Summary of Attractions:
Anyone visiting Dubrovnik should ensure to investigate every corner of the city’s renowned walls and historic town. Following its feature in Game of Thrones, which highlighted the city’s stunning architecture, tourists have flocked to Dubrovnik to experience the real-life versions of “King’s Landing,” “Qarth,” and the gardens of the “Red Keep.”
Visitors can traverse the heights of the city walls and ascend the perimeter towers, or venture down the evocative streets of the old town to discover the churches, monasteries, and intriguing monuments of the area, each carrying a captivating tale.
Let us explore the top attractions in Dubrovnik:
1. City Walls
Dubrovnik’s formidable walls are among the features that earned the city a UNESCO designation, and those familiar with Game of Thrones will recognize various locations here.
These white limestone fortifications date back to the 600s, but their present structure originates from the 15th century, when the fall of Constantinople served as a stark warning for Dubrovnik’s leaders in anticipation of the approaching Ottomans.
Completing an entire circuit along the battlements typically takes approximately one hour, offering splendid panoramas of the city along the backdrop of the Adriatic Sea. Although guided tours provide additional insights, it is advisable to start early to avoid large crowds.
2. Old Town
Wandering through the twisting streets of Dubrovnik’s old town often feels akin to stepping onto a movie set, and you may find yourself developing a healthy appetite as your curiosity leads you through the maze of alleyways.
You can orient yourself on Placa, which serves as the main street of old Dubrovnik; it is a straight and broad limestone avenue lined with majestic old buildings.
As you proceed, you will observe that nearly all of these structures adhere to the same architectural layout, a result of a citywide mandate on building aesthetics after an earthquake and fire in the 17th century.
A procession occurs along Placa on St. Blaise’s Day, February 3rd, honoring Dubrovnik’s patron saint.
3. Cable Car
The optimal view of Dubrovnik can be experienced from the summit of Mount Srd, which rises 412 meters above the city, situated just inland.
Since the establishment of the cable car in 1969, it has operated until midnight during the peak summer period.
During daylight, the breathtaking vistas of Dubrovnik’s towers and walls, the sun-baked terracotta roofs of the houses, and the lush islands contrast beautifully against the deep blue Adriatic Sea. As night falls, one can relish the sight of the sun setting to the west behind the city.
4. Dubrovnik Cathedral
The cathedral stands prominently within Dubrovnik’s rich array of baroque architecture. Among the numerous reasons to visit this cathedral is to admire its exquisite interior artworks.
On the main altar, you will find a triptych depicting the Ascension of Mary, created by the renowned Renaissance artist Titian in 1550. The side altars feature additional remarkable works by esteemed Croatian and Italian artists from the same era.
The treasury is home to a collection of precious liturgical artifacts that date from the 1000s to the 1700s, including the gold-plated remains of St. Blaise.
5. Lovrijenac Fort
Perched on a prominent cliff 40 meters above the sea, Lovrijenac Fort is one of Dubrovnik’s picturesque defensive structures.
The fort gained prominence in local lore during the protracted conflicts with the Venetians. The invaders sought to establish a stronghold here as part of their efforts to seize the city. However, the local populace preempted them by constructing this fortress in merely three months at the outset of the 11th century.
During the Festival of Dubrovnik in the summer, be sure to attend the performance of Hamlet that is staged at this awe-inspiring venue.
6. St. John Fortress
As part of the city walls, St John Fortress is strategically positioned on the southeastern side of the fortifications safeguarding Dubrovnik’s port.
For centuries, the city was susceptible to pirate incursions, prompting the implementation of a clever deterrent.
Upon receiving a warning, the city officials would hoist a heavy metal chain that connected this fortress to Kase Jetty in the port, thereby incapacitating incoming ships.
A visit to the tower allows access to a small aquarium on the first floor, along with a maritime museum on the upper level.
7. Franciscan Monastery
This significant complex dates back to the 1300s and was relocated within the city walls after an earlier monastery was constructed and subsequently decommissioned outside of them.
The famous 17th-century earthquake devastated the church, which was later rebuilt in the baroque style, while the remainder of the monastery retains its Romanesque and Gothic features.
One of the highlights is the monastery’s pharmacy, established in 1317, making it one of the oldest operational pharmacies globally.
