Why on earth would anyone build a wall this long? That’s the question that probably pops into your head when you first see the Walls of Ston. They stretch out before you, a magnificent, daunting serpent of stone, coiling across the hills and disappearing into the distance. These are the Walls of Ston, my friends, and they have quite a tale to tell. Built beginning in 1358, the Walls of Ston are among the longest preserved fortification systems in the world. Now, the “why” behind this massive undertaking? It’s all about salt. Yes, salt. You see, the town of Ston had something extremely valuable: salt pans. These pans produced some of the purest, most sought-after salt in the whole Mediterranean. The Republic of Ragusa, a powerful maritime force, knew a golden goose when they saw one. To protect their precious salt-producing town from envious eyes and potential invaders, they built the Walls of Ston. The Walls served as a defensive barrier, guarding the salt pans and the wealth they represented. Stretching over 5 kilometers, with 20 surviving towers and 5 fortresses, these walls were no joke. They were the backbone of Ston’s defense, ensuring their prosperity for centuries.
Sv. Marija Magdalena
Have you ever wondered what stories these ancient walls could tell? Standing before you is the Sv. Marija Magdalena, a