The “Pearl of the Adriatic” became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. Although it was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, Dubrovnik managed to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Damaged again in the 1990s by armed conflict, it is now the focus of a major restoration co-ordinated by UNESCO, as it has been designated as a World Heritage site.

The entire Stari Grad, or Old Town, is surrounded by the medieval ramparts and city walls, which is Dubrovnik’s main claim to fame. One is able to stroll the 1.9 km stretch atop the city wall with towers and bastions along the way. The view over the Old Town and the azure Adriatic is simply sublime.

For GoT followers: Dubrovnik was the setting for King’s Landing. One of the most iconic scenes was filmed at the Jesuit Staircase – which posed as the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor for the “Walk of Shame” which ended at Ploče Gate – the entrance to the Red Keep.