Sunny Dubrovnik is a popular sight for its beach life, architecture and being a hub on the way to the Dalmatian islands. It is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, in Dalmatia region. City has appr. 40,000 residents. City is reconstructed magnificently after the war-time siege and destruction in 90’s.

The city was allegedly established in the 7th century. It became part of the Roman Empire, and then Byzantine – city was known as ”Ragusa”. Venice owned the city between 1205 and 1358. In 1358 city and its surroundings achieved independence as the republic of Ragusa, and became the rival to Venice in seafaring trade for centuries. In 1808, the republic was abolished and integrated its territory first into Napoleon’s Kingdom of Italy and later into the Illyrian provinces under French rule. The Habsburg Empire annexed these provinces after the 1815 Congress of Vienna. In 1991 Dubrovnik was in siege during the Croatian War of Independence, and the city was damaged badly by artillery fire.

What to do and see in Dubrovnik

Old Town

The heart of Dubrovnik is its old town, surrounded by 2 km lenght walls. It is depicted on the reverse of the Croatian 50 kuna banknote and its restored remarkably good for damages caused in Yugoslav Wars in 90’s. This medieval and Baroque ensemble is visible good from surrounding walls, depicted as a filming site of Game of Thrones. Walls  are guided for a reasonable free for pedestrians from the Gate of Pile. For relaxation while exploring the area’s narrow alleys is preferrable the Placa Promenade bordering many cafés, restaurants and shops.

Fort Lovrijenac

This limestone fortress is called ”Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar”, and its is located outside the western wall. The thickness of the walls facing the outside reach 12 m whereas the section of the walls facing the inside, the actual city, are only 60 cm thick. Two drawbridges lead to the construction. Ticket to the City Walls allowes also entrance to the fortress!

City Walls

This 2 kilometers long wall system is surrounding the Old Town and it is famous for being a filming scene of Game of Thrones together with the Old Town. There are 3 entrances: on Stradun by the Pile gate, by Fort Saint John’s and at the Custom’s House gate. The main entrance is by the Pile Gate,  where is also an info centre for tourists. Guided tours to walls are available, and entrance fee is about HRK 100 for adults, HRK 30 for children. Students (with ID) receive 70% discount.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

This Roman Catholic cathedral represents Romanesque style. The remarkable main altar holds a polyptych by Titian, portraying a version of the Assumption of the Virgin.

The Cathedral treasury shows 182 reliquaries holding relics from the 11th to 18th centuries,  as well as a number of church vessels  from 13th to 18th century.

Buy

The Pharmacy at the Franciscan Monastery creates hand creams and other toiletries based on ancient recipes. Magnolika (Ulica Getaldiceva 7) sells unconventional art and jewellery design.

Recreation

Dubrovnik is famous for its decent beaches, and most populare are Lapad Beach and Banje Beach.

Lapad Beach

• Car free beach area on the Lapad Peninsula, approximately 3.5 km from the Old Town. Long pedestrian street full of cafés, bars and restaurants.

Banje Beach

• Comfy pebble beach near the Old Town. There’s a part with an entrance fee, but also a public part which is always livelier and more relaxed.

Lokrum Island is a maritime paradise at the end of a ferry route from the Old Town Port.

Photos: With the CC licence / Amoli, Michael Caven, Mazbln, August Dominus, JoJan