Names the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” beautiful Dubrovnik offers a wealth of attractions for visitors. Famous for its spectacular seaside location on the Dalmatian coast combined with its evocative and historic old city center, Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century and has been ruled over the centuries by the Venetians and the Hungarians, each of whom left their mark. The city saw its greatest growth in the 15th and 16th centuries, a fact reflected in its impressive architecture and designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to Croatia’s artistic and intellectual elite, Dubrovnik offers numerous cultural activities and festivals. Highlights of a visit include walking through the picturesque old streets and alleys while visiting such excellent attractions as the beautiful Cathedral and Treasury, the wide Stradun pedestrian walkway and the many fine old palaces and fortifications.
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1 The old city walls
Dubrovnik’s old city walls are one of its most famous features. Built in the 10th century and modified in the 13th and 14th centuries, these formidable walls – as high as six meters and up to six meters thick – provided a solid defense against invaders. Dubrovnik’s city walls are almost two kilometers long and are a great place for a leisurely stroll, offering plenty of excellent views over the Adriatic Sea and inwards over the old city center. Other highlights include the two towers, theMinceta Tower and theBokar Tower , together with two fortresses, theFort Lovrjenac and theRevelin Fort. Access to the walls is via the main entrance to the left ofStapelpoort (admission will be charged).
2 Stradun outside Dubrovnik
Spectacular Stradun is a place where residents and visitors alike gather day and night to watch the world wander by. Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most picturesque pedestrian streets, the Stradun has many cafes and restaurants and is a good place to rest after a day of touring Dubrovnik. Stretching 300 meters in length and famous for its white limestone pavement, the street dates back to 1468, although many of the surrounding buildings were built in the 17th century after the devastating 1667 earthquake, when most of Dubrovnik was badly damaged. The Stradun’s unique homes are designed to accommodate upstairs living and business activities at the highest level and are notable because their main doors and windows are located under the same arch.
3 Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury
Standing on the site of an older cathedral from the 6th century and destroyed by earthquakes, the beautiful Dubrovnik Cathedral – also called the Cathedral of the Assumption (its full name is the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary) – designed in baroque style by Andrea Buffalini from Rome. The cathedral is notable for its three aisles, three apses and beautiful interior decor, with highlights including paintings by Italian and Dalmatian artists from the 16th to the 18th centuries, including Virgin of the President > by Raphael from the early 1600s. A must-see is the Cathedral Treasury with its many important relics, the most famous of which is part of the cross where Jesus is thought to have been crucified. Other famous relics include the head, leg and arm of St. Blaise, dating from the 13th century, as well as a beautiful display of 138 gold and silver relics from around the world.
Address: Dubrovnik Municipality, 20000
4 The city gates
For centuries Dubrovnik has been famousStacked Gate has served as the main entrance and is still the most interesting entry point to this fantastic old city. Formerly the pedestrian path gate – one of two entrances to the Lapad area – was surrounded by a moat complete with a drawbridge built in 1537 and features a pleasant garden in the old moat. Other highlights include a statue of St. Blaise in a niche in the arch and carved by the famous Croatian artist Ivan Meštrović and, within the ramparts, a door dating back to 1460. Another gate worth seeing is the 14th century < a i=3>Ploce Gate, just behind the Asimov Tower and designed as a “double defense system” that proved effective in times of trouble. Also imposing and located across the moat from the Ploce Gate is theRevelin Fort, designed by Tvrđava Revelin in 1580.
5 The square of the Loggia
The square of the Loggia
The Loggia Square in Dubrovnik has long been a central gathering point for citizens and visitors alike. The Loggia Square, home to some of Dubrovnik’s most famous buildings and public monuments, is located in the northeastern part of the old city center. Highlights includeOrlando’s Column, built and designed by sculptor Antonio Ragusino, as well as the famousLoggia of the Bellsdating from 1480 and used as a warning system by residents in times of unrest. Here you will find theChurch of St. Blaise, important for its Baroque facade and its collection of priceless works of art. Also interesting in the square are a bell tower from the 15th century, the main guardhouse and the small fountain ofOnofrio.
