This photo captures an especially impactful view for our group because of how much can be seen through one small man-made hole in the Dubrovnik city walls. It seemed as though this view exhibited the absolute staples of this medieval city in Croatia: the stunning coastline, surrounding fortresses, and unforgettable terracotta roofs. As the group walked along the Old City Walls, we found it easy to be drawn into the scenery around us, but reaching this viewpoint and taking turns to step in and experience this view served as a reminder that initially, these limestone walls were merely built for defense. Standing within the very structures that were designed to put up a fight against past invasions gave our group a direct connection to that history. The view served as an incredible contrast between the solid, protective walls and the open Adriatic Sea beyond them, displaying how Dubrovnik is a simultaneous combination of history and beauty. The shift in purpose of the city walls over time (methods of protection to a preserved form of navigating Old City) reflects Dubrovnik’s beautiful evolution, and what was once an area of conflict became a space of appreciation. Furthermore, the photo represents the ‘neighborly’ atmosphere that the group felt as we examined the homes that occupied Old City. The lines of billowing laundry, cats perched on rooftops, and numerous play areas for children prompted us to take a closer look at the lifestyle within the walls, and not to merely settle for the bird’s eye view of the Old City of Dubrovnik.
