Information about Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik started out as Roman settlement named Ragusa. During medieval times, the city knew many potential conquerors; Venice, Turkey, Hungary and many more appreciated Dubrovnik’s strategic location in the Adriatic Sea and tried to get control of the city.
As a result, Dubrovnik was forced to fortify itself – and it did! After a major construction process that lasted from the 13th to the 15th century, Dubrovnik emerged as a walled city, with strong, impregnable fortifications!
The years that followed, Dubrovnik went through some difficult times. Earthquakes, sieges and wars took their toll and destruction almost dominated.
Fortunately – for all of us – Dubrovnik managed not only to stay alive, but also to be transformed into a top travel destination!
Modern Dubrovnik retains its medieval aura, welcomes thousands of visitors annually and has so much to offer to accommodate, educate, entertain and captivate their hearts!
Definitely a destination you simply cannot miss!
Airport
Dubrovnik’s international airport (Čilipi Airport) is located 16 kilometres away from the city centre and can be reached by the Libertas bus network.
Getting around Dubrovnik
You can get around Dubrovnik by bus and tram. Fares start at 10.00 HRK and minimum taxi fare costs around 25.00 HRK.
Dubrovnik Guide
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the region that extends at the inner side of the medieval walls and fortifications and encompasses almost all of the sights, historic buildings and points of interest of Dubrovnik.
In the Old Town, you’ll also find many restaurants, cafes and boutiques, all lined across the Stradun road that begins at the West and ends at the East Gate.
Walk across Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, while learning all about their history. The first walls were erected in the 13th century, in order to protect the city and they were accompanied by 15 forts. When the Turkish threat became more serious, new walls and towers were built to reinforce the existing ones. By the 15th century, Dubrovnik was encircled by a 2-kilometre long and 25-metre high set of walls.
Dubrovnik’s medieval walls remain in an extraordinarily good condition, almost untouched by time and are ranked among the world’s most important medieval fortifications!
While strolling around the Old Town, pay special attention to two palaces that top all the others, owing their fame to their historical and artistic value.
- Dubrovnik’s Rector’s Palace was built during the 14th century to serve as the seat of the Rector who was, in fact, obliged not to leave the building for as long as his service time lasted. This is a beautiful, imposing building with Gothic and Renaissance elements, decorated with elegant statues and sculptures. Since 1872, the Rector’s Palace houses an interesting museum.
- The Gothic-Renaissance Sponza Palace dates back to the 16th century and is the home of the National Archive, with manuscripts and documents spanning over 1,000 years of Dubrovnik’s history.
Continue with two important religious buildings of Dubrovnik’s Old Town:
- The Cathedral of the Assumption of Virgin Mary was built in 1713, following the earthquake of 1667 that destroyed the previous one. Don’t miss a tour around the cathedral’s Treasury, housing important relics and Saint Blaise’s body.
- The imposing Dominican Monastery is a true architectural gem, built in a Gothic-Renaissance style. The monastery dates back to the time when the city’s fortifications were constructed and it served a dual role. Apart from the obvious religious purpose, the monastery could be considered as a fortified reinforcement at the northeast side of the Old Town.
Inside the Monastery, you will admire many masterpieces by notable national artists, as well as a museum with excellent art collections.
Dubrovnik’s official language is Croatian, but you will have absolutely no problem communicating with the locals in English.- FOOD
- DRINKS
- COFFE
- ARTS
- OUTDOORS
- SIGHTS
