Croatia’s high vacation spot, Dubrovnik’s diminutive outdated city lies inside sturdy medieval fortifications, overlooking the deep blue Adriatic. Right here we introduce historic points of interest within the outdated city, together with noble Baroque buildings, museums and galleries. Past the partitions, we take you alongside the coast to find one of the best seashores and close by islands. Alongside the way in which, we additionally counsel among the most unusual locations to eat, drink and store.
Stroll a whole circuit of the Metropolis Partitions
Of all of the issues to do in Dubrovnik, absolutely the unmissable expertise is a stroll across the battlements of the medieval metropolis partitions. An entire 2km (1.25-mile) circuit reveals unbelievable views over the outdated city’s terracotta rooftops and out to sea. Initially constructed within the thirteenth century, the partitions protected the town (then referred to as Ragusa) from the surface world. At night time, the 2 entrances into the town Pile Gate and Ploče Gate have been locked, and picket drawbridges hoisted as much as forestall intruders from getting into.
When the Balkan peninsular got here underneath menace of assault by the Ottoman Turks within the Fifteenth century, the partitions have been additional strengthened with sturdy towers and bastions, plus some 120 canons. The primary entry level to the battlements is up a flight of stone steps, in your left as you enter city by means of Pile Gate. In summer time the variety of day by day guests is proscribed to forestall overcrowding, so early on-line reserving is really helpful. When you’re fortunate sufficient to be right here in winter, you might need the partitions all to your self.
Drink morning espresso on the Stradun
Espresso ingesting is a morning ritual in Dalmatia. In Dubrovnik, the place to do it’s the Stradun (aka Placa). This 300m-long white limestone-paved promenade, the principle thoroughfare by means of the outdated city, successfully hyperlinks Pile Gate and Ploče Gate. The Seventeenth-century Baroque stone buildings that flank the Stradun host small retailers and open-air cafes at road degree. That is the place locals meet for espresso, learn the morning newspapers, and watch the world go by. Probably the greatest spots is Gradska Kavana on a raised terrace on the finish of the Stradun. Curiously, the Stradun was a shallow sea channel – it was crammed in through the twelfth century, creating the town as you see it in the present day.
See how native aristocrats as soon as lived on the Rector’s Palace
Till 1808, Dubrovnik was a tiny however refined self-governing republic referred to as Ragusa. Every month, native councilors would select a special citizen to imagine the function of Rector – this short-term appointment was meant to forestall anyone individual turning into too highly effective. Throughout his time period in workplace, the Rector lived on the higher ground of the Fifteenth-century Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace.
These quarters now home the Cultural Historical past Museum. Right here you’ll be able to see how native aristocrats as soon as lived, amid Baroque furnishings, gilt-framed oil work, lavish costumes, weapons, and even a sedan chair.
Down at floor degree, off the interior courtyard, be aware the doorway to the previous assembly rooms of the Nice Council and the Senate. Above the door is a plaque, saying Obliti privatorum publica curate (Overlook non-public affairs, and get on with public issues). There may be additionally a jail cell and a chapel.
Encounter Adriatic marine life on the aquarium
Beneath the Maritime Museum, on the bottom ground of St John’s Fortress, you will discover the aquarium. Reopened in spring 2022, following renovation, this darkish peaceable area presents respite from the new summer time solar, and shows an unlimited array of Adriatic underwater life in 31 recent seawater tanks. Look out for tiny delicate seahorses, ugly scorpionfish, scary conger eels, cute starfish and shape-shifting octopuses. Afterwards, cease for do-it-yourself ice-cream or conventional Dubrovnik pastries at Gianni, within the slim alley out entrance.
Style uncooked oysters at Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar
For hundreds of years, Dubrovnik gourmets have relished oysters from Mali Ston Bay on Pelješac peninsular, previously a part of the Republic of Ragusa. If you have not tried them, you’ll be able to eat them right here in Dubrovnik outdated city. The proprietor of Bota Oyster & Sushi Bar cultivates his personal oysters in Ston, and brings them into city recent every morning. Mentioned to be a robust aphrodisiac, they’re served on crushed ice, nonetheless of their shells, with a wedge of lemon. When you’re queasy in regards to the slippery texture, you’ll be able to order oyster tempura as an alternative, and have them fried in a lightweight batter.
See medieval golden reliquaries on the treasury
It could sound ghoulish, however within the Center Ages folks believed that relics (physique components of long-deceased saints) may result in divine intervention. As these human remnants have been thought-about sacred, they have been encased in gold plating, and adorned with intricate filigree and precious jewels. The treasury adjoining Dubrovnik cathedral shows a horde of 138 gold and silver reliquaries – the centerpiece is the cranium of St Blaise (Dubrovnik’s patron saint) encased in a golden crown. Many of those reliquaries originate from the Byzantine Empire, and have been dropped at Dubrovnik by native seafarers getting back from voyages to the East.
Store for quirky designer items at KAWA
Simply outdoors Ploče Gate, KAWA is an idea retailer stocking one-off objects of clothes by younger Croatian designers, in addition to jewellery, tote luggage, ceramics, and nicely-packaged cosmetics, olive oil and rakija (a potent spirit). It is an ideal place to purchase genuine presents to take dwelling, in addition to being a pleasant method to help native creatives.
