Dubrovnik is an ancient city on the Adriatic Sea coast in Croatia’s extreme south. It is a seaport and the administrative center of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, as well as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. In 2011, its population was at 43,000 people. Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dubrovnik (Latin: Ragusa) was founded on marine commerce. In the Middle Ages, it was the only city-state in the Adriatic that could compete with Venice. The city experienced a remarkable degree of growth throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, aided by its riches and excellent diplomacy. Furthermore, Dubrovnik was a center for the development of the Croatian language and literature, with many prominent poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians, physicists, and other academics residing there.
Today, Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most prestigious tourist destination, an exclusive destination, and one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik was formerly an autonomous country that relied mostly on commerce. It survived for centuries despite frequent challenges to its territory, most notably from the great Ottoman Empire and Venice. Celebrities found it as a spot to be seen as early as the nineteenth century. “Those who want heaven on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it,” George Bernard Shaw famously stated. The city has attracted royalty, presidents, and diplomats. Dubrovnik was a favorite of late Pope John Paul II, who was even designated an honorary citizen. In 2010, Dubrovnik has 13 of the top 23 luxury hotels in Croatia.
Dubrovnik is rich in architectural and sculptural detail, with magnificent cathedrals, monasteries, museums, and fountains. The Elaphiti Islands, the charming village of Cavtat, the Konavle valley, Mljet Island, Korula Island, Ston, and the Peljesac Peninsula are just a few of the characteristic towns and excursions. The nearby cities of Kotor and Perast in Montenegro, as well as Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, provide for interesting day outings.
The annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a 45-day cultural extravaganza that includes live performances, concerts, and activities. The Editorial Office, in partnership with the Trade Leaders Club, gave it a Gold International Trophy for Quality in 2007.
The city’s patron saint is Sveti Vlaho (Saint Blaise), whose sculptures may be seen around the city. He is revered in Venice in the same way as St. Mark the Evangelist is. Saint Blaise is the name of one of the city’s biggest churches. The city’s patron saint, Sveti Vlaho (Saint Blaise), celebrates his feast day on February 3. Every year, the city of Dubrovnik commemorates the event with a Mass, parades, and many days of festivities.
The back of the Croatian 50 kuna banknote, printed in 1993 and 2002, depicts the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
The city is home to several historic structures, including the Arboretum Trsteno, the world’s oldest arboretum, which dates back to before 1492. In addition, the city is home to the third oldest European pharmacy, which dates back to 1317. (and is the only one still in operation today). It may be seen in the Little Brothers monastery in Dubrovnik.
Historically, numerous Conversos (Marranos) were drawn to Dubrovnik, which was once a significant seaport. According to Balthasar de Faria’s account to King John in May 1544, a ship arrived there loaded entirely with Portuguese immigrants. George Bernard Shaw, another fan of Dubrovnik, visited the city in 1929 and stated, “If you want to see paradise on earth, come to Dubrovnik.”
The 72-hectare forested island of Lokrum is in the bay of Dubrovnik, and tradition has it that Richard the Lionheart was put ashore there after being shipwrecked in 1192. The island has a fortification, a botanical garden, a monastery, and a naturist beach.
A few beaches are among the various tourist attractions. The Eastwest Beach Club is located on Banje, Dubrovnik’s major public beach. There’s also Copacabana Beach, a stony beach on the Lapad peninsula named after Rio de Janeiro’s famed beach.
Dubrovnik has also been referenced in popular theater and movies. One of the characters in Michael Caine’s film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is claimed to have dreamed about a fairy from Dubrovnik (motive known from local legends and literature).
