The filming location of Kiki's Delivery Service！Discover the black cat Jiji in Croatia’s seaside ancient city

▲ The Croatian seaside ancient city “Dubrovnik” is the “city by the sea” featured in Kiki's Delivery Service！(Photo／Credited to peco,Flickr／Same below)

Reporter Lin Yuling／Comprehensive report

The “city by the sea” in the Japanese Studio Ghibli animated film Kiki's Delivery Service not only captivated the heart of the protagonist Kiki but also left audiences yearning for it. And its filming location is the “Dubrovnik” in Croatia, a city whose structure and geographical location are quite unique. It proudly stands along the shores of the Adriatic Sea, as if isolated from the rest of the world.Amidst its winding alleys, many stray cats can also be found, attracting numerous fans of the movie to make a pilgrimage here in search of their own “black cat Jiji.”

▲ The scenery here is picturesque, and the uniformly brick-red tiled buildings and intricate, winding alleys are its most distinctive features. (Photo／Credited topeco)

“Dubrovnik” is an ancient city located in southern Croatia. It stands by the Adriatic Sea and enjoys a very special geographical position. Its structure resembles a “bowl,” with surrounding city walls acting like the rim of the bowl. Coupled with uniformly brick-red tiled buildings, intricate and winding alleys, and picturesque scenery, it feels like stepping into a historical time tunnel. That’s why it has not only been recognized by UNESCO as aWorld Heritage Site, but also earned the nickname“Pearl of the Adriatic”. No wonder the little witch Kiki fell in love at first sight and chose to land here when she flew over on her broomstick.

▲ Cats are often spotted on rooftops too！(Photo／Flickr)

In recent years, Dubrovnik’s popularity has continued to soar.Apart from enjoying breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea from the city walls, visitors can also spot many cats roaming the winding alleys.Some cats lie on the beach outside the city walls alongside tourists, napping in the sea breeze; others sit quietly by windows, blending seamlessly into the frames; some even use the pillars of ancient buildings as scratching posts, rubbing and rolling around cutely.

▲ Cats are often seen in the alleyways. (Photo／Flickr)

▲ Cats here sleep and act adorable, looking completely carefree. (Photo／Flickr)

▲ The cats here live peacefully with the residents. (Photo／Flickr)

▲ Some cats sit quietly by the window, blending into the frames like a painting. (Photo／Flickr)

▲ When fans of Kiki's Delivery Service come here to pay homage, “cat hunting” becomes a key activity. (Photo／Flickr)

Since cats play a significant role in the Kiki's Delivery Service animation, especially Kiki’s pet black cat “Jiji,” visiting fans often make “cat hunting” a key part of their trip. Without disturbing the local feline residents’ routines, one can easily spot their graceful figures while exploring. Perhaps on your next trip to the Croatian city of “Dubrovnik,” you can search for your own “black cat Jiji” in this seaside ancient city.

▲ It is recommended to explore and spot these cats without disturbing their daily lives. (Photo／Flickr）

▲Maybe next time you travel to “Dubrovnik” in Croatia, while enjoying the sea view and watching the sunset here, you can also look for your own “Black Cat Gigi”! (Photo/Flickr)