What to visit
The city walls - The city walls of Dubrovnik bond the present and the past, and represent one of the best defence systems in Europe. The total length of the walls total up to 1940 metres, and together with 5 defence towers make Dubrovnik a must on your list of places to visit. Walk the walls that encompass the old town core, enjoy the view of the tops of the houses within, the sea and the island of Lokrum, and you will feel like you are travelling through time. Today within the towers of Dubrovnik cultural events and concerts take place, where the tower of Minčeta is a favourite location for weddings.
The Sponza Palace - The national archives are located in the Sponza palace, where documents dating back to the 12th century are kept, here you can see how Dubrovnik developed its political, commercial and economical relations with the rest of Europe, considering Dubrovnik was an independent republic.
Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik - Is the monumental and impressive fortress outside the city walls from where the main entrance to the city was guarded. It testifies of the city's origin and the heroic accomplishments of its protectors and defenders. Today Lovrijenac is especially exquisite during the Dubrovnik summer games, a performance of “Hamlet” is one of the traditional shows each season.
Orlando’s column - In the vicinity of the gate of Ploča the Orlando column is located, where the figure the medieval hero Orlando is sculpted; he was the alleged nephew of Karl the Great. The column of Orlando was erected in Dubrovnik in the 15th century as a symbol of freedom and state independance. Today, during the Dubrovnik summer games a flag with the sign Libertas (freedom) is lifted on top of the column. Today the column is also a favorite meeting place for the citizens of Dubrovnik, arrangements made to meet at the column and go on from there are very common place. You should do it too!
About Dubrovnik
The city of Dubrovnik is a medieval pearl of the Adriatic coast. Located in the very south of Dalmatia, Dubrovnik has a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Through history the city of Dubrovnik was an independent republic, where they kept their sovereignty through diplomatic channels and seldom with war.
The stone walls of Dubrovnik, which are protected by UNESCO encompass a complex of public and private buildings such as churches and monasteries. Some of the more special places are: the main city street – Stradun, Knežev Dvor (The Dukes court), the church of St. Vlaho, cathedrals, the city hall and the customs buildings. The city of Dubrovnik is full of museums and fortresses.
Through history the port of the city of Dubrovnik was of high importance, and an economical centre. It had its own laws, the first pharmacy in Europe, a strong naval forces, but also a very developed cultural and educational tradition; the citizens of Dubrovnik were considered as „gentry“. The people of Dubrovnik are especially proud of the fact that the Irish writer George Bernard Shaw wrote „those who seek heaven on earth, should come to Dubrovnik“ during his stay in Dubrovnik.
Not far from Dubrovnik, in the town of Trsteno the oldest arboretum in the world is located, dating back from the 15th century. The oldest trees in the arboretum are the two plantations over 400 years old. In the bay in front of Dubrovnik lies the island of Lokrum, where according to legend, Richard Lion Heart was rescued after a shipwreck. On the island you can find fortresses, a botanical garden, a monestary and beautiful beaches, including nude beaches.