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Europe 2025
  • Peter Dannock
  • Peter Dannock

Europe 2025

A 39-day adventure by Peter Read more
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  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Zadar

    September 30, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Zadar is a historic coastal city in Croatia, located along the Adriatic Sea in the northern part of Dalmatia. With origins going back over 3,000 years, it presents a captivating mix of ancient Roman ruins, medieval churches, and contemporary art installations. The Old Town, perched on a peninsula, is a treasure trove of Roman forums, Venetian architecture, and charming narrow streets.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Roman ruins

    September 30, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Zadar’s Roman ruins offer a captivating glimpse into its ancient history as a Roman colony called Iadera, established around 48 BC. The highlight of these ruins is the Roman Forum, the largest of its kind in Croatia, which was commissioned by Emperor Augustus and completed by the 3rd century AD. Covering approximately 95 by 45 metres, the Forum was the centre of public life, hosting markets, political debates, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    St. Michael's Cathedral

    October 1, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    St. Michael’s Cathedral in Šibenik is actually more accurately called the Cathedral of St. James. Construction started in 1431 and took over a century, finishing in 1536. The cathedral combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, with key contributions from master builders Giorgio Orsini (Juraj Dalmatinac) and Niccolò di Giovanni Fiorentino. Orsini extended the original Romanesque structure into a cross-shaped basilica and designed the stunning baptistery, while Fiorentino finished the dome and upper façade using innovative Renaissance methods. The exterior features 74 sculpted heads believed to depict real people from the era, and the interior boasts ornate altars, frescoes, and sarcophagi of notable bishops. Despite damage during the 1991 shelling of Šibenik, the cathedral has been carefully restored and remains a symbol of resilience and craftsmanship. It even appeared in Game of Thrones as the Iron Bank of Braavos, further cementing its global cultural significance.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    St. Michael's Fortress

    October 1, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    St. Michael’s Fortress in Šibenik, Croatia, is a historic medieval stronghold perched on a hill overlooking the city and the Adriatic Sea. With roots tracing back to the Iron Age, it has long served as a strategic defensive site and was likely the location where King Petar Krešimir IV signed the charter that first mentioned Šibenik in 1066. Named after a church that once stood within its walls, the fortress played a vital role in the city's defence, especially during Venetian rule in the 15th century. Architecturally, it features Gothic elements, defensive walls, cisterns, and escape routes leading to the sea. After centuries of military use and decay, it was revitalised in 2014 and now serves as a vibrant cultural venue with an open-air stage, hosting concerts and events while preserving its rich archaeological heritage.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    St. John's Fortress

    October 1, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    St. John's Fortress in Šibenik is a striking example of 17th-century military architecture, built in 1646 during the Cretan War to defend the city from Ottoman attacks. Impressively constructed in just 58 days by local citizens without Venetian support. It features a star-shaped layout with a unique plier-shaped outwork known locally as "Tanaja." It played a crucial role in repelling Ottoman sieges in 1646 and 1647. Throughout the years, it was used by various military forces and eventually fell into disrepair. After extensive restoration, it reopened in 2022 as a cultural and educational site, offering panoramic views of Šibenik and hosting events and exhibitions that celebrate its rich history.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler
    GPX

    Šibenik to Makarska

    October 2, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    We were back on the road again, driving from Šibenik to Makarska, a short, scenic trip of about 150 kilometres along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast. We were treated to some breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, charming seaside towns, and dramatic cliffs. Along the way, we stopped at picturesque spots like Primošten, Trogir, Split, and Omiš, each offering its own unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. While the inland A1 motorway offered a quicker route, the coastal drive is much more rewarding. When we arrived in Makarska, we found a lively town nestled between the sea and the Biokovo mountains.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Bora gusts

    October 3, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Makarska lies at the foot of the Biokovo massif, part of the Dinaric Alps, which creates a dramatic elevation drop to the sea. This topography funnels cold air down the slopes, accelerating it toward the coast. The Vrulja Bay area is especially known for violent Bora gusts due to this terrainRead more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Igrane

    October 3, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Igrane is a picturesque coastal village on Croatia’s Makarska Riviera, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Biokovo mountains. Known for its long pebbly beach shaded by pine trees, it offers a tranquil escape ideal for families and nature lovers. The village is rich in history, featuring landmarks like the 11th-century Church of St. Michael and the 17th-century Zalina Tower. Local legends add a touch of magic, including tales of King Arthur’s mother swimming in its bay.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Pelješac Bridge

