Dubrovnik Republic once used to be a powerful force in this part of the Mediterranean, with its caravels sailing as far as England, India and America. Today, Dubrovnik is known as the pearl of the Adriatic, loved by all types of tourists – especially for its two kilometers long city walls and picturesque historic locations that scored the city a major role in the massively popular TV show Game of Thrones.
Most Dubrovnik hotels are located on the Lapad peninsula, west from the city centre. Lapad is the ideal spot for hotels with different categories, whereas some examples of high category hotels are More, Ariston, Royal Princess and Royal Palm. Hotels in the eastern part of the city offer a magnificent view of city walls. There are not that many hotels in the Old town itself, but you’ll find plenty of rooms and apartments for rent in the summer season. Hotel and private accommodation prices in Dubrovnik follow a similar pattern as other Croatian tourist destinations, i.e. cheaper prices can be found between October and Easter, with the exception of Christmas and New Year, of course. Around Easter, prices start to gradually go up, and as expected, the highest prices occur in July and August, during the peak of tourist season.
Dubrovnik is located below Srđ mountain which provides a magnificent view of the Old town. This stunning historic core can be entered through the town gates called Pile and Ploče. Before you pass through Pile, the thick walls of Lovrijenac fortress will most certainly catch your eye – the fortress is a symbol of Dubrovnik summer games and a place for theatre plays, with Shakespeare’s Hamlet being one of the most popular plays performed on site. To the left of the gate you will see Minčeta, Dubrovnik’s highest tower which is shaped like a crown.
When you pass through the gates, Stradun opens before your eyes – the main street, completely made of stone and lined with baroque palaces and churches. One of Dubrovnik’s most famous monuments is the Big Onofrio’s Fountain, built over 600 years ago, which later led to construction of Dubrovnik’s first water pipeline. At the end of Stradun street you’ll find the Pillar of Orlando, a symbol of freedom, sporting the Libertas flag during the Summer games. The historical headquarters of Dubrovnik Republic were located in the Duke’s Palace, while the town hall today serves as the political centre of modern Dubrovnik.
In front of those buildings, you’ll spot two most significant churches in town, first one being the cathedral of Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary. Legend says it was built by King Richard the Lionheart as a gesture of gratitude when he survived the shipwreck near Lokrum. The second most significant church is the Church of St. Blaise. Stories say the saint appeared before the local priest, claiming that Venetian ships in front of the city do not have the friendly intentions they claimed to have. The townsfolk were warned and the town was saved – and St Blaise (Vlaho in Croatian) became the city’s protector saint. When you enter the city harbor, you will see the Revelin fortress and Ploče Gates as well as St John Fortress, the most recognizable sight in Dubrovnik.
For those who want to take a dip once they are done sightseeing, there are lots of swimming spots near Banje, Lapad and St Jacob beaches, as well as in Konavle, Župa and Cavtat, places surrounding Dubrovnik city.