6 Gibraltar outside Dubrovnik: Fort Lovrijenac
The name “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar” Due to its location on a rocky promontory just outside the western wall of the city, Fort Lovrijenac has long been one of Croatia’s most important fortresses. Standing an impressive 37 meters above the Adriatic Sea, this breathtaking fortress proved impregnable during the many sieges the Venetians faced. underwent since its completion in the 11th century (legend has it that the Venetians themselves planned to build a fortress here, but were pushed through by zealous townsfolk). Also notable for its unusual triangular layout with its three terraces, Fort Lovrijenac – also known as Fort Lawrence – is accessed via two drawbridges and a gate through its impressive walls, as thick as 12 meters in places. The fortress not only functions as a tourist attraction, but is also used as a venue and backdrop for the famous DubrovnikSummer Festival and its many theatrical and musical performances. a>
Address: Dubrovnik Municipality, 20000
7 The Great Fountain of Onofrio and St. Savior Church
Built between 1438 and 1444, the famous Great Fountain of Dubrovnik Onofrio is probably the best known of the city’s many historical monuments. An easy walk from the Stapelpoort, this monumental structure is today slightly smaller than the original due to damage caused by the 1667 earthquake. An important part of the original city’s water supply system (also designed by Onofrio de la Cava) that carried water from the Dubrovacka River, the fountain stands directly in front of the equally attractive St. Savior Church (Crkva sv Spasa), built in the early 16th century as thanks for what city elders felt that divine intervention spared the city during an earthquake a few years earlier. One of the few buildings to survive the devastating earthquake of 1667 intact, this small place of worship is well worth a visit for its fine Gothic and Renaissance features.
Address: Ulica od Puča 8, 20000, Dubrovnik
8 The Dominican and Franciscan monasteries
The Dominican Monastery of Dubrovnik was built at the beginning of the 13th century and was so large that its construction required only moving parts of the city walls. Badly damaged during the 1667 earthquake, the monastery was completely rebuilt in its current form with special attention to the preservation of features such as the beautiful late Gothic cloister (the original was designed by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo of Florence in the 15th century). A special highlight is visiting the Monastery Museum with its many religious paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries in the style of the Dubrovnik (also known as the Venetian) school, interesting objects made of gold and silver and other relics. Be sure to also visit the town’s Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the most valuable libraries in Croatia and a fascinating medieval pharmacy with its old decorated pots. , measuring instruments and mortars (the pharmacy has been in use since 1317). There is also an on-site museum with objects of historical interest and an art collection.
9 The rector’s palace and the cultural-historical museum
Designed by Onofrio de la Cava in 1435, the Rector’s Palace, now home to the city’s Cultural History Museum, has changed a lot over the centuries. This beautiful old palace was a beautiful mix of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles. It was severely damaged by a gunpowder explosion not long after its completion, later by a fire and then again in 1667 when an earthquake struck. Today, this well-preserved building is a joy to explore, especially its pleasant central courtyard (try to coincide your visit with one of the regular summer classical music performances). Also interesting is the bust of Miho Pracat, a former merchant from the island of Lopud. Highlights of the museum’s collection of 15,000 pieces include many interesting exhibitions on life in the Republic of Ragusa during the Middle Ages, as well as numerous fine paintings by Venetian and Dalmatian artists.
Address: Dubrovnik Municipality, 20000
10 The Fort of St. John
On the eastern edge of the old town is the Fortress of St. John, known to locals as the Fortress of St. Ivan. This imposing building was once an important part of Dubrovnik’s defenses and now houses several modern attractions to entertain visitors. The upper area houses the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum with displays of Dubrovnik’s maritime past illustrated by model boats and ship artefacts, while the lower area features the a> with its many interesting exhibits of local and exotic fish, as well as an excellent collection of seahorses. Also worth a visit nearby is Fort Bokar, designed and built by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo Michelozzi and a great place to visit for its excellent views over the city and the Adriatic Sea.Dubrovnik Aquarium
Where to stay in Dubrovnik for sightseeing
To see Dubrovnik’s main sights and absorb the city’s rich history, the best place to stay is near the pedestrian zone of the Old Town. If you prefer a quieter location, the Lapad Peninsula, about three kilometers northwest of the old town, is an excellent choice, and many of the luxury hotels here offer beautiful sea views. Here are a fewhighly rated hotels in these prime locations:
- Luxury Hotels: Boasting breathtaking views of the coast and Old Town, the clifftop boutique Villa Dubrovnik takes guests to the heart of the historic action in minutes in a private speedboat. The Royal Princess Hotel is located above a beautiful boulevard along the Lapad Peninsula, about five kilometers from the old town. It offers a swimming pool and beach access and beautiful sea views. Also with a swimming pool and easy access to the beach and within walking distance of the Old Town, the waterfront Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik has a contemporary feel and beautiful views of sea from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The pet-friendly Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is located a few steps from the Old Town and offers excellent value for money.
