The Stradun, Dubrovnik

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The old town's grand main thoroughfare may today be a sea of people fed by dozens of crowded tributaries, but once it was once just a simple marshy channel separating the town from the forested settlements nearby. The marshland was reclaimed in the 13th century, and quickly became the old town's main artery.

Lined with shops, the street has changed little since its defining moment: the earthquake of 1667. A year after the Great Fire of London, the demolished streets of Ragusa were torn with raging fires, and the city had a similar regenesis.

The rebuilding of the street meant the houses followed a uniform, and safer, pattern. Like the insulae of Rome, they contained a shop on the lower floor, living areas on the upper floors, with kitchens on the highest floor to lessen the threat of fire.

Except for the repairs to the shelling of 1992, not much has changed on this street for over 300 years.

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The Bell Tower with the clock was built in 1444 right in the axis of the Stradun. It is 31 m high and is one of the symbols of the free city state. The coloured brass face of the clock with the hand showing the phases of the moon and two human figures which strike the bell announcing the hours were made by Luka.

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The Stradun is the main open urban area in the old town of Dubrovnik and the most favoured promenade and gathering place. It is the main business street of the old city centre. It is lined with shops, cafes and bars. Narrow side lanes lead off to narrow alleys lined with restaurants and cafes.

... There was a channel separating two settlements, in the cliffs descending to the sea. One day the channel was filled, and became Dubrovnik main street, also called Placa. Its origins may be the reason for a so wide street in the middle ages, but today that is a blessing. No one can get lost in Dubrovnik in this old channel where, today, it flows not water but... people. Going from main door in the west almost to the harbour, at east, this street holds many of Dubrovnik's monuments, and anyway you go, you always leave from it and be back to it. Restaurants, esplanades and the usual tourist shops line it, giving life to this wonder that recovered from an earthquake in 1664 and the war in 1991. But Onofrje fountain keeps being the most romantic place for refreshment.

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It is the main strolling area in the town and at each end the two main entry gates; Ploce and Pile connect. Along the 300 meter street are a number of quality retail shops, some tourist type lower end shops, and a number of restaurants. It was wide because before this was a water way, which was filled in during the 12th century to connect both parts of the town. In 1468, it was paved. It was redone form the earthquake damage of 1667. The shops have small arched doors and used to hand out goods from the windowsill and keep the door closed.

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Stradun, or Placa, is Dubrovnik's main street. This is the city's showplace, lined with shops and restaurants. When I visited, Croatia was substantially cheaper than Italy or northern Europe. This is a fine place to stroll and take in the sights.

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The biggest street in Dubrovnik is Stradun. It connects the eastern entrance to the old town, Pile Gate, with the other one, Ploce Gate as well as with the old harbout. It has kept its beautiful looks with the stone houses on both sides and with beautiful churches, palaces, fountains and statues along its way since it was built in the 17th century.

What I enjoyed most was the pavement. Over almost 400 years people used the street to go from east to west - millions of feet, walking shoes and sandals have left their traces. The limestone looks freshly polished and very slippery. I bet it wouldn't be too much fun walking down here in the rain. To the right and the left of the street you will mainly find touristy shops but I also found a great bookshop with lots of English books here.

If you are lucky and the city is not flooded by cruise tourists on the day you visit you might actually be able to see the pavement ;) If not, come back in the evening. The pavement shines even brighter then and looks like it just had stopped raining.

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This wide street crosses the city from east to west linking 2 city gates. The street was built in the 12th century & paved in 1468. Today the street is full of bars, cafes & shops. There are cheaper alternatives throughout the city. The street however is always full of locals & tourists all day long.