Watch the sundown over drinks at Buža bar
On the rocks excessive above the ocean, under Dubrovnik’s south-facing partitions, you will discover two open-air bars, considerably confusingly each referred to as Buža: Buža I and Buža II. They’re each good, so it would not matter which you select. Higher nonetheless, attempt each. Casual and enjoyable, they’ve rock-and-concrete terraces, with tables shaded by massive white parasols.
The selection is fundamental, simply beer or wine (cost by cash-only), however the views over the open Adriatic are completely gorgeous. Come within the morning and have a swim. Or come within the night, and benefit from the sundown adopted by the romance of a star-filled sky.
Uncover Twentieth-century Yugoslav design on the Pink Historical past Museum
Opened in 2019, the funky Red History Museum reveals how folks lived in Croatia when it was a part of Socialist Yugoslavia (1945-1991). Shows embody a sequence of rooms from a typical Seventies condominium, full with furnishings from that point. The retro look is definitely hip, as are the ceramics, the posters, and the graphic design of the journal and document covers. Extra sinister features, such because the Yugoslav secret police and the Goli Otok political jail are additionally referenced.
Purchase pure cosmetics on the Franciscan Monastery pharmacy
Entered off the Stradun, the Franciscan Monastery facilities on a 14th-century Romanesque cloister, giving onto a backyard with palms and citrus timber. One in every of Europe’s first pharmacies was based right here, by the monks, in 1317. There is a small museum, displaying old school laboratory tools and storage jars. These days, the Franciscan Pharmacy lies simply contained in the monastery’s arched entrance gate. Its glass-fronted cabinets are stocked with well-known worldwide model drugs.
However on the marble counter, you will see a number of pots of pure hydrating face lotions, primarily based on rose, lavender and rosemary, every labeled “Mala Braca 1317 AD”. These lotions are nonetheless ready right here, within the pharmacy, to secret centuries-old recipes, identified solely to the monks.
Study Dubrovnik sea energy on the Maritime Museum
Dubrovnik lived her Golden Age within the sixteenth century, when her extraordinary wealth was primarily based on delivery and buying and selling. At the moment the tiny republic of Ragusa, she had one of many greatest fleets on the planet, with some 180 ships and 4000 sailors. On the Maritime Museum, in St John’s Fortress, guarding the outdated harbor, you’ll be able to study extra about Dubrovnik’s former naval energy. Reveals embody mannequin ships, work, maps, navigational tools, and sailors’ uniforms.
Mirror on the horror of battle at Struggle Picture Ltd
Dubrovnik is aware of how devastating warfare will be, having been underneath siege for eight months between 1991 and 1992. Witness the human struggling brought on by the break-up of Yugoslavia at Struggle Picture Ltd. On the higher ground, you’ll be able to see scenes from on a regular basis life through the conflicts that plagued Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo, as documented by photo-reporters. On the bottom ground, the gallery hosts momentary exhibitions of photo-journalism from warfare zones world wide. Previous reveals have featured Syria, Sudan, Congo and Northern Eire.
Paddle to Lokrum island by sea kayak
The tiny island of Lokrum is a 10-minute boat trip from Dubrovnik’s outdated harbor. However a extra amusing method to go to it’s to hitch a sea kayaking tour, departing from a small seaside close to Pile Gate. You may paddle round Dubrovnik’s fortifications, then head to Lokrum, to swim, snorkel, hike and cliff soar.
Inexperienced and luxurious, Lokrum is dwelling to an deserted Eleventh-century Benedictine Monastery, a botanical backyard with peacocks, and a hilltop fort, constructed by Napoleon in 1806. Native legend says that the monks, angered that Napoleon had closed their monastery, put a curse on anybody who ought to attempt to possess the island. It could be superstition, however nonetheless in the present day nobody is allowed to stay on Lokrum in a single day.
Hike up Mt Srđ for a panoramic picnic overlooking Dubrovnik
Absolutely one of the crucial Instagrammable views of Dubrovnik is available from Mount Srđ which rises straight behind the outdated city. At some point prematurely, contact Piknik Dubrovnik and ask them to organize you lunch, packed in an easy-to-carry insulated backpack, full with a map and blanket. Then, to succeed in the height of Srđ, hike a two-kilometer zig-zagging hillside path, following the Stations of the Cross. On the high, there is a Nineteenth-century fortress, a bar-restaurant, and a viewing deck affording gorgeous vistas down onto city and out throughout the Adriatic. If the hike up appears to be like too steep, you’ll be able to catch the trendy cable-car as an alternative, then hike again down after your picnic.
Swim and sunbathe at Šunj seaside on Lopud island
Sandy seashores are uncommon in Dalmatia, however there’s one close to Dubrovnik – Šunj on Lopud. Catch a white-and-blue Jadrolinja ferry from Dubrovnik’s Gruž port to Lopud. As you sail into the bay, be aware the fortified Franciscan monastery, excessive above the ocean – not too long ago renovated, it’s now an ultra-luxurious retreat referred to as Lopud 1483.
From the palm-lined seafront promenade, observe a two-kilometer path by means of lush Mediterranean vegetation to succeed in Šunj (golf-buggy rides are additionally out there). A wonderful swathe of sand, giving onto a sheltered bay with heat shallow sea, it has a number of seasonal bars serving drinks and snacks, and hiring sun-beds. Whereas on Lopud, modern artwork lovers also needs to try Your Black Horizon, a pavilion housing a lighting set up by artist Olafur Eliasson and architect David Adjaye, initially exhibited on the Venice Biennale in 2005.