    October 3, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    The Pelješac Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia. The bridge provides a fixed link from the southeastern Croatian semi-exclave to the rest of the country while bypassing Bosnia and Herzegovina's short coastal strip at Neum. The bridge spans the sea channel between Komarna on the northern mainland and the peninsula of Pelješac, thereby passing entirely through Croatian territory and avoiding any border crossings with Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Slano

    October 3, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    Slano is a small town located in southern Croatia, along the Adriatic coast, about 27 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik. It’s part of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and is known for its tranquil bay, historical significance, and natural beauty.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Dubrovnik Old Town

    October 3, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Dubrovnik’s Old Town, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a beautifully preserved medieval city located on Croatia’s southern coast, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and dramatic seaside views. Enclosed by massive stone walls built between the 12th and 17th centuries, the Old Town features iconic landmarks such as the Rector’s Palace, Sponza Palace, and the Baroque-style Dubrovnik Cathedral. Its limestone-paved main street, Stradun, is lined with historic buildings and bustling cafés, while Onofrio’s Fountain and the Jesuit Stairs add to its charm.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler
    GPX

    Makarska to Dubrovnik

    October 3, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    We travelled through the charming seaside towns of Igrane, Podaca, and Ploče, enjoying beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea, on our route from Makarska to Dubrovnik today. Thanks to the Pelješac Bridge, we were able to avoid the border crossing into Bosnia and Herzegovina, making our journey easier and more direct. The Pelješac Bridge is a cable-stayed structure that offers a fixed connection from Croatia's southeastern semi-exclave to the rest of the country, bypassing Bosnia and Herzegovina's short coastal strip at Neum. The bridge spans the sea channel between Komarna on the mainland and the Pelješac Peninsula, remaining entirely within Croatian territory and avoiding any border crossing with Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    A new day in the Old Town

    October 5, 2025 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    16° now with windy conditions. Wind is making it feel cooler, about 11°. Rainy conditions expected around 1pm. Today's temperature range is from 12° to 18° and feels like 9° to 15°.

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Stari Most (Old Bridge)

    October 5, 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    We arrived in Mostar in the early afternoon, just as the rain started to fall. We needed some groceries, so we headed out in the rain and came across the city’s most iconic landmark, the Stari Most (Old Bridge), a 16th-century Ottoman masterpiece that arches gracefully over the emerald Neretva River. Originally built by the Ottomans and reconstructed after being destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s, the bridge is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful symbol of unity and resilience. Surrounding the bridge is the Old Town, a labyrinth of cobbled streets, Ottoman-era buildings, bustling bazaars, and traditional cafes where you can enjoy strong Bosnian coffee and local delicacies, such as ćevapi and baklava. A great walk, even with the rain.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler
    GPX

    Dubrovnik to Mostar

    October 5, 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ 🌧 15 °C

    After leaving Dubrovnik, we headed inland towards Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After four weeks in the Shengren area, we had our first border control since arriving in Zurich. There were two border points: one for Croatian border control to indicate we were leaving the Shengren area, and a second for Bosnian border control to mark our entry into their country. Along the way, we explored the rural beauty of the Konavle region, visited the historic Sokol Fortress, and wandered through the picturesque Ottoman village of Počitelj.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Mostar in sunshine

    October 6, 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    After a drenching yesterday, it was pleasing to wake to the beautiful sunshine in Mostar, for a walk during this historic town.

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler
    GPX

    Mostar to Sarajevo

    October 6, 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    The drive between Mostar and Sarajevo meanders through stunning mountain scenery, lush river valleys, and charming historic towns, offering breathtaking views nearly everywhere. The road was mostly in good shape, though it became narrow and winding in some sections, so we had to drive carefully.Read more

  • Peter DannockEurope 2025Traveler

    Sarajevo City Hall

    October 7, 2025 in Bosnia and Herzegovina ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    The Sarajevo City Hall was built during the Austro-Hungarian period and was completed in 1894.
    The building was designed in the Moorish Revival style, inspired by the architecture of Cairo and Spain.
    It originally served as the city hall and later housed the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
    The building was severely damaged during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s but was fully restored and reopened in 2014.    Read more