) in some served as a quarantine
parts. Those facing inland are from the late 14th
up to 6 m (20 ft) wide and cen tury, separating
strengthened by an outer wall goods from ailing
with ten semi circular bastions. travellers. Today they are
Other towers and the Fort of occupied by shops and
St John defend the part facing Pile Gate, leading to the Old Town entertainment facilities.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp228–30 and pp240–45

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