Dubrovnik’s Old Town covers a small area but remains an endless source of fascination, with atmospheric alleys and imposing buildings crammed into every corner.

Built in a bowl edged by steep inclines, the Old Town involves a lot of steps and steep climbs, although the main landmarks are grouped together in a level, central precinct around which the key civic buildings are arranged.

The centre has not changed shape much since the Middle Ages, although a disastrous earthquake in 1667 caused serious damage, and led to a major rebuilding programme that left the original street-plan untouched. The result is a well-preserved and harmonious ensemble of Medieval and Baroque buildings in which nothing seems out of place.

Stradun

Most visitors enter from the Pile Gate (see Dubrovnik City Walls) at the Old Town’s western end, where the broad pedestrian street known as the Stradun sweeps eastwards.