"Dubrovnik - Ragusa" Top 5 Page for this destination Dubrovnik by pure1942

Dubrovnik Travel Guide: 1,695 reviews and 4,481 photos

Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

The aesthetic beauty of Dubrovnik is quite simply breathtaking and a visit to the city makes it clear why George Bernard Shaw referred to Dubrovnik as ‘paradise on earth’ and why the city has become one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. The city sits at the end of the coastal tail of Croatia and access to this most southerly region of the country can be a little difficult, apart from flying direct. However, the effort required to get to Dubrovnik is more than made up for by the stunning architecture, natural beauty and ancient history which awaits every visitor to Dalmatia’s crowning glory.

Stari Grad - Old Town
Stari Grad - Old Town - Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is Croatia’s most famous and precious jewel. Although plagued by an ever-increasing number of tourists, a stroll through the exquisite Old Town is still a special experience for all visitors.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town has always been a popular destination for visitors but the Balkan Conflict of the 1990’s caused severe damage to Dubrovnik, both physically and economically. Dubrovnik has now recovered from the pointless and strategically useless shelling of its beautiful Old Town and is now welcoming visitors back to enjoy the newly reconstructed splendour and architectural gems which include The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, Dominican Monastery, Jesuit Monastery, Onofrio Fountain, Fort St. John, St. Blaise’s Church and Sponza Palace, not to mention the mighty City Walls which have protected the Old Town and Harbour of Dubrovnik for centuries.
However, as if its architectural treasures were not enough, Dubrovnik is more than just an open-air museum of Venetian, Medieval and Baroque styles of construction and art. The atmosphere of this place is unique. From the overcrowded main drag of Placa to the quieter and more secluded squares and alleys, Dubrovnik’s Old Town has to be experienced to be appreciated and no matter how much you might yearn to be able to enjoy it in unattainable solitude, take solace in the fact that you are somewhere uniquely special. Try to forget the crowds around you and just appreciate that while you are not alone in the experience, you are still immensely lucky to be able to see it at al

Turbulent Past
Turbulent Past - Dubrovnik

Historically Dubrovnik has always had a powerful strategic and economic importance. From the Greeks to the Romans and from the Slavs to the Venetians, with an ever-present threat by Ottoman forces, Dubrovnik was always going to be sought after, due to its important location on the mid Adriatic coast. Its power and independent nature is historically evident with the proclaimation of the city as a recognised, independent republic (Ragusa) during the 14th century. Wealth and power brought about by merchant trading and a strong naval and marine tradition fuelled the building of Dubrovnik’s breathtaking Old Town and imposing City Walls and the grandeur and splendour we can see today are there as a result if this independent history.
Strife was never far from Dubrovnik and even as recently as the 1990’s Dubrovnik has been attacked by foreign armies. The pointless and strategically useless shelling of Dubrovnik by the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) between 1991 and 1992 sent shock waves around the world, as there was no military significance to the shelling. All wars have similar cruel and disgusting episodes and all sides have their own sides to the story and tales of cruelty to tell, but the siege of Dubrovnik was unquestionably wrong and disgustingly brutal. Thankfully, most of the damage has been repaired and the city is back, looking its shiny best...with the ever increasing crowds of tourists, now ready to return to what has always been one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. After-all, Dubrovnik is used to adversity. The city was also destroyed by a more natural foe, in the form of a devastating earthquake in 1667. Dubrovnik again, emerged from the dust, shook itself off and rebuilt and restored itself to its resplendent glory...let’s just pray it won’t have to again and that it will remain as it is for many more centuries to come.

  • Last visit to Dubrovnik: Apr 2009
  • Intro Updated May 21, 2009
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Reviews (58)

Border Crossing – Montenegro/Croatia - Dubrovnik Border Crossing – Montenegro/Croatia Transportation (8)

Crossing the Montenegrin Border is generally hassle free, especially by bus. Private cars are more likely to be searched... more travel advice

Border Crossings – BiH/Croatia - Dubrovnik Border Crossings – BiH/Croatia Transportation (8)

Travelling by bus or car from Mostar to Dubrovnik involves more border crossings than you might think. Your car or bus... more travel advice

Mostar (BiH) to Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik Mostar (BiH) to Dubrovnik Transportation (8)

If like us, you will be travelling to Dubrovnik from Mostar you’re only option is to take a bus...there are no train... more travel advice

Lokrum Ferry - Dubrovnik Lokrum Ferry Transportation (8)

The ferry to Lokrum Island leaves from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, to the east of the Old Town. The ferry leaves regularly... more travel advice

Comments (7)

  • Reply
    IreneMcKay's Profile Photo
    Apr 20, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    Fantastic and very informative page. irene

  • Reply
    Stine620's Profile Photo
    Aug 26, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    Nice page, it looks really beautiful out there. And really good photos!

  • Reply
    Durfun's Profile Photo
    Apr 23, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Nice insight. Cheers :-)

  • Reply
    MikeBird's Profile Photo
    Jun 18, 2010 at 10:55 AM

    Brian, Really helpful, informative and well presented tips here. Thank you for taking so much care in producing them. We're planning a trip around Christmas. Mike

  • Reply
    TheWanderingCamel's Profile Photo
    Jan 31, 2010 at 5:31 AM

    A fabulous page - and one that deserves a lot more notice! We stayed at the Bokum on our first visit to Dubrovnik, nice to know it's still the same hospitable place we found then.

  • Reply
    HORSCHECK's Profile Photo
    Jun 15, 2009 at 1:33 PM

    Brian, outstanding page with brilliant photos. It reminds me a lot on our visit last September, although from your photos it looks like you had clearer sky and the old town wasn't as packed as it was when we were there.

  • Reply
    hunterV's Profile Photo
    May 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM

    It's a great place to admire! Thanks, Brian, for your nice page...<><><>

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