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The ancient city of Dubrovnik, on the Adriatic Sea in southeastern Croatia, is known for its dramatically walled old town, its red terra cotta roof tiles, and its emerald green ocean waters. For these and other reasons, it's often called the pearl of the Adriatic. The city, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, draws about 1.4 million visitors each year and is home to some 42,000 residents.
Founded in the 7th century, the peaceful vacation destination that visitors see today has had its share of hard times, most recently when it endured a months-long siege during the Serbian/Yugoslav war of 1991-92. Dubrovnik was badly damaged, and most of its iconic roof tiles were destroyed. A major restoration after the war restored the city to its former glory. Most of its historic buildings were constructed in the Middle Ages, and it is these landmarks that most tourists are keen to explore.
Ancient Buildings Define Dubrovnik's Old Town
The Pile Gate is the traditional entrance into Old town of Dubrovnik, which can be easily explored on a walking tour. The gate was built in the 15th century and features a statue of St Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint. The Stradun, or main road, runs from Pile Gate to Ploce Gate, at the other end of the city. Its paving stones were laid in 1468, and today the road is lined with outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Other top attractions in Old town include:
- Onofrio’s Fountain built in 1438 by Onofrio della Cava, an Italian architect.
- The Franciscan Monastery built in the early 1300s and is said to be one of the oldest apothecaries in Europe.
- The Church of St Blaise is a Baroque-style building constructed in the early 1700s. It has a silver statue of the city's patron saint on its altar.
- The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was originally built in the 12th century but rebuilt in 1673 after an earthquake. Another quake in 1979 revealed the remains of an older Romanesque cathedral underneath, and further excavations uncovered an even older church dating from the 6th century.
Walk Dubrovnik's City Walls For Fantastic Views
Most of Dubrovnik's old town is surrounded by defensive walls that measure over 6,300 feet and, in some places, are as high as 83 feet. The Old town has been enclosed since the 13th century. Two hundred years later, 15 towers were added to the walls, and some can be seen today. The walls have four entry gates into the Old town, Pile Gate, Ploce Gate, Peskarija Gate, and Ponta Gate.
The city charges a fee to those who want to walk the walls about $30 per person. Plan on about two hours to walk all the way around. Several cafes are situated on the route, offering beverages and snacks. Also, the city provides restrooms along the way. Several local companies offer guided tours of the walls.
Dubrovnik Has A 'Game Of Thrones' Connection
Sections of Dubrovnik are prominently featured in the wildly popular HBO series “Game of Thrones.” For example, the riot scene in the television series was filmed at Pile Gate, many scenes of the Red Keep were filmed inside the city's Fort Lovrijenac, and scenes of the Purple Wedding were shot in the city's Gradac park.
Also, one of the series' most famous scenes, when Cersei walks naked in the streets of Kings Landing, was filmed on the Spanish steps at Saint Ignatius Church. Some of the local guide companies have created walking tours that specifically follow the scenes in “Game of Thrones.”
Beaches Near Old Town Offer Swimming, Water Sports
Several beaches are within walking distance from Old town, and some of them offer water sports such as kayaks and waterski rentals. In fact, sea kayaking is a particularly popular activity in Dubrovnik, and guided tours offer excursions to secluded beaches only reachable by water.
One beach location close to Old town and said to be good for families is Banje. Chairs and umbrellas can be rented, it's a calm water pebble and sand beach, and has a nice view of Old town. Another beach that caters to families is Copacabana, which has shallow water and a small water park for youngsters. Sulic Beach is located in a scenic cove with cliffs on both sides. A nudist beach is located on nearby Lokrum Island. It's accessible only by boat from the old harbor. Boats run throughout the day.
Most Hotel Accommodations Are Outside Old Town
Most of Dubrovnik's resorts and boutique hotels are located outside the historic walled city, and many are built into the cliffsides to the east and west of the city, offering great views of the city walls and Dubrovnik's beaches. Hotels in the area typically include breakfast in their rates. Well-regarded options include these:
- Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, with nightly rates of about $330, is an 1890s building with a restaurant, an indoor pool, and a spa.
- Hotel Dubrovnik Palace offers rates of about $165 and has views of the Adriatic Sea.
- Rixos Premium Dubrovnik is a beachfront property with nightly rates of about $172.
- Hotel Excelsior, where rates are around $227, offers two restaurants and a piano bar, and a spa and fitness center.
- Royal Blue Hotel has balcony rooms and is beachfront, with rates from about $160.
- Heritage Villa Nobile is located just 800 feet from a beach and has rates of about $220.