Dubrovnik.
Walls, the Adriatic and cobbles: Dubrovnik joins history with a Mediterranean feel.
Walls, the Adriatic and cobbles: Dubrovnik joins history with a Mediterranean feel.
The old town is compact – perfect for an unhurried day, then planning the coast onwards.
Background
History.
As Ragusa the city-republic ran long-distance sea trade from the 14th century; in 1416 it banned the slave trade – early for Mediterranean cities.
A 1667 earthquake destroyed much of the town; the baroque skyline came with the rebuild. Independence ended in 1808; in 1815 Ragusa went to Austria, in 1918 to Yugoslavia.
In 1991 the JNA shelled the old town (UNESCO World Heritage since 1979); after the Croatian War came careful stone restoration. In 2023 the city adopted the euro.
Must-sees
Top 10.
1. City-wall circuit (one ticket, fixed opening hours).
2. Stradun (Placa) as the main axis.
3. Rector’s Palace (cultural history museum).
4. Franciscan monastery with one of Europe’s oldest still-working pharmacies.
5. Sponza Palace (archive / memorial room 1991–1995).
6. Fort Lovrijenac west of the old town (fortress view).
7. Srđ cable car: panorama over the roofs.
8. Lokrum island (botanical garden, Iron Throne replica).
9. Banje beach or kayaking under the walls.
10. Game of Thrones locations optional with an early slot (fewer groups).
Gallery
Impressions.
Stay
Hotels in Dubrovnik.
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