Go for a stroll along the Stradun, also known as Placa, the main street of Dubrovnik’s old town. The pedestrianized road links Pile Gate in the west with Ploče Gate in the east and leads to numerous historic attractions. It stretches for approximately 984 feet (300 metres) and is lined with cafés, restaurants and tourist shops.
The street used to be a marshy channel connecting two settlements and was filled in to create a more solid roadway in the 12th century. Like much of Dubrovnik, the street’s original buildings were almost entirely destroyed during the 1667 earthquake.
As you walk down the Stradun, observe how the baroque buildings are of similar height and design. This is because they were all constructed at the same time, when the town was rebuilt following the earthquake and the fire that broke out shortly after the natural disaster.
At the eastern end of the Stradun, find Orlando’s Column, one of the oldest public monuments in the city. The 15th-century pillar is carved with an image of Orlando, a medieval knight who is said to have helped liberate Dubrovnik during a siege in the 8th century. Today, the column is a symbol of the city’s independence. At the top of the memorial is a platform from where public proclamations have been made.
Then turn your gaze to the 102-feet (31-metre) City Bell Tower that soars above the column. The original 15th-century building survived the earthquake, but leaned precariously. It was declared unsafe and demolished in 1929. The replacement that you see today was modelled after the original design.
Stop for a snack or a drink at one of the cafés along the main street. The prices can be relatively high here, so for more affordable options, head down the alleyways branching off the Stradun.
The Stradun can be accessed from either of the main entrance gates to the old town.
