Explore Croatia
Old Town of
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Croatia - Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities in the World, widely known as “Pearl of the Adriatic”! The thousand-year-old history of this area is considered to be of outstanding value to humanity so the Old City of Dubrovnik was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979. The majestic city walls, the Minceta tower, Lovrijenac and Revelin fortresses, Onofri’s fountain, St. Vlaho’s Church and Stradun, the main street, showcase the rich history and heritage of the area and are inevitable photo stops.
Being situated in a very beautiful part of Croatia with its picturesque, verdant hinterland only recently being rediscovered and reevaluated on one side and the archipelago of Elafiti islands counting as the Adriatic’s finest gems on the other, Dubrovnik offers a perfect combination of spectacular vistas, history and charm.
Besides numerous impressive cultural and natural sites, Dubrovnik provides outstanding nightlife, world-class restaurants with Michelin stars, and upscale bars. You are bound to find something for yourself.
History of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik history dates back to the ancient Greeks, as modern research and archaeological findings claim. The old town dates back to 15th and 16th Century, when Dubrovnik was an independent republic, powerful in diplomacy and trade between both Ottoman empire and Venetian Republic. With a 3rd largest merchant navy in the World, Dubrovnik made its wealth by transporting goods all across Europe, and later to the North America, and producing and exporting salt (from the famous salt works in Ston). All that wealth needed protection in form of walls and forts which are today being recognized as a world-famous tourist attraction.
Today, the city is home to 40.000 people, with more than 1000 living in the old town. Dubrovnik is a magnet for every tourist that comes to Croatia, and in summertime it can be quite challenging to navigate its streets, alleys and walls.
- February 3rd – Festivity of Saint Blaise, the patron of Dubrovnik is a festivity organized continuously since year 972 in the City of Dubrovnik,
- Year 1667: Dubrovnik earthquake
The 1667 Dubrovnik earthquake was one of the three most devastating earthquakes to hit what is now modern Croatia in the last 2,400 years, since records began. The entire city was almost destroyed and around 3,000 to 5,000 people were killed.] The earthquake marked the beginning of the end of the Republic.
what to expect
Most Popular Tours from/to Dubrovnik
what our guests say
Dubrovnik Croatia FAQs
Its motto is “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro”, which means “Liberty is not sold for all the gold in the world.”
The famous “City Walls” surrounding the old town are one of Dubrovnik’s most popular tourist attractions. The walls are 1940 meters long and encompass five forts and sixteen towers and bastions. One of the world’s most attractive museums in the open air, the walls are open for visitors all year round.
Did you know...
Dubrovnik was the main filming location in Croatia for King’s Landing, a fictional city in Game of Thrones, the famous television series based on the series of fantasy novels “A Song of Ice and Fire”. Learn more here.
The force is with you… and us! Learn more about how Dubrovnik was a filming location for Star Wars.
Dubrovnik was among the first states in the world to recognize the United States of America, in 1783.
Dubrovnik was among the first countries in Europe and in the world to ban the buying and selling of slaves.
History’s worst pandemic is thought to be the Black Death, which took between 75-200 million lives in the 14th century. As a desperate attempt to stop the spread of the plague, the world’s first-ever quarantine was implemented in 1377 by the Dubrovnik republic.
Who is Rudjer Bošković! He was a polymath who is famous for many things; the lunar crater Bošković was named after him for his contributions to astronomy. It was also Boskovic who suggested placing five concentric iron bands on the dome of St. Peter’s when a crack had been discovered; his suggestion was adopted and saved Michelangelo’s work from being ruined!
Related Blog Posts
What is the best time to visit Croatia?
Choosing the best time to visit a destination is probably one of the first decisions travelers face when trying to organize a perfect holiday for themselves.
Tipping in Croatia
Although it is usually left to personal discretion, tipping in Croatia is something worth educating about. We are here to give you some tips, recommendations, and an overall guideline on what is appropriate, expected, or respected in the world of Croatian tipping.
