Tourist Attractions in Dubrovnik For An Authentic Croatian Experience
If you are on a Eurotrip, then Eastern Europe is a place that you just cannot miss. The Slavic traditions are reminiscent of a different time. Croatia’s Adriatic shoreline is a place of much beauty and culture, with the most distinct traditions in cuisine and language. The city of Dubrovnik is where you will likely find yourself if you decide to go on your Adriatic sojourn. The charming medieval forts and walls of Dubrovnik are complemented by a sea shore that has several excellent beaches and beautiful islands. Read on for a complete breakdown of tourist attractions in Dubrovnik that will help you have an authentic experience in Croatia!
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Dubrovnik City Wall
Probably the most important sight of Dubrovnik is the imposing city wall from the 8th century. A visit to this fortress is almost a must on every trip and one of the best things to do in Dubrovnik. This approximately 2-kilometer-long wall completely surrounds the historical old town and is therefore the best-preserved medieval fortification in Europe, perhaps even one of the most famous walls in the world.
A unique experience is a tour of the wall, during which you can enjoy a wonderful view of Dubrovnik’s fantastic old town scenery, the surrounding landscape and the deep blue sea from countless viewpoints.
Stradun of Dubrovnik
The spectacular Stradun—also known in Dubrovnik as Placa—is a place where locals and visitors alike gather day and night to watch the world drift by. Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most picturesque pedestrian thoroughfares, the Stradun boasts many cafés and restaurants and is a good spot to get in some shopping, or to rest weary feet after a day touring Dubrovnik.
Measuring 300 meters in length and famous for its white limestone paving, the street dates back to 1468, although many of the surrounding buildings were built in the 17th century after the devastating earthquake of 1667, when most of Dubrovnik was heavily damaged.
The Stradun’s unique homes are designed to enable residential living upstairs and business activities on the main level, and are notable for having their main doors and windows under the same arch.
Just a few steps away from the Stradum on one of the side streets, War Photo Limited is a fascinating photography museum displaying images from the countless armed conflicts mankind has found itself caught up in.
The Rector’s Palace
The centerpiece of the Ragusan empire, the palace is a fusion of European Renaissance and Slavic Baroque styles of architecture and is one of the most stunning places to visit in Dubrovnik. The chief citizen of the empire lived on the first floor of the palace, which houses today the Cultural History Museum that is filled with ornate furniture and armor. The medieval charm of the place is so obvious that it was used as a filming location of Game of Thrones – the atrium of the palace of the Spice King of Qarth.
The Maritime Museum
Understanding the impressive seafaring past of the city is central to understanding this odd Slavic city. The Maritime Museum is located in the St.John’s Fortress, which was built to protect the old republic’s harbor. The city-state had one of the largest fleets in the world in the 16th century – 180 ships with over 4000 sailors. The museum has a range of exhibits from model ships, sailors’ uniforms and maps, flags of the republic and other navigational equipment, making it one of the most popular Dubrovnik tourist attractions. The museum also has an underground aquarium that houses some of the most exotic Adriatic sea life.
Mount Srd
A must-do when you are Dubrovnik is to take the cable car to the highest point in the city called Mount Srd(elevation 415 meters) that lies just behind the Old City complex. The cable car’s two carriages leave from the lower level station that is just outside the Old Town area. From the top, you can see the Adriatic Sea, the Old Town and also the Dalmatian islands. The ideal time to come here is sunset, and you can get a lot of photos.
The City Gates
For centuries, Dubrovnik’s famous Pile Gate has served as the main entrance and is still the most interesting access point to this fabulous old city. Formerly surrounded by a moat complete with a drawbridge built in 1537, the pedestrian-only Pile Gate—one of two entrances to the Lapad area—also boasts a pleasant garden in the old moat.
Other highlights include a statue of St. Blaise located in a niche in the arch and carved by famous Croatian artist Ivan Meštrovic, and, within the ramparts, a door dating back to 1460.
Another gate worth seeing is the 14th-century Ploce Gate, just behind the Asimov Tower. Designed as a “double defense” system, it proved effective in times of trouble. Also imposing and located just across the moat from the Ploce Gate is the Revelin Fortress, built in 1580.
