The main thoroughfare going West to East is the Stradun.
At the West end just inside the Pile Gate is the round covered Large Onofrian Fountain. At the far end is its sister: the Small Onofrian Fountain. Both were constructed in the 15th century by Onofrio della Cava by pumping water some 8 miles away, from Rijeka Dobrovacka - a significant engineering feat at the time.
Along the Stradun, beyond the Franciscan Friary are the main tourist shops.
There is a very relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere at night.
In the 14th century, the Franciscans were given the task of protecting the West gate of the city (Pile Gate) from heathens and the Dominicans were given the same task at the East gate (Ploce Gate).
The Pieta above the entrance miraculously survived the great earthquake of 1667, when the rest of the church was destroyed.
This flagpole standing prominently outside St Blaise church incorporates a statue of Orlando at its base. Orlando (or Roland in English) is the hero of Ariosto's epic poem Orlando furioso (first published in complete form in 1532). My guide book states that this statue was erected over a century earlier in 1419. Strange! Apparently a statue in this location was blown down in 1825 and 50 years later the current monument was found (created surely!) & erected in the current position. It certainly is not 500 years old - but then tourists are not supposed to question urban myths!
A very pretty Gothic building, very reminiscent of a Venetian palace.
St Blaise is the patron saint of Dubrovnik. He was a 3rd century Armenian Bishop with no connection to the area whatsoever. However he is credited with saving the city from the dastardly Venetians in the 10th century for which the citizens have been grateful ever since. This is a small charming Baroque church.
On one of the days we visited there was a wedding at the church. Nice to know that these churches still contribute to the local community's life.
Now a health hazard for humans but not for pigeons.
The city's main civic building and the main museum to visit.
The main charm of old Dubrovnik is all its traffic-free alleyways.
Built after the Great Quake of 1667, this is the grandest Baroque church in Dubrovnik. These steps remind me of a mini version Rome's Spanish Steps and lead up to a plaza with the Jesuit church & school.
By the Dominican Friary are these steps. Unfortunately the friars were easily distracted by the sight of the ladies' ankles. Hence the modesty boarding.
Dubrovnik exists because of its fortified harbour. In this photo you can just see the Napoleonic fort atop of Mount Srd (along with a non-Napoleonic tele-communications mast)