- Mid-range hotels: Located in the port of Gruz, a short bus ride from the Old Town, the boutique hotel Berkeley offers modern rooms and apartments with a swimming pool and free breakfast. You can walk to the old town from the pet-friendly Hotel Lero in about 20 minutes, but there is also a bus nearby. The hotel offers a swimming pool and free breakfast. In a beautiful park-like setting, Hotel Zagreb is housed in a historic residence within walking distance of the beach and a short bus ride away from the Old Town.
- Budget Hotels: Hotel Perla is located a few steps from the sea and a 10-minute bus ride from the historic city center. It offers clean, simple rooms and includes breakfast. Also a short bus ride from the old town, Hotel Petka offers simple rooms, some with sea views, while the quaint Stella Apartments, with kitchenettes, are in a great location about a five-minute walk from the old town.
Tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to Dubrovnik
- View the cityscapes: Enjoy two different perspectives of the city on Dubrovnik’s Super Saver: MT Srd Cable Car Ride plus Old Town and Walls Walking Tour. Glide over the rocky slopes of Mt Srđ on a cable car for panoramic views of the city, then explore the atmospheric streets of the Old Town on a walking tour. This amazing 4.5-hour excursion combines two popular sightseeing trips, including an expert guide, a round-trip cable car ride, and entrance to the city walls.
- Game of Thrones Tour: If you are a Game of Thrones fan, the Viator Exclusive: ‘Game of Thrones’ Walking Tour of Dubrovnik a fun way to see some of Dubrovnik’s main historical attractions that also featured in the famous television series. The three-hour guided walking tour includes an expert guide and entrance fees to the Dubrovnik City Walls and Lovrijenac Fortress. You can upgrade the tour to a 1.5-hour visit to Trsteno Arboretum, the site of the Queen Entrances Palace Gardens. This enhanced tour also includes round-trip transportation from the Old Town to the Arstenum of Trsteno and the entrance fee.
- Paddling along the Old Town: For a different perspective on the city and a more intimate tour, consider the Dubrovnik Sea Kayak and Snorkeling Small Group Tour. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will paddle in a kayak along the old city walls and go to Betina, a cave beach, where you can enjoy a snack and a drink and snorkel in the cool, clear water. This fun half-day excursion includes kayaking and snorkeling equipment; a safety briefing and instruction; bottled water; snacks; and hotel pickup and drop-off, if you select this option.
- Take a day trip: From Dubrovnik it’s easy to hop across the borders on a day trip and add some of the fascinating neighboring countries to your itinerary, without having to worry about all the details. plan. On the full-day trip to Montenegro from Dubrovnik, an experienced guide will pick you up directly from your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan and drive you along the dramatic Dalmatian coast to this small but breathtakingly beautiful country. The tour includes a ferry ride and entry to the World Heritage-listed Kotor, where you can explore the walled, medieval city of Budva and visit the luxury island hotel of Sveti Stefan. A boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks Island is optional. Also with hotel pickup and drop-off, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Day Trip Including Medjugorje and Mostar takes you across the border to visit this beautiful country, including Mostar and the holy site of Međugorje, a popular Catholic pilgrimage site. Explore Neum by the sea and the UNESCO-listed Počitelj and learn all about the region’s rich history from your experienced guide on this full-day excursion, which also includes entrance fees.
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