Bartolomija / St. Bartholomew's fortress Traditional Geocache
Bartolomija / St. Bartholomew's fortress
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
(regular)
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In the year 1334 the Republic of Dubrovnik acquired the peninsula of Pelješac, and at its weakest point erected a monumental defensive system, the largest fortification and urban achievement in Europe of that time. The walls connect two small fortified towns that were built according to urban plans, Ston on the south and Mali Ston on the north. The towns were built to house people for guarding the border and working in the saltpans, which were an important source of income for the Republic. Therefore, Ston became the second most important city of the Republic.
The city walls of Ston were completed by the end of 15th century. These walls go across the hill in a total length of 5.5 km and are protected by some 40 towers and 5 fortresses, the strongest being Bartolomija at the highest point of Podzvizd hill, named after St. Bartholomew - protector of the arms and salt merchants.
Start your track from Mali Ston. Go to N 42°50.800', E 017°42.189' and follow the rocky trail near city walls straight up to the top of the hill (251 m). It took us about 45 minutes up, and some 20 minutes downhill on our way back. If you stop to take photos and enjoy the views, it probably takes more time.
The cache is a plastic container. Original contents of the cache: logbook with a pen, extra pen, green jeep travel bug, keychain, used phone card, strap, coin, toy, stone.
While at the top, don't miss a great view from the fortress, at N 42°50.561', E 017°41.756'.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Frnepu va gur fgbar jnyy orybj gur pebff, ng gur fbhgurnfg fvqr.