Located in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik is a small idyllic, Mediterranean style town fronting the dreamy Adriatic sea- truly a combination like no other. The first one will notice (or at least that was the case with me) once in Dubrovnik are the huge stone walls built in the 16th century which to this day surround the town as a reminder of Dubrovnik’s dramatic history. With that being taken into consideration, it probably shouldn’t be a surprise the fact that Dubrovnik joined the list of World Heritage Centers of UNESCO back in 1979 and ever since is one of Croatia’s most prominent touristic destinations.
If that’s not tempting enough to pack your luggage and go visit Dubrovnik right at this moment then just continue to read and find out which other locations make Dubrovnik so unique:
1. Stradun of Dubrovnik
Stradun of Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful 300 meters large picturesque pedestrian thoroughfares in entire Europe. Surrounded by the, previously mentioned, Walls of Dubrovnik this place is where you could meet most of the tourists and locals at the same time. The major attractions of Stradun of Dubrovnik are actually the centuries-old houses which first had been approved by the Republic Senate and then built along with the Stradun in 1667. The houses are almost identical to one another and each one of them has several shops on the ground floor where the tourists can purchase their souvenirs.
2. The City Gates Of Dubrovnik
Back in a day, every city had its own city gates, however not every one of them decided to keep those city gates to this day as it is the case with Dubrovnik. Luckily, Dubrovnik kept both of the entrances from which people could enter the Dubrovnik Republic (founded in 1358 and dissolved in 1808) and convert them into its most visited touristic attractions. Pile Gate is the name of the city gate of Dubrovnik from the west side of the walls of Dubrovnik where you could see a statue of St. Blaise and three stone heads of a bearded man between two beautiful sisters. According to the legend, the three stone heads were built as a warning to priests and nuns of an immoral life.
Ploce Gate is the second city gate located on the east city of the walls of Dubrovnik and it is totally identical as Pile Gate.
3. Fort Lovrijenac
Located on a 37 meters high cliff, outside the western wall of the city of Dubrovnik, Fort Lovrijenac is a fortress and theater in a triangular shape with three levels and even 10 cannons which were used to defend the Dubrovnik Republic. Right above the gate leading to Fort Lovrijenac is the famous quote carved in stone: “Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro” indicating that “freedom cannot be sold for all of the gold of the world”.
However, Fort Lovrijenac is not only popular for its huge historical meaning and the stunning panoramic view of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic sea, but also for being one of the locations where one of the most popular shows in the world, Game of Thrones, was filmed! So if you are a fan of this show- this is just one more reason to visit Dubrovnik and take a picture where your favorite actors filmed your favorite show.
Where: Ul. od Tabakarije 29, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
When: 8 am – 7:30 pm daily
Contact: +385 20 638 800
4. Rector’s Palace
Located in the heart of the town, Rector’s Palace is the place which served as a seat of the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa from the 14th century to 1808. During the reign, the Rector was not allowed to leave this palace unless in case of statesman and protocol obligations. The importance of the Rector was that huge that once Pile Gate and Ploce Gate were locked in the evening, the keys were given to him to then be returned to the people in the morning. Today this palace in Gothic-Renaissance style with certain Baroque additions belongs to the history department of the museum of Dubrovnik where people could go and feel the importance of the place in Dubrovnik’s history.
Where: Ul. Pred Dvorom 3, 20000, Dubrovnik, Croatia
When: 9 am- 6 pm daily
Contact: +385 20 321 422
5. Dubrovnik Cathedral Treasury
Designed by Andrea Buffalini of Rome in the 12th century, Dubrovnik Cathedral Treasury is a Roman Catholic cathedral where people could go and admire more than 200 ornate gold and silver reliquaries of holy body parts protected from visitors by a wall of glass. The relics of saints are believed to date from the 11th to the 19th century. However, this cathedral is mostly known for owning a portion of the cross that Jesus is thought to have been crucified upon.
Where: The center of Poljana Marin Drzic near Rector’s palace
When: from April 4th till November 1st:
Work days 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Sundays and holidays 11.00 am – 5.00 pm
From November 1st till April 4th
Work days 10.00 am – 12.00 am and 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Sundays and holidays 11.00 am – 12.00 am and 3.00 pm – 5.00 pm
