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Dubrovnik History Overview

Dubrovnik history can be traced back to the 7th century. Slavic migrants settled in the Dubrovnik area towards the end of the first Millennium in the towns of Laus and Dubrava. In the 12th century the marsh land between these two towns was reclaimed and Dubrovnik originally known as the Republic of Ragusa was founded. From 1205 - 1358 it came under the sovereignty of the Hungarian-Croatian Empire. For the next 450 years it governed itself. Socially it was a times divided by very distinct class structures but forward thinking enough to abolish slavery during the 15th century.

It subsistence came from fishing and its status as a port. In the mid 17th century as a recession in the Mediterranean severely affected Dubrovnik , the city was devastated in 1667 by an earthquake. In a bid to rebuild the and refortify the city it sold some of the surrounding territory to the Ottoman empire. In 1806 Napoleon occupied the city, until it was annexed to Austria in 1815 At the end of World War it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes which later became Yugoslavia. (See the Country profile) Before the fall of communism it was a one of the tourist jewels of the rich and powerful worldwide including the Kremlin. (See the Legacy of the wars).

Architecturally this city is very pretty but its immediate and surrounding coastlines are out of this world. It undoubtedly is one of the most relaxing coastal resorts on earth, especially as inspite of its previous and regenerated popularity it remains unspoilt.. English is widely spoken and the indigenous population are very welcoming. Restaurants are expensive and the best value accommodation wise can be found in rented apartments. A real must - enjoy!

 

 

Dubrovnik City Guide - Business & Tourist Travel Information

East Mediterranean Cruises inc Dubrovnik

Formerly know as Ragusa, Dubrovnik dates back to the 7th century. The Ancient City Walls that surround it were built in stone and fortified with towers over the next eight hundred years. In total there are 16 some 25 metres high. Visitors can walk around the top of these walls provided they are prepared to negotiate endless stairs. The Minceta Tower built in the 15th century is one of the few places where you can rest. From here, the over view of the Old Town and miles of coastline and sea is incredible. The entrance fee to this walk is less than €3 and there several admission points at ground level.

Within these walls there are a wide range of shops including some impressive clothes shops, an expensive Irish Pub. There are several .museums and art galleries details of which can be found on the official tourist board sites on this page. Other places worth vi sting include The Francisan Monastery which reportedly is home to Europe's oldest chemist and the very elaborately decorated Renaissance St Saviours Church.

A Legacy Of The Wars

Serb-Montenegrin forces attacked Dubrovnik in October 1991 and then lay a siege of the city which lasted until May 1992. During this seven month period the city was repeatedly bombed from the mountains and the sea.

Even after the city was liberated it was subjected to sporadic attacks for the following three years. Inspite of extensive repairs and rebuilding, evidence of these battles can be seen, in Dubrovnik itself and on the journey from the Dubrovnik airport.

It is one thing to see film of these events but standing at the entrance to the Old Town , by the broken mountain chair lift, and looking up at the mountain side where some of these attacks were launched from gives you another perspective on how very frightening living here must have been. It explains why some people seem to be still traumatised by these events but it also explains why they can be so friendly to visitors -once again.

The Sponza Palace in the old town has an exhibition dedicated to the people of Dubrovnik and the defence of the city in the 1991 siege.

The Annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Every summer the city hosts The Dubrovnik Summer Festival for six weeks from mid July. The summer festival has been celebrated for over fifty years.

From around July 10th till Aug 25th , the forty-five day event is filled with music, drama, folklore performances and concerts held on city's squares, terraces of the fortresses and in the churches and palaces.

Dubrovnik offers historic settings and excellent acoustic and environmental features. The opening ceremony on July 10th is a spectacular event in its own right, with the entire local population and tourists becoming part of the show.

Note: This festival is child orientated during the day and in the evenings there are musical and theatrical productions on open air stages, complimented by dance acts and some very impressive fire dancing. This is the city's busiest time. For more information including a list of all events visit the Dubrovnik Festival website

 

Close By - Cavtat Croatia

South of Dubrovnik is an old 6th century fishing village Cavat where you can dine on the edge of the sea. This village has a cove like coastline from which you can look across the clear waters at the nearby mountains.If Dubrovnik is heaven - this is where the angels sleep. For further information and pictures please visit. www.cavtat.com

Restaurants in Dubrovnik

There are numerous places to eat in Dubrovnik and you would be very unlucky to find a restaurant that you would not go back to. Club Nautika at Braslje 3 near the Pile Gate offers a variety of well prepared sea foods, and a particularly good 'buzara' (langoustines in tomato sauce) in a rather select environment. Expensive and aimed at the tourist trade.(Tel: 20 442 526)

One other establishment that sells equally good sea food and a thoroughly enjoyable Dalmatian smoked ham is Antunni at Prijeko 30 (Tel: 20 321 199). Their side dishes are excellent and their caramel cake is also a treat. Levant at Nika i Meda Pucica 15 (Tel: 20 435 352) has a good range of Dalmatian cuisine and some quite exotic meat dishes including prawns in a honey sauce. There is also a good wine list to compliment the food.

Wanda at Prijeko St 8 has a good selection of chicken and meat dishes . Their octopus salad is a rare treat. A long established family restaurant which is well known to the local is Polkisar at Ribarnica 1(Tel: 20 322 177). It has a wide range of dishes including traditional Dalmatian recipes, It alien, Cuban and Noodles. Their home made dumplings and Beef Stroganoff are well worth trying. Very friendly staff and fairly priced.

Editorial Notes: English is very widely spoken in restaurants in Dubrovnik. Prices of meals are on par with those in London and Amsterdam. € is widely accepted

Wanda Restaurant

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Restaurant Dubrovnik

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Polklisar Restaurant

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Crime and Personal Safety & Security In Dubrovnik & Croatia

In major cities pick pockets can be a problem. A legacy of the recent wars remains In some isolated rural areas and in the mountains where unexploded land mines which may still pose a danger.   Visitors to these areas should not move away from roads and pavements unless led by an experienced guide.

 

Dubrovnik Night Life - Nightclubs Music Dance
european clubbing & nightlife
european stag & hen weekends

Dubrovnik Jazz Club

One of the most relaxed attractions in The Old Town at Buniceva Polijava near the cathedral is The Trubadur Hard Jazz Club which features ad-hoc jazz sessions by musicians who some and go in as they please. The atmosphere here is symbolic of Dubrovnik - relaxed and informal and the open air bistro with its wicker chairs makes it a good place to chill out.

Accommodation In Dubrovnik Hotels & Apartments etc
please see accommodation advice >
Villas In Croatia
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Apartments In Dubrovnik
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Apartments Dubrovnik.com
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Grand Hotel
Taxis Service Dubrovnik
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