The medieval city walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia
We walked the walls of Dubrovnik, following the flow of tourist making the way counter-clockwise around fortress walls encircling the old city in a complete circle. The sun in the clear blue sky illuminated the water and shone orange and red off the rooftops. I shot hundreds of photos, gawking at the romantic, medieval beauty of this place. I’ve gone out early the past two mornings and sought the morning light, standing and waiting for the clouds to part and spread sunlight on the walls. Mid morning today, the clouds cleared and offered the perfect timing to walk the walls.
Looking over the walls of Dubrovnik where the wind comes off the sea.
We looked down on those places we’d explored over the past couple of days, seeing into the gardens and courtyards of monasteries and homes. Past ruins and rubble and well tended buildings, overgrown places and manicured courtyards. Across a sea of red roofs to bell towers and ramparts. Stopping to look at old canons pointed at the sea and down at the tourists in restaurants and bars.
As we reached the place where the walls meet the sea, a wind hit our faces only when we looked over the edges. Standing on top of the wall, the air was still and hot, leaning over the edge we were met with a stiff breeze where the air from the water was pushed upward as it met the fortress walls.
Looking out to the Adriatic from a guard tower on the walls of Dubrovnik
Behind us, on the inside of the wall was courtyards, spaces open only to those who live in the homes that open into them. Holes were made in the walls and fences to allow neighbors to share this space free from the crowds, but ironically visible to them.
Outside the walls, perched between fortress and sea, are two terraced bars with umbrellas and tables where we have enjoyed drinks at sunset, watching boats cruise by. Low blood sugar set in and the girls started squabbling, signaling time for a late lunch. Reluctantly, we left top of the walls seeking pizza.
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