Official Language:
Croatian
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Currency:
Croatian Kuna
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Population:
Approximately 70,000 people call Dubrovnik home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate with a hot summer. Inland bring extremely hot temperatures. You will find ocean breezes by the sea.Dubrovnik lies in an area characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate with mild and wet winters and hot and dry summers. The average annual temperature is 62°F/17°C, with January being the coldest 48°F/9°C and august the warmest 77°F/25°C month. The average sea temperature from May to September is from 64-75°F/18-24°C, with sea salinity being approximately 38%. The best period to visit Dubrovnik is regarded to be from April to October. Peak temperatures in high season (July, August) can reach 100°F/38°C, and the water surface at that point reaches a comfortable 79°F/26°C.
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Founded 1300 years ago by the Romans, Dubrovnik, was a very important independent city state on the Adriatic. It was a major tourist resort on the Adriatic Sea until most of the town was destroyed during the 1991 war between Croatia and Serbia. Larger ships wind up in Gruz Harbor, a suburb of Dubrovnik. Smaller ships anchor in Old Harbor, right in the heart of the old city.Dubrovnik has old streets lined with stone palaces, Venetian-style buildings and bell towers. It is one of the most popular cruise ports and resorts on the Adriatic coast and Dubrovnik’s position between Albania and Split accounts for its climate and vegetation.
The atmosphere is lighter here, perhaps due to its gorgeous setting, on the shores of the Caribbean-blue Adriatic and the sand colored stone of its buildings. Overall, this is a port for relaxing, strolling its picturesque streets, investigating a few historic sights and, then, chilling out at a sleek sidewalk café, and watching the world go by. Dubrovnik is extraordinarily beautiful, and has been the inspiration for many poetic words, such as the city made of stone and light. Part of its mystery is that it lies hidden between the Adriatic and Dinaric Alps. It has been fortunate in that it has escaped many of the wounds from the Bosnian War and Serbian gunfire in 1991 and 1992. Dubrovnik, located on the shores of the Mediterranean, found relative peace even when there was chaos going on all around it. The waters show off perfect shades of blue and the sunsets are wild from atop the 14th century city walls. Dubrovnik truly draws you into a dream that you simply never want to wake from. The City was heavily damaged during the shelling of 1991- 92 by Serbs and Montenegrins, the beautiful city of Dubrovnik has been restored--thanks in good part to donations made to the Rebuild Dubvrovnik Fund--and cruise passengers name it as one of their favorites. Unfortunately, because of its geographic location on the same side of the Adriatic as Kosovo, most lines dropped Dubrovnik from their schedules for much of the 1999 season, though some returned after the war there ended.
The Croatian city is a jewel to be sure (it's even classified as a world heritage treasure by UNESCO), encircled by medieval ramparts, with ancient streets, historic buildings and stone houses, and a rich cultural heritage, not to mention a fine position on the blue sea. The surrounding countryside provides glimpses of life the way it used to be. Looking for the right mix of culture, history and a bit of the commercial to keep you grounded? The walled Stari Grad is the answer. The main street is referred to as both the Placa and the Stradun, running from the Pile Gate, which is the official entrance of the Stari Grad, to the Old Port at the tip of the peninsula. Dubrovnik wants you to enjoy its home and offers many accommodations to make sure your needs are met. There are also places near Dubrovnik that will make for quality side trips during your visit. Lopud is a gorgeous island off the Elafiti Archipelago. It is a quaint little village made up of white buildings, chapels and parks all across the waterline. It's only a 50-minute trip by ferry to be transported to this paradise. Here you will find a great museum to stroll through, as well as the most enchanting park. While you are here, you may want to adventure to another nearby island, Lokrum. After a little fun in the sun, cool off in the botanical gardens and refresh your senses.
