The Mediterranean
dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, Croatia : The Walled City.
Notice to visitors not to interfere with the production of Game of Thrones. We were warned not to photograph any of the filming.
In 1991 the people of Dubrovnik took shelter behind its walls during a siege that lasted nearly a year. Both the wall and the citizenry survived the war.
Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a rare surviving walled city by the sea. This former maritime republic once welcomed merchant ships from all over the Mediterranean. It now welcomes cruise ships from all over the world.
Setting up for Game of Thrones.
Prepping the scene of Game of Thrones.
Durbrovnik's importance as a seaport grew quickly during the Crusades, and by the 13th century it had become an importang trading center. Venice, the great maritime power of the Adriatic Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, was quick to take advantage of its strategic position and incorporated it into its trading empire.
In addition to magnificent public buildings and churches, a great wall was constructed to protect the city. Ironically, it was this wall that helped Dubrovnik establish its independence from Venice in 1358.
In the afterrmath of the break-up of Yugoslavia in 1991, the city of Dubrovnik, historically a Croat city, endured an assault by Serbian and Montenegran forces. The Siege of Dubrovnki lasted for nearly a year. Croat forces, heavily outmanned and outgunned, held out behind the heavily bombarded city walls.
Zadar, Croatia
The Sun Salutation: This 22m-wide circle set into the pavements is filled with 300 multilayered glass plates that collect the sun's energy during the day. At night it illuminates with multiple colors upon sensing motion. We heard the Sea Organ close by.
Fishing boat.
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The Old City.
Delicacies in the Old Town.
Zadar faces the islands of Ugljan and Pašman, from which it is separated by the narrow Zadar Strait.
Zadar, surrounded by the Adriatic Sea is a real jewel. There is a Romanesque church and the network of narrow and charminng streets.
The Most Bridge connects the old and new Zadar.
Zadar, like other coastal cities, is very crowded during the summer; the ferry goes to surrounding less populated islands.
View from the Bell Tower of the Roman Forum.
View from the Bell Tower is the monumental round St. Donatus' Church.
