Dubrovnik, nestled at the foot of Srđ Hill, is Croatia’s southernmost city and the administrative, cultural, educational, and economic heart of the Dubrovačko-neretvanska County. Its global popularity, however, mostly stems from its status as a tourist Mecca, holding the title of Croatia’s most famous destination.

Despite its beautiful beaches and more than 250 sunny days per year, most visitors tend to explore the historic Old City rather than the sea. Since 1979, Dubrovnik has held a prestigious spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, a testament to the enduring beauty of its cultural and architectural heritage.

The city offers far more than its postcard-perfect looks. Cultural events throughout the year have helped Dubrovnik maintain a loyal following of visitors. The Dubrovnik Summer Festival, founded in 1949, is a vibrant blend of musical, theatrical, and dance performances — many of them staged outdoors under the open sky. Its repertoire includes works by Marin Držić, Ivo Vojnović, William Shakespeare, Carlo Goldoni, and ancient Greek tragedians.

In 2000, the chamber music festival “Julian Rachlin and Friends” was launched, bringing world-class musicians to perform alongside the celebrated violinist and violist. To further diversify the cultural scene, the Libertas Film Festival was founded in 2005.

Walls, gates, and architectural wonders

The defining symbol of Dubrovnik is its magnificent city walls, protected by four imposing towers: Minčeta, Bokar, Revelin, and St. John. Each faces a different side of the world and offers panoramic views of the sea and rooftops.

Just outside the fortress stands Lovrijenac, often referred to as the Gibraltar of Dubrovnik. The city can be entered through four gates: Ploča, Pile, Ribarnica, and Ponte. Once inside, visitors are transported to another era, surrounded by churches, monasteries, palaces, summer residences, and museums.

Highlights include the Rector’s Palace, the small and large Onofrio’s Fountains (Dubrovnik’s ancient water sources), Orlando’s Column, and the city’s Bell Tower, all located along the city’s main street, Stradun.

Mysterious origins and the merging of two worlds

The city’s origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery. Though some evidence points to its existence during ancient Greek times, the more accepted theory connects it to the Roman city of Epidaurum (modern-day Cavtat), which was destroyed by Avars and Slavs. Survivors settled on a rocky island called Laus, forming the town of Ragusa. Meanwhile, Slavs established a nearby settlement called Dubrava, named after the surrounding oak forests.

These two settlements merged in the 11th century by burying the canal that separated them. That very spot became today’s famed Stradun. By the 12th century, Dubrovnik was flourishing, fortified by 2 km of defensive walls. Even under the Byzantine Empire’s rule, the city enjoyed a high degree of autonomy. However, it remained socially divided between wealthy patricians and poor plebeians — a division that persisted for centuries.

Did you know? Dubrovnik doubled as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones — you can walk the same streets where iconic scenes were filmed!

Under Venetian rule and the rise of independence

In 1205, the Republic of Venice conquered Dubrovnik, using the Crusades as a pretext. This marked the end of the city’s naval dominance, prompting it to strengthen trade with inland neighbors, particularly Bosnia. A document by Ban Kulin first referenced the name Dubrovnik, granting trade privileges to the city.

King Richard the Lionheart is also part of Dubrovnik’s lore; in 1192, he took shelter in the city during a storm on his return from the Crusades.

Dubrovnik only regained independence in 1358, when the Treaty of Zadar saw the Venetians relinquish control of the eastern Adriatic to the Croatian-Hungarian Monarchy. In practice, Dubrovnik remained independent — a masterclass in diplomacy.

Dubrovnik: a city ahead of its time

The Republic of Dubrovnik was a beacon of progress. It abolished slavery and banned the slave trade on 27 January 1416, becoming the first European state to do so. Dubrovnik was also the first to recognize the independence of the United States of America.

In the 14th century, the city had a population of about 40,000, comparable to London at the time. It boasted one of the first sewage systems, still operational today. In 1317, the third-oldest apothecary in Europe was opened in a Franciscan monastery — and it still exists.

Deals with the Turks and maritime glory

After the fall of the Croatian-Hungarian Monarchy to the Ottomans in 1526, Dubrovnik preserved its autonomy by paying tribute to the Turks in exchange for protection.

The Republic had the third-largest naval fleet in the world. Its Maritime Insurance Law, dating back to 1568, is the oldest of its kind. Dubrovnik’s ships reached England and possibly even the shores of North America. The city established a Croatian colony in India, in the village of Gandalium, where a Church of St. Blaise still stands.

Dubrovnik minted its own currency — silver coins called Artiluk — and flourished as a center of literature, science, and philosophy. It opened one of the world’s first quarantines in 1377, and its St. Clare’s orphanage was among the earliest in Europe.

Disaster, decline, and Napoleon’s endgame

A devastating earthquake in 1667, followed by fire, led to massive destruction and marked the beginning of the city’s decline. The rise of Atlantic trade routes also diminished its maritime significance.

In 1806, Napoleon’s army occupied Dubrovnik. On 31 January 1808, Marshal Marmont entered the city and formally ended the Republic. Despite efforts, Dubrovnik never regained its independence. It was absorbed into Dalmatia, later becoming part of the Habsburg and Austro-Hungarian Monarchies until 1918.

Twentieth century transitions

Dubrovnik’s nobility persisted until after World War I. In 1918, the city joined the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, later renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

During World War II, most citizens opposed the fascist Independent State of Croatia and joined the anti-fascist movement. After the war, Dubrovnik became part of the communist Yugoslavia.

In 1990, Croatia held its first free elections. Dubrovnik supported Croatian independence, confirmed by the 1991 referendum.

War, destruction, and rebirth

During the Croatian War of Independence, on 1 August 1991, the Yugoslav Army launched an attack on Dubrovnik. The city endured months of heavy shelling, with historic sites and civilian areas heavily damaged. Despite the devastation, the citizens rebuilt their city.

With help from UNESCO, Dubrovnik was fully restored and today stands as a symbol of resilience, a UNESCO treasure, and a cultural gem of Europe.

Tips & Tricks for Visiting Dubrovnik

1. Visit in shoulder season (May or September)
Avoid peak summer crowds while still enjoying good weather and open attractions.

2. Walk the city walls early in the morning
It’s cooler, less crowded, and the light is perfect for photos.

3. Explore beyond the Old Town
Check out Lokrum Island, Srđ Hill via cable car, and Cavtat for a local, quieter experience.

4. Avoid restaurants on Stradun
For better value and authentic food, wander into the side streets.

5. Buy a Dubrovnik Card
It includes access to major attractions (walls, museums, galleries) and local transport — a good deal if you plan to explore thoroughly.

6. Bring water and sunscreen
The stone streets reflect heat, and there’s not much shade — especially during midday sightseeing.

7. Take a Game of Thrones tour (if you’re a fan)
Many scenes were filmed in Dubrovnik — Fort Lovrijenac, the city walls, and Rector’s Palace are must-sees for fans.

8. Respect the locals
Dubrovnik is a living city. Be mindful of noise, especially in residential parts of the Old Town.

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