STON WALL (STONSKE ZIDINE)
The largest wall in Europe connecting Ston to Mali Ston, which was used to protect against the Ottoman threat, now a place for running.
In 1357, when the Republic of Dubrovnik reclaimed the Pelješac peninsula, a wall was built between Ston and Mali Ston to protect against the Ottoman threat. Its main function was to guard the sea around the valuable saltworks. The most talented architects were employed, including Onofrio of Naples. The wall was completed in the 15th century. The wall, which climbs the mountain, was extended by a massive tower (Veli Kikaštio), a bastion completed in 1489, completing a complex defense system with 40 towers and 5 forts, the only one in the country to have survived the vicissitudes of history.
The towns of Mali Ston and Ston were built once the wall was complete, to house the fortification guards and salt workers. This titanic work inspires awe! At almost 5.5 km, this fortification system is the longest in Europe, with over 4 km accessible thanks to major renovation work. On the longest section, which links the two villages, the climb can be pretty tough, especially for the first 20 minutes, and the steps are high. But the view from the top is superb! The shortest route is around Ston. Bring water and a hat, as there is no shade. Nowadays, in September, there's an open-air running race that attracts a large number of participants.
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Members' reviews on STON WALL (STONSKE ZIDINE)
Le village de Ston est victime de sa réputation grandissante. Nous l'avions visité quand il était encore peu connu et il était tranquille et très joli. Je me rappelle les grappes de fleurs qui dégringolaient des murs, le son d'un violon par une fenêtre ouverte, la tranquillité...Quelques années plus tard, il avait un peu perdu de son authenticité, gagné des restaurants dans les jolies ruelles , des marchands de souvenirs sur les places...et un parking payant jalousement surveillé à l'entrée du village. Il vaut mieux garer plus loin et un peu marcher...
Toutefois elle impressionne, et contrairement à Dubrovnik cela grimpe vraiment, mieux vaut s'armer de bonnes chaussures. Je pense que le panorama vaut le détour.
Un peu compliqué au début quand on est soumis au vertige mais quelle récompense arrivé en haut.
On peut accéder des 2 côtés et redescendre au pied de la ville par les marchés.