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Sightseeing in Dubrovnik

The renaissance citadel of Stari Grad in Dubrovnik has the most complete and perhaps the largest walls in Europe, which are certainly the most impressive sight in the city. Take a walk along the walls of the Old Town (Gradske Zidine), built from the 8th to the 16th century, and stroll across the ancient fortifications along a stone footpath 2 kilometres long, next to the Adriatic Sea. As you walk over the walls you will come to St Luke’s Tower, which protected the entrance to the harbour, and the semicircular 16th-century Fort St John, where you can visit the aquarium and the Maritime Museum.

At the peak of a hill 37 metres high stands the famous Fort Lovrijenac, which many call the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik. This rugged stone fort has protected the west entrance to the city since the 13th century. The fortress was used as a location for the shooting of the popular “Game of Thrones” television series. Today, it acts as a venue for some of the events of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Address: Općina, Dubrovnik.

The jewel of Dubrovnik is the Old Town, which has been included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start your walk at Pile Gate and then walk up the central paved road of Stradun and enjoy the scenery around you, with the picturesque cobbled lanes, the red-roofed buildings, historic churches and the charming squares. You will observe no cars or scooters, as the use of wheeled vehicles is strictly forbidden.

As you explore the medieval old town, you will see a number of delightful structures, such as the Large Onofrio Fountain and the Franciscan Monastery and Museum, a stunning example of 14th-century architecture with a wonderful blend of the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The Monastery houses rich artistic and archival treasures, as well as one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, which has been in operation since 1317! Even today, the monks continue to manufacture medicines and cosmetics from local herbs and plants, following the medieval recipes of the 14th century.
Address: Placa 2, 00385 20321410.

One of the most beautiful buildings in Dubrovnik and its Old Town is the Palaca Sponza (Sponza Palace), a remarkable structure of the 16th century which today houses the municipal archives while its atrium is used as a venue for events. One earlier use for this building was as the home of the literary society, when the city’s high society would meet in the elegant atrium for philosophical discussions.
Address: Općina, Dubrovnik, 00385 20312011.

The Clock Tower, the city’s landmark, has stood in the central Luža square since 1444. The time was originally rung on the old 2000-kilo bell by two wooden figures of soldiers, who were later replaced by bronze statues, which the locals named Maro and Baro. They are now more popularly known by the nickname zelenci, which means “green men”, from the colour that the salty air of the Adriatic has given them.

One of Dubrovnik’s more imposing attractions is the baroque Cathedral of the Assumption (Katedrala Marijina Uznesenja). King Richard the Lionheart contributed financially to the construction of the cathedral, as a token of gratitude for having been saved from a shipwreck off the island of Lokrum. The building was destroyed in the earthquake of 1667 but was rebuilt. Its exterior is adorned with statues of saints, while inside it is worth admiring the polyptich painting by Titian of “The Assumption of the Virgin” behind the altar of the church.
Address: Općina, Dubrovnik, 00385 20323459.

Take the cable car up to the top of Srd, the green hill with no vowels, 413 metres above the city. From the top you can enjoy a wonderful view of the citadel and the Adriatic Sea, which will take your breath away. This is where the imposing Fort Imperial is located, inside of which there is an exhibition on Dubrovnik during the Homeland War of the 1990s.
Address: iv 20000, Ulica kralja Petra Krešimira IV 10, 00385 20325393, www.dubrovnikcablecar.com

Excursions from Dubrovnik

If you find yourselves in Dubrovnik during the summer months you can enjoy a dip in the beaches near the city or take a cruise to the exotic islets of Lokrum and Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. The starting point for each excursion is the old port of Dubrovnik, on the eastern coasts of the Old Town, from where you can hop on one of the boats offering day trips to satisfy all tastes – simple cruise boats, old triremes and even colourful submarines!

It is worth going on an excursion to Mljet, one of the most beautiful islands of the Adriatic, located 23 nautical miles off the coast of Dubrovnik. In less than two hours you will come to the greenest island of Croatia, which has been inhabited since antiquity, while according to the myth Odysseus stayed there for seven years and delayed his return to Ithaca.

From Dubrovnik you can easily get to Bosnia and Montenegro and there are group trips organised by the local tourist agencies daily. Mostar in Herzegovina is about 2.5 hours away, while the picturesque and cosmopolitan Kotor is 2 hours away in aristocratic Montenegro.

Shopping

On Stradun, the main paved street in the Old Town, there are rows of little “na koljeno” style shops, the characteristic style of the citadel, where the door has a sales counter built into it. Among the items for sale are handmade pendants and other special types of jewellery, hats, laces, embroideries, ceramics and more.

If you enjoy wandering around bazaars then head down to Gundulieceva Poljana Square, where the locals have set up their stalls selling fresh fruit, clothes, flowers and even homemade sweets, such as Kraš Bajadera chocolates with almonds.

In Dubrovnik, everything is slightly theatrical, so you will sometimes encounter even street vendors dressed in Renaissance costumes.

Tradition holds that Croatia is the birthplace of the tie and you will find many boutique stores selling a wide variety of silk ties.

Food and Entertainment

In the Old Town and the harbour waterfront, you will find restaurants serving Mediterranean dishes with Croatian and Italian influences.

In coastal Dubrovnik, fresh fish and seafood from the fishing grounds of the Adriatic are available in abundance, served to you on wonderful terraces overlooking the sea.

Try oysters and mussels either steamed or braised and which are reared in the shellfish farm in Mali Ston Bay. You must also sample the local fish soup, seafood risotto, as well as pasticada, the Croatian stew, or arambasici, Dalmatian stuffed vine leaves.

Taste the wines produced in the local wineries as well as the local aperitif known as travarica, which has a similar taste to raki.

One traditional sweet that you must try is rozata, the Dalmatian version of crème brulee.

For coffee, take a seat at one of the little tables on Stradun, the paved central road of the Old Town, and enjoy the medieval and renaissance setting with the beautiful squares and lively crowds.

Summer nights in Dubrovnik are full of life and character, as there is more bustle in the port and the bars of the waterfront, where you should definitely go for a drink.

Getting from the airport to Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Airport, also known as Čilipi Airport, is an international airport which is small but modern. It is located 15.5 kilometres from the city centre, near the village of Čilipi.

To get to the centre of Dubrovnik from the airport, you can take a bus or taxi. The easiest way is to take one of the exclusive airport buses, which has only three stops: at Gruž, Pile in the Old Town and the airport. It is a good idea to have booked your bus tickets online first, in order to secure your seat. A taxi ride from the airport to the centre of Dubrovnik costs around 33 euros.

Fairy-tale Dubrovnik, with its medieval citadel and the wonderful nearby Adriatic islands, is one of the most popular destinations in the Balkans. Plan your trip by booking your flights and accommodation in Dubrovnik at www.olympicair.com and gift yourselves a wonderful escape to the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.