Croatia's Fortified City
Inside the Old Town, you’ll enjoy walking through the streets and viewing
the architecture, most of which dates after the earthquake of 1667. Many of
the buildings of interest belong to one of the major religions, attesting
to Dubrovnik’s diversity. The Cathedral of the Assumption
of the Virgin Mary and Treasury (Riznica Katedrale) has roots going back to
the 7th century. Its current Baroque style replaced the Romanesque structure
destroyed in the earthquake.
Another site is the Orthodox Church and Museum of Icons. The church is open
daily from 8 am – noon and 5-7 pm. The museum is open Monday through
Saturday, from 9 am – 1 pm; 10 kn entry fee. Dubrovnik also has a mosque
and synagogue and other churches.
An interesting place to see is Europe’s oldest pharmacy, located inside the Franciscan Monastery.
The pharmacy opened for business in 1318 and is still going strong.
For secular sites, stop in at the Aquarium (Akvarij) where you can cool off
while looking at undersea creatures, and the Maritime Museum (Pomorski Muzej)
where you can learn about the city’s long sea-faring history.
What to Do
Dubrovnik’s location by the sea draws water enthusiasts,
from sun bathers to more active types. You can swim, fish, sail, and dive
in a truly magnificent setting. The sea also provides good eating, and the
local people provide the cuisine. Nearby islands provide picturesque villages,
wine and nature areas. Dubrovnik’s Summer Festival starts the evening
of July 10th and lasts for a month while residents and visitors join together
in a happy, colorful party.
Dubrovnik’s thriving nightlife includes its own version of Bourbon Street, namely B. Josipa Jelacica 11, where you can find a number of clubs.
Getting There and Getting Around
You can get to Dubrovnik by car, bus, ferry, and plane but not by train. You
can fly Croatian Airlines from Zagreb to
Cilipi Airport, about 18 km (11 miles) from Dubrovnik’s center. You
can take a bus from the airport, which takes about 20 minutes to get to the
town. There are also taxis available. For intercity buses, the main bus terminal
is on Put Republike 38, a 25-minute walk to Pile Gate or a shorter city bus
ride. You can of course drive to Dubrovnik but be prepared
for limited parking especially in the summer months.
Once you’re in Dubrovnik, you can get around easily by foot or by the decent public transportation system consisting of buses. To get to nearby islands, there are several ferry companies.
Lodging
You can choose from a range of hotels and also private rooms or apartments.
There is one campground in Dubrovnik but others are in the
area. The youth hostel is not far from the bus station.
Dining
Dubrovnik offers more than 60 restaurants, serving mostly local cuisine but
also some other choices. Most major credit cards are accepted. Usually a service
charge is not included in the bill, so a tip is appreciated. The norm is 10
percent.
Seafood is a top item, as are grilled lamb and beef. Pasta, fresh vegetables, olives, herbs and sheep’s milk cheese are part of the cuisine. You can dine on arambasici, stuffed vine leaves, a local favorite. Try wine from the nearby islands of Korcula or Lopud, such as Posip or Grk, short on vowels but delicious.
Shopping
Your choices are surprisingly limited. You can always take wine or olive oil
with you. There is an English-language bookstore called Algoritam on Placa.
Tourist Information
For links to hotels, restaurants and transportation, see the Dubrovnik
online tourist office.