The article was prepared by Travel Dream Club UK www.traveldreamclub.uk
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Regardless of whether you are visiting Dubrovnik for the first time or the hundredth, the sense of awe never fails to descend when you set eyes on the beauty of the old town.
Indeed it’s hard to imagine anyone becoming jaded by the city’s limestone streets, baroque buildings and the endless shimmer of the Adriatic, or failing to be inspired by a walk along the ancient city walls that protected the capital of a sophisticated republic for centuries
Marvel at the interplay of light on the old stone buildings; trace the peaks and troughs of Dubrovnik's past in museums replete with art and artefacts; take the cable car up to Mt Srd; exhaust yourself climbing up and down narrow lanes – then plunge into the azure sea.
Walk the ancient city walls
Originally constructed to protect the city from pirates, the walls are now open to the public to gaze upon the city. Ranging from 3 – 6 metres wide & 25 metres high, the entire walk makes up 1,940 metres.
The walk takes about an hour and offers breath-taking views of the sea and iconic orange roofs.
Lovrijenac Fort
On a rock 40 metres above the sea stands Lovrejenac Fort. Legend states that the Venetians planned to build a fortress here to conquer the city, however Dubrovnik discovered their plan and beat them to it and built the fort in under 3 months.
Today the fort hosts dramatic performances of Hamlet during Dubrovnik’s summer festival and doubles as the ‘Red Keep’ in Game of Thrones.
The assumption of St.Mary at Dubrovnik Cathedral
This large baroque cathedral holds magnificent interior artwork including the assumption of Mary. Beneath the cathedral it was revealed the foundations of an earlier Christian Basilica dating back to the 7th/8th Century.
Some say the rebuild was financed by King of England Richard the Lion Heart.
Franciscan Monastery
Here is where you’ll find ‘Ljekarna Male Brace’, Europe’s oldest functioning Pharmacy dating back to 1317. Still functioning as a pharmacy today, visitors now come here to buy the famous Monks’ lush face cream made from a secret recipe. Built in the 13th century this gothic style building homes a magnificent 17th century library holding over 20,000 books and manuscripts.
Located on the Old Town Main Street this monastery is well worth the visit.
Church of St Blaise
St Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, was known for aiding the defence against a surprise attack from the Venetians, although not in body… Blaise had long been dead but came to the cathedral’s priest in a dream to alert him of the upcoming invasion.
The building is now an ornate baroque church with venetian style
Rectors Palace
This palace was built in the 15th century for the rector who governed Dubrovnik. The gothic building holds the rector’s chambers, office, public halls and even a dungeon.
Today the palace is a cultural history museum with restored portraits and artefacts displaying the history of Dubrovnik
Porporela
Despite being part of the often-crowded Old City, Porporela somehow remains a fairly isolated, romantic spot. It’s a 19th-century pier that juts out into the sea from Fort St Ivana, forming a protective barrier for the harbour.
Right at the end of it is a modern lighthouse – it's no larger than a lamppost, so it doesn't disrupt the view.
About 60 metres in length, the pier has a line of benches along its length, all looking out to sea and Lokrum Island. If you're lucky enough to get a seat, you can enjoy a pleasant sea breeze with the view.
Wine tasting in Dubrovnik
Believe it or not, Croatia hosts over one hundred indigenous wine grape varieties. The tradition of wine making lasts for centuries. Croatian wine is believed to be among the best ones in Europe so we advise you to check it out and taste some of the spectacular wines while staying on the south of Croatia. If you have a day to spare, take a wine tour, you will surely not regret it!
“ God bless and be content with this wine and, indeed give your divine mighty blessing to those who drink it !
Trsteno Arboretum
The 15th-century palace grounds for the beautiful flowers, ponds, sculptures and views are worth the 12-km bus ride northwest from Dubrovnik.
A big part of what makes the gardens especially remarkable is the diversity of the plants grown here. The noble family that once owned the grounds asked ship captains to bring seeds back from far-off lands, resulting in a collection that includes 2 famous Oriental plane trees, one of which is over 50 metres tall.
Dubrovnik Beaches
Sveti Jakov
St Jakov’s Beach is a secluded beach at the end of a coastal walk east from Dubrovnik Old City. Variously known as St Jacob’s Beach, St James’ Beach or Plaža Sveti Jakov, the shore here is pebbly sand while the sea is especially clean and vividly blue – well worth taking the 163 steps down the cliff.
Off in the distance, you’ll see the bustling harbour with the mighty Fort St Ivana guarding its entrance. Up on top of the cliff is the St Jakov Church, which gives the beach its name. Old and charming, it's worth checking out.
