The World Class Traveler

The World Class Traveler
Showing posts with label Croatia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Croatia. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Splitting Up The Day in Split, Croatia

Today was a day "split" between traveling in the morning from Dubrovnik, and sightseeing in the City of Split.

Split is the second largest city in Croatia.  And during this "split" day I had a wonderful time doing some site seeing on my own and discovering the beauty and history of this city.
As you can see, the beauty starts right on the shore line!


Not far from the water is the Cathedral of Saint Domniu, known locally as the Saint Dujam.  This Catholic Cathedral is a complex of a church,  and is strictly dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the bell tower to Saint Dujam. 

Cathedral of Saint Domniu
Cathedral of Saint Domniu
As I make my way into the city, I am amazed by some of the architecture.
 

 
And then you know, my favorite, narrow cobbled streets!



Oh look, lucky me!!  An outside market!




My wandering around as led me through a park, and right smack in front of a castle!!



Where there are more vendors selling their wares!

 
Well I find myself at the Diocletian’s Palace, a 1700-year-old Roman structure!
The Golden Gate is the main entrance to the palace and was used by the emperor when he entered his new home for the first time on June 1st, 305 AD.


Golden Gate
 

click on image to enlarge


 
A little entertainment while strolling through the palace.

 
 The Brass Gate is the most popular passage way for tourists as it leads to all the souvenir shops located in the basement halls.  So down I go to see if there is something that I just can't live without!
 
 
 

 
Back on the outside of the walls of the Palace I came upon one more outdoor market.  This apparently was a good day for markets!  Lucky me!
 
 
Lot's of fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts at this one!
 
 
Well time to grab something to eat.


But I'm a little "split" on which sidewalk café I should choose!

Monday, June 23, 2014

A Day In Dubrovnik, Croatia

Today we head to town for a little sightseeing on our own.  

I had a great time exploring the narrow alleys, with little hidden shops everywhere.
 
 



 I Headed down to the main square for some more exploring.  It seems this is where all the action is, with tons of people wanting to do the same.

 
Stradun
 
 At the end of the square there was a very nice church.
 
Church of Savior
Church of Savior

 



The city of Dubrovnik is completely surrounded with walls and forts, including the Old Port. The history of the fortifications goes back to the early Middle Ages.
 
 
 
 
I then headed over to the beach!  I had amazing views of the water and the cliffs that surrounded this pebble covered mini beach. 



 
There was another beach where it seemed the locals liked to hang out and play a game of basketball!  


You gotta climb high if you want to catch a glimpse of some of the best views of this ancient city.

 

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Montenegro and Dubrovnik

I am looking forward to an exciting day in a country famed for its beauty!

And I'm not disappointed as my very first glimpse is a tiny islet named Sveti Stefan, attached to the coast by a narrow isthmus.  Once a fortified village dating back to the 15th century, to defend against the Turks. Initially, the island with its fortress had 12 families.  Later, all of the buildings were acquired by the Yugoslav government and turned into an upscale hotel.  The island of Sveti Stefan is a uniquely atmospheric setting of cobbled lanes, quaint courtyards and remarkable sea views.


 
I must say the coastline is one of the prettiest I've seen on this trip!










I took a little walk through the narrow streets and found some great little places to shop and have a bite to eat.

 

After Montenegro we headed to Dubrovnik, Croatia.  Once checked into my hotel I stepped out onto my balcony and discovered that I had the most amazing views!





Just Look at the difference between day..........

 
.......and night!
 
 
The beauty of the view doesn't seem to change much except, the lights at night just add such a special touch to the view.


Such a beautiful way to end a beautiful day!