Croatia, Dubrovnik, June 2104

Dubrovnik's history begins in the 7th century.  Over the years it held importance as a coastal trading centre, and enjoyed centuries of peace and prosperity.  

Huge destruction came in the form of an earthquake in 1667.  More damage again between 1991 and 1992, as war raged in the former Yugoslavia.  War brings instantly with it images of human sacrifices and suffering.  Nothing can be compared to this.

 Shellfire hit more than 65% of the Dubrovnik's buildings. Fire gutted nine historic palaces, many others experienced significant damage. Reconstruction of the city utilized original materials and traditional building techniques where ever possible.  

Now, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

it is called the most prosperous and elegant city in Croatia.

The walls surrounding the old city are said to be the finest in the world, built between the 13th and 16th centuries.  

After walking in and out, and up and down the tiny streets...

everyone wants a catnap...

or at the very least to stop at the "Hole in the Wall" to admire the views.

You never tire of seeing

the Adriatic Sea.

 We left Dubrovnik and headed north.

Bus stops were in isolated places without buildings or towns or people in sight.  We weren't sure what type of transportation was required to get you to the bus stop.

The coastal highways...

were some of the most beautiful drives we have ever taken. 

Often we were reminded of our own Killarney Provincial Park at home.  

 

 

Seaside towns dotted the drive, and sometimes became our home for the night.

Pula's oldest part of town houses Roman achitecture.  Its famous landmark

is a 1st century ampitheatre built of local limestone.  

It was built to seat 20 000 spectators for gladiator events.   

It was fun finding places where new buildings

were just built around ancient ruins.