Walls of Ston

In Croatia are the Walls of Ston - Europe’s longest defensive wall system, built in medieval times to protect a most valuable commodity. The Republic of Dubrovnik built two new towns, Ston and Mali Ston with defensive walls spanning between them, along with a fortress in each town and on top of the hill. Although no where near the size of China’s Wall, this Great Wall of Europe is impressive and wonderful to explore.

It all began with demand for salt, which was a key ingredient in the preservation of meat, fish, and vegetables. The salt pans in Ston were founded by the Romans, making them the oldest in Europe, and still in operation today. In the Middle Ages salt became extremely valuable, was transported across trade routes. In 1335, Ston became part of the Republic of Dubrovnik, and salt became their best selling product, so they had to defend its production.

The fortress in Ston was the first structure built to defend the salt pans. The main wall was built in just 18 months. Over the next couple centuries, structures were expanded and reinforced. After the fall of the republic, the walls were looted for building materials, a practice which ended after World War II.

Originally more than 7 kilometers long with 40 towers, today over 5.5 kilometers have been preserved with 20 towers and 3 fortresses. The walls have been used as a Game of Thrones filming location for Kings Landing fortifications.

Enjoy the Walls of Ston video on Haswell Travelled YouTube channel. It can also be access via the Croatia-Slovenia web page, along with other fabulous destinations.