Dubrovnik is an old city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia. It is one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean, a seaport and the center of the Dubrovnik-Neretva county. Its population was 43,770 in 2001. Dubrovnik is nicknamed "Pearl of the Adriatic" and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city of Dubrovnik/Ragusa was built on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages it became the only city-state in the Adriatic to rival Venice. Supported by its wealth and skilled diplomacy, the city achieved a remarkable level of development during the 15th and 16th centuries. Furthermore, Dubrovnik was one of the centers of the development of the Croatian language and literature, home to many notable poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians, physicists and other scholars.
Today Dubrovnik is the proudest feather in Croatia's tourist cap, an elite destination and one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik used to be an independent republic, surviving mostly on trade. It managed to survive many centuries, with constant threats to its territory, particularly from the mighty Ottoman Empire and Venice. As early as 19th century, it was discovered by celebrities as a place to be seen. Royalty, presidents and diplomats have all favored the city. The late Pope John Paul II was a fan of Dubrovnik and was even made an honorary citizen. Out of the 15 top luxury hotels in Croatia, 9 are located in Dubrovnik.
PLACE TO VISIT
Dubrovnik was heavily bombed by the Montenegrin Navy during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1995. Almost all of the damage has been covered over but if you look closely around the old town you can still see the damage from mortars in the cobblestone streets and bullet marks in the stone houses.
Roland's Column. A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando's Column.
Bell Tower
Sponza Palace, Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake. Hosts historic archives. Memorial room of defenders. Open 10AM-10PM. 20 KN
Rector's Palace, Pred dvorom 1, +385 20 321 437. Formerly the palace of the Major Council, now houses a museum dedicated to the city's history.
War Photo Limited, Antuninska 6. An exhibition center of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world renowned photo journalists. Open 9AM-9PM
Pile Gate, at the beginning of the Placa Thoroughfare (Stradun) (Old town).
Placa Stradun, (Old town). The Stradun (Placa) is the central street of the city of Dubrovnik.
Big Onofrio´s Fountain. In the entrance of the old town.
Old Port, (Old town).
Old City Walls. 8-19. Walk on the walls around the old town, great views.
Fort Lovrijenac. The monumental fort rises above 37 meters high rock. It changed roles in the course of history. The main purpose of its construction was defense, and the main idea was to protect the freedom of Dubrovnik.
Franciscan Monastery,This beautiful monastery with Baroque Church, houses a Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world.
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Su 11AM-5:30 PM. This impressive building is in the Poljana Marin Držić. Supposedly, the original church was built with money donated by Richard the Lionhearted who survived shipwreck on his way home from the Third Crusade. The current Roman Baroque cathedral dates from the 18th Century.
Church of Saint Blaise (Crkva Svetog Vlaha). Baroque Church dedicated to the city's patron saint.
Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College. Beautiful Baroque church located on a small hill within the old city.
Dominican Monastery, This is an exceptionally valuable historic complex, which, besides its religious purpose, also represents the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik. Open 9AM-6PM.
The Treasury of Cathedral, 9AM-6PM. The Treasury has 138 reliquaries which are carried around the city during the Feast of St Blaise. Entrance fee:10 KN
WHAT TO DO
Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Music and theatre festival held since 1950 from 10th July to 25th August.
Walk down the Stradun and enjoy a drink at a cafe on the main through fair of the old town.
Dubrovnik Film Festival, International film festival held since May 2003.
Libertas Film Festival, Film festival held from August 25-30.
Julian Rachlin and Friends Festival. Festival of chamber music
Walk the City walls. The main entrance to the city walls is near Pile Gate. Open:8AM-7PM. Entrance fee: 50 KN adults, 20 KN children.
Dubrovnik Tourist Guide,Walking tours in the Old Town and other tailor-made tours in Dubrovnik region. Led by a Dubrovnik-born man named Denis, these tours can be tailor-made for you. Denis is a licensed tour guide in Dubrovnik and you can book him directly
Visit the Fortress Lovrijenac. It was an essential fortification to the defense of the city from both ground and sea attacks. In order to prevent possible mutiny by the commander of the fortress, the walls facing the city are only 60 cm thick compared to those exposed to enemy fire which were 12m thick!. Above the entrance to the fortress is an inscription that says "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro" which translates to "Freedom is not sold for all the gold in the world".
Climb Mt. Srđ. This 412 m (1350 ft) peak has excellent views of the city of Dubrovnik, the harbor, and the Dubrovnik Highlands region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The top of the hill has a modern radio tower, some older fortifications damaged in the war, and a memorial to some of the war dead.
Take a ferry to Lokrum, which houses a monastery, a fort with great views of Dubrovnik, botanical gardens, and a naturist beach.
Lazaret Old quarantine hospital serves as a cultural center for concerts, exhibitions, workshops, theater, film, night clubs and literature. The concert hall/bar is a very cozy place with a decent sound system. Gallery Galeriya Tutunplok is open daily 12PM-9PM. Films and theater showings range from 20-40KN Concerts cost 40-100 KN. A nightclub is open here from 10PM to 4AM and will cost you about 30 KN.
Banje Beach. A well located pebble beach.
Lapad Beach. A sandy beach where you can relax in the shade of the numerous trees.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Dubrovnik airport is located about 20 km to the south of the city. There are flights from Zagreb for approximately 60 EUR round trip including taxes. EasyJet and Ryanair also fly to Bari in Italy from where there is an overnight Jadrolinija ferry to Dubrovnik. Flights are also often available to Paris Charles De Gaulle, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam and other major European cities. From the airport, taxis are available but not inexpensive (about 200kn). Reliable bus service to the Old City is available through Atlas, and meet all scheduled flights, with the drop off location in the Old City at Pile Gate or the bus station in Gruž.
By train - There is no train to Dubrovnik, although you can take a train to Split and then travel by bus to Dubrovnik. The bus station in Split is located right next to the train station on the wharf. Alternatively, one can take the train from Sarajevo or Mostar which heads to Ploče on the Croatian coast, and travel the last section (under 2 hours) by bus. The scenery is spectaclar, and the trains aren't normally crowded. Ploče is the closest railhead to Dubrovnik.
By car - The trip from Split is a beautiful journey along the coastal roads through small, quaint villages and other tourist destinations. Just know that in the summer months the trip is likely to take several hours longer than anticipated. What looks like a short trip on a map can take six hours.
By bus - The new bus station is located in Kantafig, northern part of the city, a distance from the old city (near the northern approach and the Tudjman bridge), with domestic and international departures, as well as services heading to the airport (check times with Croatia Airlines). To get there, use the local bus service (operating around every 15 minutes, e.g. bus Nro 7) to take you into the Pile Gate (entrance to old town). The bus station has an enclosed waiting room, ticket office, and tourist information - though be advised of people trying to offer a private room in their home as accommodation as soon as you get off the bus - often these can be a good deal, though check the location with these people on a map before walking with them or you may be some distance from the bus station, or the old city.
By boat - Jadrolinija runs ferries down the coast from Rijeka. Calling at Split, Stari Grad, Korčula and Sobra on the way. Journey time is up to twenty hours, so consider getting a cabin. The restaurant serves up some decent food at surprisingly reasonable prices, but bear in mind that the 22% tax is not included on the menu. While the journey is scenic, there is nothing in the way of entertainment so come prepared with a good book.
