Walls of Ston

The Walls of Ston, often known as "The Great Wall of Croatia," are Europe's longest complete fortress system (and the world's second-longest after the Great Wall of China) and one of the most beautiful historical sites in Croatia. Ston is connected to the nearby town of Mali ('small') Ston by an isolated wall system on the Peljesac Peninsula.

The walls were constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries to serve two reasons. First and foremost, to serve as the first line of defense for Ston and the strategically important port city of Dubrovnik. Second, to protect the area's immensely profitable salt pans, which are still active to this day. The salt produced in Ston is thought to be the purest in the Mediterranean.

The limestone walls are in the shape of an irregular pentagon and span a little more than 5 kilometers in length today. They were initially constructed with 40 towers and five strongholds, but only 20 towers remain now. The streets within the walls are set out in a perpendicular pattern.

You may also stop at a variety of hillside eateries to sample some of the world's best oysters, which are served only meters from where they are farmed. Ston is easily accessible from Dubrovnik via local buses, which take around an hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, a bus from Zagreb Central Bus Station or Korcula Bus Station is available.

Location: Ston, Croatia