English
Dubrovnik is a small coastal town of some 50,000 people, ideal for a mini-vacation or weekend getaway. Nestled on the Dalmatian Coast, it has been part of Croatia since 1991, although it managed to remain independent for almost a thousand years. Walking through its streets one can understand why it is known as the pearl of the Adriatic and why it was so coveted and besieged throughout its history. The Normans, the Venetians, the French, the Turks, the Hungarians and the Austrians have all left their mark on it, lending it a rich cultural diversity.
If you plan to travel to Dubrovnik but do not have much time to visit, we’ll suggest an itinerary that you can do in one day. You won’t want to waste a single minute, so that you can discover the city’s main attractions.
A good starting point is the Gate of Pile, formerly the main entrance into what is now known as the Stari Grad (Old Town) and the Wall. Its drawbridge will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The style of the exterior gate is Renaissance, while the interior is Gothic. We highly recommend a walk along the Wall, which has delightful views of the city and the surrounding sea. It ends at the Old Port, one of the oldest spots in Dubrovnik and one that served a vital role in its history. You can also visit theMaritimeMuseumthere.
Back in the city, another must-see is the Luza Square, where the social life of the locals is concentrated. It is the city’s main square and is surrounded by places of local history, including the Sponza Palace, the Clock Tower and Roland´s Column.
Entering the Placa Street, the main street of the historical part of the city, one can see the cultural and architectural wealth of Dubrovnik in all its glory. The Church of San Blas, an imposing baroque cathedral, houses a gold-plated statue of San Blas, the city’s patron saint. A few meters further, you’ll see theRectorsPalace, which dates from the Renaissance and was the seat of government.
Leaving Placa Street and heading back to the Gate of Pile you’ll encounter the small Church of St. Saviour. Featuring both Gothic and Renaissance elements, it was built in 1520 as an offering to God after having survived an earthquake. Behind it you’ll see the Franciscan Monastery with its charming cloister, which can boast of housing one of the oldest pharmacies inEurope(1391). In addition to relics, you can view the remains of the attack suffered at the hands ofYugoslaviain the small museum.
Outside awaits the end point of our journey, the Onofrio Fountain. It’s an ideal place to take a break. It once served to supply water to the city and still has the 16 original masks created in 1438 from which the water exits.
If you still have time, we recommend taking a walk through the narrow streets of the Old Town, which remind us of Venice. They are full of monuments and lovely cafés where you can relax. Or maybe you’ll want to take a short boat ride through the magical waters of the Adriatic and discover the small surrounding islands.
For your stay in this small oasis, choose one of our apartments in Dubrovnik that are located in Old Town. You´ll just be a few meters away from a number of these attractions and you´ll be able to get to know some local customs.
