Dubrovnik, known as the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, is a unique destination that combines natural beauty with stunning architecture. The walled city, built in the 13th century, survived a devastating earthquake and Serbian bombs. Dubrovnik offers art, culture, and sightseeing, as well as beaches and day trips to surrounding islands. The cuisine is based on fresh fish, and private rooms are available within the city walls. Getting to Dubrovnik is easiest by plane, most scenic by ferry, and cheapest by bus.
Dubrovnik aficionados refer to George Bernard Shaw’s oft-used quote “those who seek heaven on earth should come to Dubrovnik” when discussing the city. Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik is truly a unique destination that delightfully combines the natural beauty of the Adriatic and Croatian landscape with stunning architecture and urban planning. A trip to Dubrovnik will suit those seeking a quiet and relaxing European escape as well as those who enjoy a journey filled with art, culture and sightseeing.
Dubrovnik is the southernmost city in Croatia, located on the Dalmatian coast. It has been a powerful trading city for centuries and has been an independent republic for more than 700 years. Engraved on the gate leading to the Lovrijenac Tower is ‘Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro’, which translates to ‘Freedom should not be sold even for the price of gold’. This has been and still is the guiding motto of Dubrovnik. The walled city, called the ‘old city’, was built in the 13th century, although there have been settlements in the area since the 7th century. The city miraculously survived a devastating earthquake in the 17th century and Serbian bombs in the 13s. As a result of the siege, it was named a World Heritage Site, which brought international attention and assistance to aid in its reconstruction.
There are two entrances into the Walled City, although Pile Gate is the main entrance. This gate leads to the Stradun which is the main thoroughfare through the city. Stretching for less than a quarter of a mile (292 metres), the Stradun is paved with creamy limestone, smoothed by centuries of foot travel. The walled part of the city is closed to vehicular traffic, making it ideal for walking.
Some key features of Dubrovnik include the Onofrio Fountain, built in 1438, at the Pile Gate entrance. Near the entrance there is also a pharmacy which has been operating since 1391, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Dubrovnik’s progressive philosophy spawned laws and public projects that included a city orphanage, an old people’s home, numerous churches (including the second oldest synagogue in Europe), as well as the abolition of the slave trade and a city water supply .
In Sponza Place is the church of San Biagio, named after the saint of the city, which has beautiful stained glass windows and architecture. The Rector’s Palace is today the city museum. The city is home to numerous other art galleries and studios with art for all budgets. Secular convents and monasteries are also open to the public.
The Stradun is famous for its many cafés, where visitors can sit outside and people-watch for the price of a coffee and a pastry. The morning market in the square called Gundulicera Poljana is another great place to people watch and shop for local food and goods. Any time of day is perfect for taking a walk around the city on top of the city walls. The promenade is about a mile (1.6 meters) long and offers impressive views of the ocean and the architecture of the city, famous for its orange ceramic roof tiles, aged in a harmonious range of hues.
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival includes a production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set in the charming and fairy-tale Lovrijenac Tower. The annual Dubrovnik Film Festival takes place every October. Artists, musicians and actors from all over the world provide a rich experience for visitors during these events.
There are beaches available for sunbathing and swimming outside the city walls. Day trips to the surrounding islands are also a great way to pass the time. Mljet, a heavily forested island, has an old monastery, which is great to explore. Lokrum, with its botanical gardens, fortress and impressive views over Dubrovnik is also a must-see.
Dubrovnik cuisine is based on fish, fresh and plentiful. On almost every side street and steep ‘alley’ off the Stradun are open-air, family-run, umbrella restaurants with their own recipe for marinating and grilling seafood. No trip to Dubrovnik would be complete without grilled squid and octopus. Crepes are available for a mid-day snack or dessert around town from outdoor vendors.
Hotel accommodations are not available within the city walls, although many private rooms can be found. Outside the walls there is a generous selection of three, four and five star hotels to suit all budgets. Getting to Dubrovnik is easiest by plane, most scenic by Jadrolinija ferry, and cheapest by coastal bus.
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