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Ston Castle and walls Croatia

Ston was a major fort of the Ragusan Republic whose defensive walls were regarded as a notable feat of medieval architecture. The town's inner wall measures 890 metres in length, while the Great Wall outside the town has a circumference of 5 km. The walls extend to Mali Ston ("Little Ston"), a smaller town on the northern side of the Pelješac isthmus and the end of the Bay of Mali Ston, notable for its mariculture.

Mali Ston and Ston are sentries at the entrance to the long and rugged Peljesac Peninsula, which has some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country. The monumental Ston Wall and its fortifications are the obvious draw.

Ston Wall and Fortifications -- From afar, the 5.6km (3 1/2 miles) of walls and their positioning resemble the Great Wall of China running straight up, down, and across Sv. Mihaljo behind the town. St. Michael's Church is just up the hill via steps leading from the center of town. The steps do not lead up to the fortress; both the wall and the city of Ston were devastated by a 1996 earthquake, and the path leading up to the fortress at the top sustained damage that has not been completely repaired. However, restoration is in progress. The climb to the top of the wall is a steep one, so be sure to ascend on the right side of the fortress as you face it because there is a metal handrail there. The view of the town and peninsula is magnificent from the top.

From afar, the 5.6km (3 1/2 miles) of walls and their positioning resemble the Great Wall of China running straight up, down, and across Sv. Mihaljo behind the town. St. Michael's Church is just up the hill via steps leading from the center of town. The steps do not lead up to the fortress; both the wall and the city of Ston were devastated by a 1996 earthquake, and the path leading up to the fortress at the top sustained damage that has not been completely repaired. However, restoration is in progress. The climb to the top of the wall is a steep .

 

 

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Uploaded on September 21, 2011
Taken on September 14, 2011