DUBROVNIK & DUBROVNIK REGION - general informations

Dubrovnik is situated in Southern Dalmatia, the most beautiful part of the Adriatic coast.

Rich vegetation, beautiful lakes, rare islands, white pebble beaches and the crystal clean sea, all make this region to an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

History
George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city: for him, it was paradise. Edward VIII and Mrs. Simpson's last trip abroad before they were married was to Dubrovnik and the Croatian Adriatic. (The locals even claim that they wanted to settle there.) Prince Charles visited a few years ago and left captivated, as did Baroness Thatcher; Michael Foot (the former leader of the Labour Party) is a regular visitor. Millions of other people also take home happy memories from this "jewel of the Adriatic".

Dubrovnik has a remarkable history. An independent, merchant republic for 700 years (abolished by Napoleon in 1806), it traded with Turkey and India in the East (with a consul in Goa, India) and had trade representatives in Africa (Cape Verde Islands). It even had diplomatic relations with the English court in the middle ages. (There is a letter from Elizabeth I on display in the City Museum in Dubrovnik). Its status was such that powerful and rich Venice was envious of this Croatian-Slav city.

The old town was completed in the 13th century and remains virtually unchanged to the present day. Tall ramparts surround it and there are only two entrances to the old town which lead to the Stradun, the city's promenade. One of the greatest pleasures for many visitors is to have a drink in one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by, whilst they themselves are being watched by the city patron, St. Blaise, or Sveti Vlaho as the locals call him. In 1991/2, the Serbs shelled the city causing considerable damage, but thanks to local efforts and international aid, the old town has been restored to its former beauty.

But whatever we say, our words do not give justice to this dazzling place. So come soon and see it with your own eyes!

Getting there
Dubrovnik is the most southern city in Croatia, and the most practical way to reach the city is to do so by air. There are daily flights from Zagreb with Croatia Airlines, and weekly flights from several other European cities. From March 2005, British Airways will start daily flights from London Gatwick, whilst Aer Lingus will have several flights a week from Dublin.

It can also be reached by bus from Zagreb (which takes about 12 hours), Rijeka, Split or Trieste in Italy. The most pleasant journey to the city is probably by Jadrolinija ferry from Rijeka, which stops at islands and ports such as Zadar, Split, Hvar and Korcula along the way, and takes about 17 hours. There are also international ferry services from Bari in Italy.

Things to see
You will probably enter the old town through the Pile Gate - in front of you is the Stradun. Here you will find the Onofrio Fountain, built in 1438. On the right is the Franciscan Monastery, with one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, in operation since 1391. At the other end of the Stradun, you will find the locals' favourite meeting place, the Orlando Column, with the nearby Sponza Place and the baroque church of St. Blaise. Here is also the Rector's Palace, built in 1441, which is now a city museum packed with valuable and historic exhibits.

Opposite the palace through a narrow street is a square, Gunduliceva Poljana, which is the site of the busy morning market. In the same square is the Jesuit Monastery from the early 18th century. From here you can head for the little old town port and visit the city walls, built between the 13th and the 16th centuries, which encircle the city and which have been remarkably preserved.

If you are visiting in the summer, do not miss the world-renowned Dubrovnik Summer Festival, with music, theatre and dance performances. The version of Hamlet on Lovrijenac Tower is magic. The Dubrovnik International Film Festival also runs for three days at the end of May.

During the September every year you can be part of famoust music festival Rachlin & friends.