It goes without saying, it's the heart and soul of the city. Crowded onto the peninsula, fortified in its entireity but eternally under attack by foes through the ages, parts of the city have been destroyed and rebuilt so many times over three millennia that few places on Earth can rival it for its eclectic mix of architecture.
As well as the dizzying number of churches, monasteries and historical monuments, it's also the commercial centre, with an ever-increasing choice of boutiques and galleries, and, of course, it's the centre of social life and cafe society. The main shopping street Široka (known locally as Kalelarga) is a busy thoroughfare for people with things to do, even if that's only strolling in good company. In summer it's crowded with pavement cafes. It's surrounded by shady parks on top of the ancient fortifications. The outer promenade beyond the ferry port, known as the Riva, is a relaxed place to stroll and swim.