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less of age or social standing, helped trans‐ steep. We noticed some couples with baby
port boulders and rocks for wall construc‐ carriages, but we wouldn't advise it, as navi‐
tion. Citizens were driven by a common gating the stone stairs with both the car‐
purpose—to protect themselves, their fami‐ riage and the baby seemed difficult and
lies, and their way of life. Their dedication stressful. The same applies to wheelchairs
paid off. The walls remained impervious to and walkers.
enemy breaches, even as recently as 1991 Our all too brief visit to Dubrovnik gave us
when the Yugoslavian military, the JNA, insight into its rise as one of Europe’s most
ruthlessly attacked the city. JNA snipers and popular destinations. From its ancient walls
bombs caused significant loss of life and that have withstood centuries of challenges
damage in the old town, but the walls once to its picturesque streets and rich history,
again thwarted an attempt to gain control Dubrovnik is a city that has something to
of Dubrovnik. offer every traveler. Whether you're a Game
If you plan to walk the walls, we recom‐ of Thrones fan or a history enthusiast, this
mend starting early in the morning or late in Croatian gem is a must-visit destination that
the afternoon to avoid crowds and the in‐ will leave you enchanted and eager to ex‐
tense midday sun. Comfortable shoes are a plore its many treasures again and again.
must, as the pathways can be uneven and
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