Dubrovnik Destination Guide
Dubrovnik is a city in the southern most part of Croatia. It is one of the most important tourist resorts in the Mediterranean, a sea port and also the centre of the Dubrovnik-Neretva county. It's most remarkable site is the well preserved Old Town surrounded by medieval walls. The Montenegrin Navy bombed Dubrovnik heavily during the Croatian war for independence (1992-1995). Most of the damage has been concealed but if you look closely you will notice that the cobblestoned streets still bear the signs of damage from the mortars as do the stone houses from the bullets.
Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also called the "Pearl of the Adriatic".
Use our Dubrovnik Destination Guide below to find out what there is to see and do in this fascinating city. You should also take a look at our Dubrovnik tours, which offer insight into the impressive history and culture of Dubrovnik. If you would like general information for your holiday in Croatia, visit our Croatia Country Guide.
Things to See & Do in Dubrovnik
The pedestrianised old city is home to all of the major attractions. The city is an attraction in itself as a well preserved renaissance city. A good way to get to know the city is to visit the strong medieval walls which protected the Republic of Ragusa for centuries. These walls now provide an aerial view of the city's buildings for tourists. The main street in the old city is the Stradun, where you can find many historic sights including the Franciscan Monastery, Orlando’s Column, St. Blasius church and Sponza palace. The Palace was one of the few buildings to survive the dreadful earthquake of 1667. The Cathedral (now a museum) and the Rector's Palace (formerly the residence of the nominal head of the republic and a cultural venue now) are around the corner from here.
Follow the links below or scroll further down the page for details on some of the many interesting tourist attractions in Dubrovnik:
Churches in Dubrovnik
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (also called Dubrovnik Cathedral): According to legend, the original cathedral was built by Richard 1(Richard the Lion heart of England) in gratitude for his life being spared in a terrible storm off Dubrovnik. The current Roman Baroque cathedral was built in the 18thcentury. This baroque personification on Pred Dvorom has three aisles and a large cupola that is prominent on the city horizon.
Church of Saint Blaise: This 18th century baroque church is located at the top of the Stradun where it meets with Luza Square. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. The inside of the church has a statue of St. Blaise holding a model of Dubrovnik in his arms. This model depicts the city as it was before the damaging earthquake of the 17th century.
Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College: This lovely Baroque church is situated on a small hill within the old city.
Dominican Monastery: This is an especially valuable historic building, which, apart from its religious purpose, also symbolises the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik. It is open from 9 am to 6 pm (check for opening hours in off season as they might change).
Fortress Lovrijenac
Lazareti
This old quarantine centre is now a culture centre for concerts, exhibitions, workshops, night clubs, film, theatre and literature. The concert hall/bar is a very comfortable place and the sound system is quite good too.
Lokrum
Lokrum is a peaceful retreat on hot summer days. Only 10 minute taxi boat ride from the old city harbour, it is a nice spot for walks as it has a monastery, a fort with excellent views of Dubrovnik, and botanical gardens dating back to renaissance times. The beaches on the southern part of the island are made of big flat rocks and are perfect for sunbathing and jumping in the crystal clear sea. There is a naturist beach as well. Ferries to the island leave every half hour in the summer.
Rector's Palace
The former home of the city's rector is a short walk away from the Stradun. Unlike many dictators at that time, the rector did not overstay his term in democratic Dubrovnik as he only had a three month term in office. During his term he was mostly forbidden from leaving the palace except on official business. The palace is now a venue for traditional dancing and music in summer. It also has a good museum.
Sponza Palace
The motto on the palace ‘We are forbidden to cheat and use false measures, and when I weigh goods, God weighs me" says much about its former use; the 14th century palace was Ragusa's custom house and mint. Today it houses the State Archives and a small museum in memory of the locals who lost their lives fighting for the city in the 1991-1992 siege.
The City Walls
The Stradun
This is Dubrovnik's main road, also known as the Placa. It spreads right through the pedestrianised centre of the old city. It was originally the channel that separated Ragusa from the mainland and was filled in during the 12th century. It is home now to several cafes, bars, shops and restaurants, and is teeming with tourists in the summer. Take a walk down the Stradun and enjoy a drink at one of the many delightful cafes there.
Meet your local connection in Dubrovnik, Croatia - Jernej Masnec and the team of Dubrovnik Premium Services! We are excited to be apart of whl.travel and are excited to share our destination with travellers - with its rich culture and history and interesting people. What we like best is what is unexplored in Dubrovnik- including the beautiful and deserted beaches, hidden places where you can be completely alone and undisturbed by tourists.
