| The
walled city of Dubrovnik lies on the south-eastern tip of Croatia
and despite the shelling in 1991, it is still standing and has retained
much of its beauty and charm. The history of Dubrovnik stretches back
to the 7th century when barbarians wiped out the Roman city of Cavat.
The residents of Epidaurum (now Cavat) fled to the safest place they
could find which was the area where Dubrovnik is found today. Building
the city walls was of major importance and it appears that the city
was well fortified by the 9th century. By the 12th century, Dubrovnik
had become a centre for trade with a massive export market to the
Balkans.
Much
of the Renaissance architecture of Dubrovnik was tragically destroyed
by a massive earthquake in 1667. 5000 people were killed and much
of the city was brought to ruins. Much of the city was rebuilt
in uniform Baroque style with modest dwellings in rows.
The
city extends about 6km from the mouth of the Rijeka River in the
west to the cape of Sveti Jakov in the east. The old walled town
lies to the south-east of Lapad which is a leafy suburb where
most of the fine hotels are located. The entire old town is closed
to cars and is almost divided completely in half by the wide street Placa. There are no hotels in the old town but you will find some
of the finest restaurants.
Tourist
Information
The Tourist Information Centre is located on Placa and is open 8am
- 8pm, Monday to Saturday and 9am - noon on Sunday. Telephone 426
354. Email; tzgd@du.tel.hr
Internet
cafes
The largest and most popular internet cafe is DU Club Net which
is located Put Republike 7. It is open 8am until midnight, daily.
Post
offices
The main post office is located on the corner of Siroka and old Puca in the old town. It is open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and
8am - 2pm on Saturdays.
Most
of the tourist attractions are located inthe old town and some of
the most important include;
Pile Gate
Dating from 1537, this gate once housed the drawbridge that was raised
every evening. The gate was then closed and the key handed to the
Prince. There is an impressive statue of St.Blaise, the patron saint
of the city. as you pass through the outer gate, you come to an inner
gate, dating from 1460 and then onto Placa.
The Onofrio Fountain
This stands in front of you as you pass through the arch onto Placa.
The fountain is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Built in
1438 it once formed part of a water system that brought water from
a well, 12km away.
The
Franciscan Monastery and Museum
Located next to the St. Saviour Church on Placa and open 9am-4pm daily.
The monastery complex includes a 14th century cloister, a pharmacy
dating from 1391 and still functioning and the monastery museum which
contains an impressive collection of fine art.
At
the eastern end of Placa you will find the Orlando Column,
in the popular Luza Square. Carved in 1417, this used to be where
public events were held, including the regular markets. The forearm
of the medieval knight was the official linear measurement of the
republic - 51.1cm. Dominating the square is the Clock Tower,
first built in 1444 but restored many times. The latest renovation
was in 1929. Look for the two bronze figures in the bell tower.
In
the same square you will see Sponza Palace, originally
the customs house, then the minting house, treasury and then a bank.
Now it houses the state archives. The building dates from the 16th
century and can be visited for free, 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday.
The archives collection includes a priceless collection of manuscripts
dating back over 1000 years.
The
St.Blaise´s Church in Luza Square was built
in 1715 to replace an earlier church destroyed by the earthquake.
The church is built in Baroque style and has some impressive marble
altars inside.
The
Rector´s Palace stands next door and is open
9am-2pm, Monday to Saturday. The palace was built for the rector
who governed Dubrovnik and it has now been tastefuly presented as
a museum.
The
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin stands
across the square. This version of the cathedral was completed in
1713. The cathedral can be visited and watch especially for the
fine works of art and collection of gold pieces.
Activities
in and around Dubrovnik
Scuba-Diving [
see
a full guide here ]
There are excellent opportunities to dive in the waters around Dubrovnik.
The local dive school Navis Underwater Explorers offers a
full range of dives and courses. Dives to the Roman shipwreck costs
slightly more as special permission has to be sought.
Beaches
There are several good beaches nearby but some are private hotel beaches
and you may be charged unless you are a guest. A good option is to
take the ferry to Lokrum Island where you find a
rocky nudist beach and the ruins of a monastery.
Special events
The summer festival in Dubrovnik runs from mid-July to mid-August
and it has done every year since 1950. It includes a program of theatre,
concerts and dances. The opening ceremony takes place in Luza Square
and includes a firework display.
3rd February is St.Blaises´s Day and involves the whole city.
Staying in Dubrovnik
There are no campsites in Dubrovnik but you will find a selection
along the coast. [ see
a full list here ]
Hotels and hostals are plentiful.
[ search for accommodation here ]
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