There's a wealth of history to be found within the walls of this resilient and beautiful Croatian coastal town.
Careful restoration and reconstruction have preserved the splendour of Dubrovnik's architecture despite the earthquakes, sieges and civil wars that have beset the city down through the centuries. Devastated in 1667 by a serious earthquake, it suffered more recent damage from shelling during the Croatian War of Independence. The fact that Dubrovnik still contains such a wealth of Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic buildings, squares and monuments seems almost miraculous under the circumstances.A good way to get your bearings is to spend an hour strolling along the Old Town's nearly 2 kilometres of city walls. Built between the 8th and 16th centuries, the walls are a historical landmark in and of themselves and, at 22 metres high in places, give you some fantastic views of this World Heritage Site and its many gardens, churches, fountains and palaces.When you enter the Old Town, you'll notice how unspoilt the streets and buildings look. This is because this part of the city is entirely pedestrianised and has strict regulations governing billboards and shop signage. While there may not be any signs, there are certainly plenty of shops Dubrovnik is a great place to pick up luxury and designer goods.Take a stroll down Placa, Dubrovnik's marble-paved main street, checking out the boutiques or stopping off at one of the many cafés or restaurants along the way. Just off Placa you'll find the Church of St Blaise. This pretty Baroque building was built in the 18th century and is dedicated to Dubrovnik's patron saint. Then it's a short walk to the Gothic-Renaissance Rector's Palace, which once housed the government of the former Republic of Dubrovnik.Dubrovnik's architectural grandeur is rivalled only by the natural beauty of its location on the Adriatic Sea. Take in the views while you enjoy the sparkling waters and sunshine at Banje, Dubrovnik's closest and most popular beach, or catch a ferry to some of the nearby islands from the picturesque Gruž Harbour. You can stock up on local produce and delicacies at the Gruž Harbour market, many of which you'll also find served in the Old Town's countless cafés and restaurants.Nightlife in the Old Town caters to all tastes. Take in a classical music concert at the Rector's Palace or unwind in one of the city's bars. If you brought your dancing shoes, head to the medieval Revelin Fort where the Culture Club Revelin nightclub keeps partygoers entertained until the early hours.The pedestrian-only Old City is easy to get around on foot, while the rest of Dubrovnik is well served by buses and taxis. The Dubrovnik Card is a good option for visitors as it includes free public transport, free entry into many attractions, restaurant discounts and a city guide.
