Stradun & the Main Squares
The Stradun (Placa)
The Stradun (also called Placa) is Dubrovnik's main street and lifeline — a 300-meter long, straight marble promenade connecting the Pile Gate in the west with the Ploče Gate in the east. The smoothly polished limestone shines underfoot like a mirror. On both sides: baroque facades in warm ochre, cafes, ice cream parlors, and souvenir shops. The Stradun was created after the earthquake of 1667 that destroyed the medieval city — the reconstruction in baroque style explains the uniform, elegant architecture.
Onofrio Fountain
At the western end of the Stradun stands the Great Onofrio Fountain (1438) — a massive, 16-sided domed fountain that once brought water from a source 12 km away into the city. A technical masterpiece of the Middle Ages. The 16 mascarons (face reliefs) still spout fresh, drinkable water — fill up your bottle!
Luza Square
At the eastern end of the Stradun, the Luza Square opens up — the social center of the Old Town. Here stand:
- Sponza Palace (1516): The only palace that survived the earthquake of 1667 — a mix of Gothic and Renaissance. Today, it houses the city archive with a moving exhibition about the Croatian War of 1991–92.
- Orlando's Column: The statue of the knight Roland (1418) is Dubrovnik's symbol of freedom. Orlando's forearm served as the official unit of length of the Republic of Ragusa (51.2 cm, the "Dubrovnik ell").
- Clock Tower: Since 1444, the bell has been striking the hours — the green bronze figures (Zelenci) strike the hammer.
- Church of St. Blaise: The baroque church (1715) is dedicated to Dubrovnik's patron saint. The silver statue of St. Blaise holds a model of the city before the earthquake — the only testimony of how Dubrovnik looked before 1667.
