About Dubrovnik
The Dubrovnik region
The city of
Dubrovnik is situated in the very south of the Republic of Croatia. It
is surrounded by a group of islands known as the Elaphite archipelago.
Dubrovnik,
listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is rich in cultural and
historical monuments.
The city is also the venue for numerous scientific, scholarly and literary conferences.
The
geographical position of the area is typical of a Mediterranean climate
with mild and damp winters, and hot dry summers with quite low air
humidity (approx. 2,600 sunny hours).
There is a wealth of contrast with the many bays, beaches, steep cliffs and densely wooded islands.
The particularity and uniqueness of Dubrovnik is its permanent live connection to its rich past and its cultural heritage, while it keeps vibrantly in pace with contemporary life, echoing its spiritual identity and its presence in the European cultural environment.
The place to start your tour of the Old City is the Stradun – the main street of the Old Town. From here wind your way through the narrow streets and view the sights from the top of the city walls to get a feel for this centuries old citadel.
The most recognizable feature which defines the History of Dubrovnik and gives it its characteristic are its intact city walls which run uninterrupted for 1940 meters encircling the city. This complex structure, one of the most beautiful and strongest fort systems in the Europe is the main attraction to the city's visitors.
Five fortresses, St. Lawrence and Revelin together with another three incorporated in the city walls, Minčeta Tower, Fort Bokar and St. John's Fortress give to its visitors unforgettable view of the city. Weddings are held in the small St. Lawrence's chapel or on Minčeta Tower. Performances and concerts are organized on Fort Revelin and St. John's fortress during the Summer Festival.
The State Archives
in the Sponza palace, which contains the documents from 12th century on
attracts those who would like to know more about the political and
economical relation between Dubrovnik Republic and other European
countries in the past. Franciscan monastery with the museum that
contains the Old Pharmacy's inventory dates back to 1317 and it is a
curiosity to its visitors.
Dominican monastery with the collection of Dubrovnik School of Art 15th and 16th century, Treasure of the Cathedral with the reliquary and Rector's Palace are also great attractions.
The Maritime Museum (situated in the fortress Sveti Ivan) has a number exhibits on a permanent display, related to the maritime affairs of Dubrovnik and Croatia on the whole, with a particular emphasis on the history of the Dubrovnik Republic.
The museum of the Franciscan monastery keeps all inventories of the old
pharmacy, as well as the works of Dubrovnik jewelers, painters and
embroiders.
The treasury of the Dubrovnik cathedral keeps the relics of
St. Blaise, patron of Dubrovnik, and numerous paintings and works of
art.
The Rupe Ethnographical Museum presents traditional occupations
and the rural architecture of the region of Dubrovnik, national
costumes and hand-made textiles.
A great number of Dubrovnik
restaurants and taverns offer delicious specialities of local and
international cuisine. Sea
food is obviously a must-eat here – some of the 5 Star hotel
restaurants are worth trying for a nice meal too! Also, try some of the little villages and towns surrounding
Dubrovnik for a different slant on the local food...
The most
important event in the cultural life of the city is the Dubrovnik
Summer Festival (10th of July - 25th of August). It is a theatre and
classical and folk music festival; Concerts and other performances take
place on open stages in the town (Gunduliceva Poljana, Drziceva
Poljana, Lovrijenac, Revelin) or in beautiful interiors of the most
famous buildings (Duke's Palace, cloisters, churches). The repertoire
includes works of Croatian and world classics, performed by the leading
personalities from Croatia and abroad, including a number of
world-famous actors, directors, conductors, etc. So far several
hundreds of them have performed in Dubrovnik.
The artistic life
of Dubrovnik is characteried by numerous exhibitions taking place
throughout the year. Apart from already renowned galleries - The Art
Gallery (Put Frana Supila 23), its exhibition space Luza Art Centre
(Stradun), Sebastian - occasional and permanent exhibitions are also
held in other spaces as swell. Lazareti, just off Ploce gate, hosts some great exhibitions, well worth checking it out while in Dubrovnik.
The Dubrovnik carnival festivities
are also very popular - so-called Dubrovnik "karnevo" (local variant of
the word "carnival"), held ever since the early Middle Ages, when they
were brought from neighbouring Italy. Another important event is the
Feast Day of St. Blaise, also the Day of Dubrovnik (3rd of February).
The feast takes place for the whole week, including religious
ceremonies, a procession through the town, concerts, sports events,
entertainment and carnival programs.
