exploring dubrovnik!

Dubrovnik is known as “The Pearl of the Adriatic” because it is believed to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The city of Dubrovnik was founded a long time ago, way back in 614. Can anyone figure out how long ago it was first inhabited? Dubrovnik as we know it, the beautiful walled city, was constructed in the 14th century. 

Dubrovnik has an interesting history because it was not always part of a country. They were a “free city” meaning they never were part of any of the major empires throughout history. To keep their independence they used diplomacy and the massive walls helped to protect them. Can you imagine how many stones it took to build those walls? Eventually the city ran out of stones but the people were clever problem solvers. Many people at the time wanted to visit Dubrovnik so the city planners decided that every individual who wanted to enter Dubrovnik had to bring a stone to be allowed in! 

This fountain can be found at the entrance to the Old City and even though it was built so long ago we can still fill our water bottles and drink from it. 

The Old City also borders a port which has many boats. We took a book ride to the island of Lokrum, which is a nature reserve and special forest reservation. Even though it is a small island, it has over 400 types of plants and 21 different types of habitats.  When we got off the boat, the first animal we saw was a bunny - followed by many bunnies. We also saw peacocks, a bat and a limpet (a type of mollusk). Other animals that live on the island that we didn’t see are geckos, lizards, snacks, tortoise, and butterflies.

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We’ve been asked if we’ve been swimming, and we have! Here we are taking a swim in the clear beautiful Adriatic Sea!