Dubrovnik, Croatia, is stunning! The “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this ancient walled city is one of Europe’s most visited. Its medieval architecture, crystal-clear waters, and rich history draw tourists from throughout the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Dubrovnik so special and offer some travel suggestions. So saddle up for a thrilling time travel adventure in one of Croatia’s most fascinating cities!
The Old Town
The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Dubrovnik is compact and completely walkable. It’s best visited early in the day when most cruise ship visitors have left for lunch and before the mid-afternoon crowds arrive. Guided tours are available but you’ll pay less by navigating on your own.
One of the highlights is the city walls. They were built and rebuilt in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries as Dubrovnik faced the constant threat of Turkish invaders. At 82 feet high and 20 feet thick, the walls encircle the Old Town.
Stradun, the main street, runs along the walls and offers great views of the city’s tiled-roof buildings and the blue sea. There are several entrance points to the walls and most people make a full circuit in two hours. Atop the walls is the 13th-century Lovrijenac fortress, which requires a steep climb up 175 steps. It houses a statue of Sveti Vlaho (Dubrovnik’s patron saint) and provides more stupendous views.
The Cathedral
The cathedral is one of the most recognizable sites in Dubrovnik thanks to its appearance on Game of Thrones. In fact, the famous Jesuit Staircase here served as the backdrop for Cersei’s walk of atonement. The cathedral’s interior is worth checking out as well; it houses 138 gold and silver reliquaries, including bits of Dubrovnik’s patron saint, St Blaise, and an alleged fragment of the cross.
The original cathedral was enlarged in the 12th century, but it was destroyed in a 1667 earthquake. The current building was rebuilt in the Baroque style. Inside, it boasts a polyptych of the Assumption of Mary by Renaissance master Titian and a copy of Raphael’s Virgin of the Chair.
A stroll along the city walls is a must-do for any visitor to Dubrovnik. For a small fee, you can make the full circuit and peer down onto the narrow streets and watch day-to-day life in the old town. It’s best to visit the walls early in the day before it gets too crowded.
The Dominican Monastery
Among the top activities in Dubrovnik is walking along the walls that encircle the city. They were constructed, expanded and reinforced from the 12th to the 17th century and are considered one of the greatest examples of medieval fortifications.
At the end of the 1.3-mile path, you will arrive at Pile Gate and Ploce Gate. Both gates were used in the past to protect the city from invaders, and now they allow you to see a well-preserved part of its rich cultural history.
The other main attraction in the Old Town is the Rector’s Palace, which served as a seat of government for the Republic of Ragusa until 1808. It features a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles and houses a remarkable collection of paintings including Titian’s Mary Magdalene with SS Raphael, Blaise, and Tobias.
Another highlight is the Dominican Monastery, whose 14th-century bell tower offers amazing views of the city. It also houses an impressive collection of religious art from Dubrovnik and Venice.
Mount Srd
The awe-inspiring stone walls that surround Dubrovnik were built between the 11th and 13th centuries to protect the city from war and epidemics. Hiking along them allows you to peer down into the narrow streets below and catch a glimpse of daily life. The 13th-century Lovrijenac fortress is another highlight, perched atop a cliff overlooking Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.
Those who aren’t up for the hike can take a cable car to reach Mount Srd instead. The ride is short but offers jaw-dropping views of the Old Town and surrounding countryside.
The city is also known for its gorgeous beaches. Rent a kayak for an even more unique way to see the Walls of Dubrovnik from the water. Many tours are available for this, with some companies offering sunset and full-day options. You can even visit Lokrum Island on some of these tours. The iconic terracotta rooftops of the Old Town are also visible from the waters.
Visit Dubrovnik’s stunning Cathedral while sightseeing. If you’re interested in nature and gardening, see our post on how to plant different trees. This article provides ideas for gardening and environmental conservation. You’ll learn how to choose a tree species and plant it. After appreciating Dubrovnik’s architecture, try planting trees with our complete advice.