It
is no wonder Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik; the ancient walled city
is one of impressive historic beauty, and certainly seems borrowed from another
world.
Dubrovnik,
also known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, sits in splendour on the southern
Croatian coastline. It is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site listed old
town, surrounded by formidable stone walls. As playwright George Bernard Shaw
said during a visit in the 1920s, “Those
who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik”
There
are many things to do in and around the old town of Dubrovnik. Due to the
proximity of everything, visitors could easily see a lot during a long weekend,
but Dubrovnik could also provide ample distraction to warrant a longer visit.
Here are my favourite things to do in Dubrovnik.
Walk the city
walls
As
such a recognisable feature of Dubrovnik, the opportunity to climb the walls
that are centuries old, and enjoy the magnificent and sometime intimate views
across the old town is one not to be missed. Walkers are rewarded with birds’
eye views out to sea, across the terracotta coloured roof tiles, and into life
on the streets beneath. The walls to the city stand 24 metres high and the
walls facing the sea are 3 metres thick, while those on the land-side are 6
metres thick. They feature two main gates, Pile (in the west) and Ploce (in the
east), and it is at these points that you can enter the walk. It is obvious to
start with the walk along the top of the walls for visitors that are short of
time, but it is also a great way to familiarise yourself with the old town,
which can seem maze-like in places. The full circuit stretches for about 2
kilometres.
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| View south across Dubrovnik old town, from the northern city wall, Croatia |
Stroll
on Stradun
Stradun
is the main thoroughfare through the old town. It runs from east to west,
connecting the two city gates. The white limestone paving on this wide avenue
dates to 1468 and, following centuries of footfall, is highly polished (and can
be slippery when it rains). Constructed after an earthquake in 1667, the buildings
on either side of Stradun house boutiques, art galleries, cafes and
restaurants, and on higher levels residences and visitor accommodation. The
Onophrio Fountain sits at the eastern end of Stradun. Dating back to the 1400s,
the impressive polygonal cistern was once Dubrovnik’s lifeline, bringing water
into the city. Visitors strolling along Stradun, gelato in hand, walk towards
the bell tower that towers over Luzo Square. The 31 metre tall tower dominates
the Dubrovnik skyline and offers great views to those that climb it. Special
features include the clock face with bronze showing the phase of the moon, and
two bronze figures that strike the clock tower bell each day at noon.
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| Stradun, main street in Dubrovnik old town, Croatia |
Dubrovnik
Cable Car up Mount Srd
Mount
Srd stands proud behind Dubrovnik and, at over 400 metres in height, offers
incredible views over Dubrovnik and across the Adriatic, as well as across the
hilltops inland. While it is possible to walk up the weaving footpath, many
visitors enjoy the far easier, and fairly smooth, three-minute cable car
journey. A restaurant at the summit provides a comforting breeze and is an
excellent spot for lunch or a simple snack as you take in the view. A little
further along the hillside there is also a monument to the soldiers who fell
during the siege of Dubrovnik. The Museum of the Croatian war of independence
is also on the hilltop, housed in the old barracks, offering a unique insight
into the conflict in the 1990s.
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| Dubrovnik old town, as seen from the top of Mount Srd, Croatia |
War
Photo Limited
Wandering
around Dubrovnik’s old town these days, it seems incredible that the city was
under siege only 20 years ago. A stark reminder is provided in the War Photo
Limited gallery, which houses an excellent exhibition of photographs showing
images of what life was like during the conflict, as well as temporary exhibitions
from war zones around the world. The gallery is well laid out and also features
background information into the local conflict. It is challenging, emotionally,
but well worth a visit.
Memorial
Room of the defenders of Dubrovnik
Housed
in a small room off the atrium of the Sponza Palace, the memorial room of the
defenders of Dubrovnik holds a collection of photographs of the soldiers that
died defending the city, as well as photographs of the city taken during the
conflict and artefacts. The use of portrait photos of the individuals lost is
very moving. The room is small and it will be difficult to see anything at all
if your visit coincides with a tour group.
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| Sponza Palace Atrium, Dubrovnik, Croatia |
Rector’s
Palace
An
impressive building of gothic arches and decorated columns, the one-time home
of the rector that governed Dubrovnik, and gothic style Rector’s Palace dates
to the 15th century, and also features renaissance and baroque
elements. The building is now home to the Cultural History Museum and exhibits
interesting artefacts that show what life was like through Dubrovnik’s history,
in artfully restored rooms. There is also a collection of clocks stopped at
5.45, which is the time Napoleon’s men took the city on January 31, 1806,
marking the fall of the Republic of Ragusa. A bust of wealthy merchant Miho
Pracat (1528-1607) who left wealth to the republic for charitable purposes when
he died stands in the courtyard.
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| Rector's Palace, Dubrovnik, Croatia |
Franciscan
Monastery
Founded
in 1318, Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Monastery is the oldest monastery of its kind
in Europe. While plain from the outside, the building features a cloister of
roman arches supported by double columns from which gargoyle faces grimace at
passersby. The monastery features a small museum of medieval laboratory
equipment and medical books used in the monastery’s pharmacy. There is an
internal garden of Mediterranean plants and fruit trees that can be glimpsed
from above on the city walls.
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| View south east across Dubrovnik, with Franciscan Monastery in foreground, Croatia |
Old
Pharmacy Museum
Incredibly
still operating as a pharmacy today, the medieval monastery pharmacy is one of
the oldest chemists in Europe, giving it the feel of being a living museum.
Interesting displays include some historic and grim medical instruments, as
well as pots and bottles from the 15th century. A visit will leave
you wondering what the locals used to this historic pharmacy must think of
modern pharmacies.
Dine alfresco by the harbour
Dine alfresco by the harbour
The
old town harbour is a working harbour and is busy during the day with fishermen
and daytrip passengers. However, it is especially lively at lunch time and in the evenings as the busy restaurants and cafes along the quay serve hungry diners spectacularly fresh
seafood.
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| Dubrovnik Old Town Harbour, Croatia |
Sunset
drinks
While
sunset drinks overlooking Dubrovnik from the top of Mount Srd are nice, it
involves a significant trip home. An easier place to enjoy a drink as the sun
sets over the Adriatic is, the aptly named, Buza Bar, which clings to the rocks
on the outside of the old town walls on the southern sea-facing side of the
city. It is tricky to find, involving a tunnel through the city wall, but the
sunset view makes it worthwhile.
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| Sunset over the Adriatic, Dubrovnik, Croatia |
Dubrovnik
has become a popular destination in recent years and regular international
flights make it easy to get to. The airport is 20 kilometres south east of
Dubrovnik old town. Regular (but busy) shuttle buses run to and from the
airport and taxis are also available.
Have
you visited Dubrovnik? What would you add to this list?