The library is equally impressive, boasting 20,000 volumes, among which are approximately 1,200 invaluable manuscripts.
8. Sponza Palace
This rectangular palace, featuring a charming loggia, was constructed in the early 1500s and has functioned as a secular public building since its inception.
The atrium within the building’s entrance served as a marketplace for merchants and traders up until the 20th century, featuring an inscription in the arch that cautioned against deceitful practices.
Sponza Palace was among the few Renaissance structures to withstand the devastating earthquake of 1667 unscathed.
Currently, the palace operates as the city archives, housing approximately 100,000 documents dating back to the 10th century.
9. Clock Tower
As the most prominent landmark on Luza Square, Dubrovnik’s clock tower stands at 31 meters tall and was constructed in 1444.
Atop the tower, two bronze figures known as “Baro” and “Maro” are positioned beside the large bell, each holding mallets that facilitate the chimes at noon daily.
After centuries of exposure to the coastal air of the Adriatic, the figures of Baro and Maro have developed a unique green hue, granting them their nickname, Zelenci, meaning “Green Men.”
10. Church of St. Blaise
This elaborate baroque church replaced a Romanesque structure that was lost due to the earthquake.
The contemporary edifice was designed by the Venetian architect Marino Gropelli in the early 1700s.
The church is considered a significant landmark due to its association with St. Blaise, known for assisting in fending off a surprise assault by Venetian forces in the 900s. Even though St. Blaise had passed away by that time (martyred by Diocletian in the 300s), he appeared in a dream to a priest from Dubrovnik Cathedral to forewarn him of the impending attack.
11. Orlando’s Column
Located at the eastern end of Placa, directly in front of the Church of St. Blaise, this stone column and flagpole dates back to the 1400s and serves as a central meeting point within the old town.
The medieval knight portrayed on the column is Orlando, who is credited with defending the Republic of Ragusa during a prolonged 15-month siege by Saracens in the 800s, thus maintaining Dubrovnik’s status as a free trade city-state.
Consequently, the column now symbolizes Dubrovnik’s liberty, and during local festivals, the flagpole is adorned with the Libertas flag.
12. Lokrum Island
Access to this island, situated directly across from Dubrovnik, can be easily obtained via ferry, with a mere ten-minute journey required to reach it. This provides a quick getaway from the crowded city atmosphere.
The island is almost entirely covered by lush pine forests that invite leisurely strolls along scenic walking trails.
These pathways also lead to coastal areas where rocky coves provide ideal swimming conditions, and the island is home to flocks of peacocks brought by Maximilian, the 19th-century Austrian Archduke.
The historic monastery on the island also hosts a restaurant during the summer season.
13. Trsteno Arboretum
This beautiful park situated on a hillside near the sea has its origins in the 1400s, rendering it one of the oldest arboretums in the region.
Dubrovnik’s role as a commercial hub enriched the arboretum with tree species from various parts of the world.
Notably, the monumental pair of oriental plane trees here, which are over 500 years old, are unique within Europe.
The arboretum features stunning sculptures and fountains, as well as an aqueduct designed to irrigate the grounds, making it a delightful location for a stroll.
This site also served as a filming location for the gardens of the Red Keep in (you guessed it!) Game of Thrones during its third and fourth seasons.
14. Beaches
While few of the beaches along this stretch of the Adriatic are sandy, they are celebrated for their crystal-clear waters that caress the shoreline, alongside the picturesque backdrop of pine forests or historic architecture.
Lapad Beach is among the more tourist-friendly spots to unwind by the Adriatic Sea.
A pedestrian zone lies just behind the beach, housing numerous bars and restaurants, while this gently curved bay features a wider beach made up of white pebbles.
Additionally, further around the bay, visitors can enter the sea for a refreshing swim from rocky areas.
15. Sailing and Sea Kayaking
Lokrum Island is just a glimpse of the many islands that encircle Dubrovnik, commencing with the pristine natural reserves of the Elaphite archipelago.
Several charter agencies are based at the marina should you wish to rent a motorboat for the day or embark on a significant sailing excursion.
For a more immediate experience, consider a sea kayaking tour to view Dubrovnik’s walls and towers from a new perspective.
There’s no need for extraordinary physical prowess to participate, as the pace is relaxed, with guides proficient in English providing essential information throughout the journey.
