Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a picturesque city with massive medieval stone walls built in the 7th century, overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik is called the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea. The best time to travel to Dubrovnik is late spring and early fall, when the beach bathing temperatures are pleasant and hotel room rates drop.
History
Dubrovnik was discovered around 614 as Rausa by Roman refugees escaping the Slav and Afar war, which was conquered by Epidaurus southeast of Dubrovnik, according to Britannica. The Slavs and Romans established a colony and developed a civilization.
The Byzantine Empire gained control of Dubrovnik after the fall of Rome. Dubrovnik defended itself against foreign forces from the 9th century to the 12th century. Following the Venetian division, it remained an independent and liberal state, providing asylum for refugees from all nations.
The port of Dalmatia was sold to Venice in 1420, while Dubrovnik remained a free city republic for centuries, maintaining a relationship between the East and West. Dubrovnik signed a treaty with Turkey that opened trade opportunities with the Ottoman Empire and Europe. By the 16th century, Dubrovnik was engaged in trade with India and the Americas.
In the late 18th century, Dubrovnik was the first to be recognized by the United States as an independent republic. The city sent ships to Spain in 1588 during the Armada’s invasion of England.
By the 15th and 17th centuries, Dubrovnik earned the title of South Slav Athens, thriving with art and literature, and developing the South Slav language into literature alongside maritime and trade achievements.
An earthquake struck parts of the city, destroying the cathedral, monasteries, and other places, and killing 5,000 residents. During the Napoleonic Wars, Dubrovnik, from 1800 to 1805, remained a neutral power and regained success through trade.
In 1808, Napoleon gained control of Dubrovnik. In 1815, the Congress of Vienna gave it to Austria, and in 1918, it became part of Yugoslavia and Croatia in 1939.
A bustling city
Today, Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean Sea, and its seaport serves as the center of the Dubrovnik-Nerva County.
The best things to do in Dubrovnik
Enjoy a scenic walk along the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, which takes about two hours and offers spectacular views of the city.
The Dubrovnik Cathedral showcases stunning Baroque architecture with a domed roof. This cathedral features art dating back to the 1500s, housing 100 holy relics made of gold and silver, as well as a part of the cross from Jesus’s crucifixion, and honors the patron saint, St. Blaise.
Visit the old town of Dubrovnik, including Loggia Square with its historic buildings, the church of St. Blaise, Orlando’s Column, and Onofrio Fountain. The main attraction of the Dubrovnik city wall is Pile Gate, a drawbridge that is surrounded by a moat. The bridge was raised at night to protect the city from foreign enemies.
The Franciscan Monastery was built in the 1300s and features a library with over 21,000 rare manuscripts. It is also one of the three oldest pharmacies that served the locals with medicine. Additionally, it functions as a museum showcasing fine art and artifacts.
Fort Lovrijence was a defense for Dubrovnik, overlooking the Dalmatian Coast and the Adriatic Sea to monitor for incoming enemies. Ride the cable car 1,350 feet above the beautiful old town of Dubrovnik and the mountainside of Mount Srd.
Visit Banje Beach, known for its white sand and the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Coast. The calm waters are perfect for kayaking, and there is a variety of waterfront beach restaurants available. Lokrum Island is just a short ferry ride away and offers ancient churches, midland saltwater lakes, dense forests, a botanical garden, and a nudist beach.
Rectors Palace, built in 1435, is one of Dubrovnik’s best museums, showcasing unique architecture in the Renaissance and Gothic styles. Sometimes, you can catch a live music performance in the main square.
You can take a Game of Thrones tour to explore all the locations where the series was filmed, featuring historical landmarks.
The Dubrovnik Museum of Modern Art opened in 1945 with a collection of over 3,000 pieces by renowned artists Marko Murat, Niko Miljan, and Marko Rasica. The museum also houses a modern art collection from the 19th century to World War II.
Take a day trip to Montenegro, a charming medieval village with a wall, just a two-hour drive from Dubrovnik.
Elafiti Island is located to the north of the Dalmatian Coast and comprises six pieces of land. The islands feature the beautiful ancient village of Lopud, which boasts narrow streets, historical homes, and monasteries surrounded by gorgeous gardens. Be sure to visit the fruit groves on Sipan and explore the forest of Kolocep.
For wine enthusiasts, a tour to sample different grapes from the Croatian Uplands to Slavonia and the Danube is recommended. Dubrovnik is known for its favorable climate to grow grapes. Croatia is home to approximately 300 wine districts.
Dubrovnik boasts several renowned cliff bars featuring outdoor terraces and panoramic views of the city and ocean.
Tips to get around Dubrovnik
Wake up early before the old town gets busy and avoid cruise ships, which are an excellent opportunity for a day trip. Also, keep your passport handy if you cross a border. Everything in Dubrovnik is within walking distance of the old town.
You can rent a car to travel around Croatia, and public transportation, which includes buses and boats, is another option.
