Ston’s defensive fortifications stretch for 5.5 kilometres. They include the walls of Ston and Mali Ston, the Great Wall, 41 towers and six bastions. Visitors can walk along the walls while enjoying views of the surrounding landscape, including the salt pans and Stonsko Polje.
Anyone looking to rent a holiday apartment in Ston can find specific insights here into the landscape, culture and regional traditions.
Landscape
The cultural landscape of Ston combines the town, the connecting walls, Stonsko Polje, the salt pans and the nature reserve of Mali Ston Bay. The bay provides a habitat for marine life and is also characterised by shellfish farming.
The Napoleon Road begins next to the salt pans of Ston and leads for 7 kilometres to Ponikve. The route has a moderate incline and is suitable for hiking or cycling.
Culture
The medieval town of Ston spread along the southern slopes of Sveti Mihajlo. During its affiliation with the Republic of Dubrovnik, Ston was the second-largest city after Dubrovnik.
The Knežev dvor in Ston is classified as a preventively protected immovable cultural asset.
The St Nicholas church and monastery complex in Ston was built between 1359 and 1393. St Nicholas Church is a late Romanesque building, while the monastery dates from the 15th century. The church houses a large painted wooden crucifix created by Blaž Jurjev in 1420.
St. Michael Church preserves some of the oldest frescoes in the area. It is believed to have served as a palace chapel belonging to the complex of the Rector’s Palace. St. Michael’s Church near Ston is considered one of the most valuable early medieval monuments.
Exhibitions
DVOR in Ston is a presentation centre for the cultural and natural heritage of the Adriatic, with a particular focus on Pelješac. An interactive exhibition there provides insights into the culture and history of the Adriatic using modern technology and interactive elements. The exhibition also presents the Adriatic’s maritime tradition and the gastronomic heritage of the Pelješac region.
Salt and Regional Traditions
Saltworks Ston preserves a traditional production method in which the sun, sea, wind and human labour work together to produce ecological salt and fleur de sel. Visitors can choose between a visit featuring a film about salt harvesting and an explanation of salt production, and the history of the salt pans.
In the nearby area, the Malostonska oyster became Croatia’s first marine product to receive a protected designation of origin from the EU in 2019.
