Winter is Coming in Dubrovnik

No visit to Dubrovnik is complete without a walk around the spectacular city walls. This is how Lonely Planet depicted the City Walls and Forts, for the fans of Game of Thrones in particular. Fort Minčeta was used for the exterior shots of Qarth's House of the Undying. Tyrion Lannister commanded the defense of King’s Landing during the Battle of the Blackwater.

The first set of walls to enclose the city was built in the 9th century. To defend against the attacks from the Turks in the 15th century, the forts were further strengthened. Pile Gate is the most impressive one among the 3 city gates, as the Statue of St. Blaise, holding the city, is set in a niche over the Renaissance portal. The 4th-century Armenian martyr is a local patron saint.

There are several forts encircling the city’s historic core, such as Round Fort Minčeta protecting the landward edge of Dubrovnik from attack, and Fort Bokar protecting Pile Gate. Tourists are required to walk the walls in an anticlockwise direction. One might be sweaty, yet the views over the-Pearl-of-the-Adriatic and the UNESCO old town are worth waiting for.

Remember where the protest speech against the Lannisters was delivered? Dominican Monastery & Museum resembles a fortress more than a religious complex. Built with a stark exterior, yet the interior contains a graceful 15th-century cloister. Apart from featuring some stained glass, there was “St. Dominic's Miracle” by Vlaho Bukovac above one of the side altars.

To deepen the understanding of Dubrovnik, one can visit the Rector’s Palace. It has been turned into the Cultural History Museum currently. Built in the 15th century, this Gothic-Renaissance palace was for the elected rector who governed the city. Imposing as it was, he was not able to leave the premises without the permission of the senate during his one-month term.

Thanks to the “Walk of shame” scene, where Cersei Lannister walked naked through King’s Landing in season 5, the Jesuit Stairs attract thousands of visitors everyday. Constructed in 1738, this staircase is an example of local Baroque architecture. One will end up in Uz Jezuite Street where the church of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuit College are located.