Discovering Dubrovnik's Charm
Discovering Dubrovnik's Charm
On the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia sits Dubrovnik. Its Old Town, guarded by 16th-century stone walls, is celebrated as one of the world's best-preserved medieval cities. Famous for its clean well preserved city and beaches, it has also become renowned as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Our first day began with an informative walking tour under clear skies. However, the following morning brought a drizzle, which, as it turned out, was perfect. Arriving at the fort's gates at 8 a.m., we found ourselves in solitude, thanks to the early morning rain deterring many visitors.
Because we were virtually alone, we captured nine of us laughing and squeezing into a guard's watchtower through a funny hyper-lapse video.
After our almost private stroll along the fort walls, we hopped onto a boat to the Island of Lokrum. This island served as a stand-in for the city of Qarth near the Jade Sea in Game of Thrones, where Daenerys Targaryen ventured during season two.
Dominating Lokrum's landscape is the historic Benedictine Monastery, with roots dating back to 1023. Its presence continued until the 15th century when the Benedictine Monks were reluctantly forced to leave. Although the Monks left, the island is still inhabited by families of peacocks brought over by Maximilian from the Canary Islands.
As the evening passed, we indulged in local cuisine, relished gelato, and revisited the famed "Walk of Shame" steps without the usual crowd of tourists. This spot, where Game of Thrones Season 5's unforgettable scene unfolded, is a new tourist hot spot within the city.
