Ston

Ston is a small town in the Dubrovnik area, located at the south of of the peninsula Peljesac, that has about 2,500 inhabitants. It was a military fort of the Ragusan Republic whose defensive walls are among the most famous in the world: there is a 900 meters long town wall and 5 km Great Wall outside the town. The walls extend to Mali Ston , a smaller town on the northern side.


Mali Ston is situated on the Northern side of the Peninsula and due to its natural and unique lake-like bay is world famous for its mussel and oyster growing farms since Roman times. The historical small town of Ston, with its famous walls and numerous cultural and historical monuments, is one of the most beautiful examples of a fortified town and ancient Dubrovnik architecture.The town has been awarded many prizes and medals at world exhibitions. The lovely picturesque village is still miraculously untouched by the tourist industry and its small collection of top restaurants take pride in its peaceful, unspoiled, relaxed surroundings.

Ston which is larger and more historically important is situated on the southern side. The town is surrounded by a high wall 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) in the shape of a pentagon. The walls are the second longest preserved walls in the world, after the Great Wall of China. They have been under renovation for the past couple of years, so visitors are able to take a walk along their entire length. The town was strategically positioned to guard its centuries old salt pans which are still being worked today. Ston's beautiful town is steeped in history and its impressive churches and buildings are made up of various architectural styles. The main square, Placa, with its restaurants, quaint cafes and local hospitality creates a most idyllic setting.

Today, main occupations include salt production, farming, vineculture, olive growing, fishing, oyster farming and tourism.

Tourist offer of Ston

Accommodation is available in the hotel, as well as many private apartments and rooms.

The beautiful sand beach is ornamented with centuries-old olive trees, and excellent camp places are situated here.

Coast along the Channel and in the Prapratno cove provides fine swimming, fishing and underwater fishing opportunities. The sea is not deep so it is convenient for children and various sea games.

Beside water sports, there are many sports grounds designed for tourists recreation.

The restaurants offer domestic specialities, especially world famous oysters, as well as other seafood.

Ston are also known for their wine making expertise and guests can verify them by visiting the town's many wine cellars and taverns.

History and herritage

Church of St Michael, The artefacts Of Ston culminate in the complex of the medieval ruler's court on top of Gradac hill, around the small church of St Michael. The site abounds in Illyrian hill-forts, ancient walls around an old castrum, and a pre-Romanesque church. The walls around this complex have shallow exterior niches in an arch design.

The church of Our Lady of the Groves is the most beautiful and the seat of medieval Diocese.Its Romanesque-Gothic style with sharp ceiling arches is combined with a massive Baroque bell tower which has a loggia under the small cupola at the top. Frescoes in the Baroque style are found in this church.A monastery has contributed to this monumental whole, being first converted for the storage of salt and then as a winery.

Large tower Veliki Kastio(1357), a crucial point of fortification project. Next to Veliki Kastio the buildings were arranged in an orderly manner.

Community office building, The three-storey Gothic community office building from 15th century is centrally located south of the residential area.

The Rector's Mansion, The main building of civil authority, was detached and located in a spacious strech with the parish church of St Blaise. Both these building were damaged by earthquakes. The mansion was renovated in a rather simple manner while the church was built anew in 1870. in neo-Gothic style, though again damaged by an earthquake in 1996.

Events

Ston Summer from 15th July till 30th August, local festive time with numerous concerts, shows, authentic Dalmatian live music and many more.

How to get

Although it's situated in south Dalmatia, area of Dubrovnik on the far south of Croatia - except lack of highway, traffic connections of Peljesac are completely satisfying.You can also take one of following boat lines, in case that boat can take your car.Fast coastal ferry connects Rijeka, Split, Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik. Korcula is well connected with Orebic (Peljesac) with frequent car ferry and connected with Orebic and Viganj with passenger boat.The closest airports are Dubrovnik Airport and Split Airport. Both cities are linked with both boat and bus lines to Peljesac.

return from Ston to Dalmatia

---

return from Ston to Exploring Croatia Home Page