Dubrovnik is full of resources for nonstop action and fun. Whether you are looking for the lively atmosphere or the cool and fashionable, Dubrovnik will create your perfect vacation. Soak in the warmth of its people as well as the sun, and visit this divine land. Memories will be the true gift you'll take home with you from Dubrovnik. There are two possible docking places. Bigger ships wind up in Gruz Harbor, a suburb of Dubrovnik. Smaller ships may be permitted to anchor in Old Harbor, right in the heart of the old city. The Port of Dubrovnik, located at Gruska Obala 38, and it is quite simple to access the rest of the town from this port. Gruz Harbor has all the basic services -- money exchange, small markets. A taxi is recommended, but there are other modes of transportation available as well, listed below.
At Gruz Harbor, many ships provide free shuttles to the old city, a 15-minute ride. If not, there is a local bus just outside the pier gates; look for numbers 1a, 1b and 8. Fare is 10 kuna, and exact change is required (make sure you convert some money at the exchange bureau just inside the port's gates). Taxis are also available at a cost of about 50 kuna. There are several buses that are constantly running in Dubrovnik. They go to practically every destination you desire. The # 7 bus, however, does not go to the Stari Grad's gate, so you may want to avoid that one. The best way to see the city is by taxi. Taxis can be found in front of the bus station, ferry terminal, and the Pile Gate.
You can get around by foot, mostly. There are also excursion boats that depart for various nearby islands from the pier of the old harbor. In the old city, the Placa is the main pedestrian boulevard. You can access everything from the Placa. There's really no reason to rent a car as, like Venice, the old city is pedestrian-only, and other sightseeing options, such as some of the nearby islands and resort towns with historic appeal, are accessible via public boat service.
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Attractions |
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When you enter Dubrovnik, cruise passengers find the Placa, a pedestrian promenade. The Placa, extends all the way to the clock tower at the other end of town Contains such religious treasures as the St. Blaise Reliquary, a reliquary of the Holy Cross from Jerusalem, and an array of paintings and works of art. Begin at the entrance to the walled city -- the Pile Gate. Among the highlights are the circa-14th century Franciscan Monastery (Placa 2). Make sure you check out the adjoining pharmacy -- opened in 1391, it's the third oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe (and yes, you can still buy aspirin). The Dominican Monastery (Sveti Dominika 4) dates back to the same century. The Rector's Palace (Pred Dvorom 3) was the government seat in the 15th century; now you'll find a museum with Baroque paintings and historic artifacts. The Synagogue (Zudioska 5) is Europe's second-oldest Sephardic synagogue. Other highlights include the city's cathedral (Poljana M. Orzica) and the Fort of St. John Maritime Museum and Aquarium (Ul Od Margarite & the waterfront). Dubrovnik, a world heritage treasure as classified by UNESCO, is a bit like Venice without the canals. It has that same aura of ancient, tiny "streets" filled with life rather than cars, but it's laid out on a much smaller scale. One of the major distinctions of Dubrovnik is that the medieval-era city is a walled city -- completely encircled. The atmosphere is lighter here, perhaps as much due to its gorgeous setting -- on the shores of the Caribbean-blue Adriatic -- as for the sand colored stone of its buildings.
Cathedral Treasury:
Dubrovnik has had three cathedrals on the same site during its long history. The first was a Byzantine building dating from the 7th century; the second a Romanesque Cathedral which was destroyed by the great earthquake of the 17th century; and the present beautiful Baroque structure which was designed by Italian architect Buffalini from Urbino and was completed in 1713. The treasury of the cathedral is rich in religious relics, icons, paintings and other items of value. It is also possible to view the archaeological excavations that continue on the cathedral site. Cathedral Treasury contains such religious treasures as the St. Blaise Reliquary, a reliquary of the Holy Cross from Jerusalem, and an array of paintings and works of art. Located - Kneza Damjana Jude - Tel. 1 385/411-715
The Pile Gate :
Dubrovnik was formerly a naval city-state, which accounts for the great city walls and other amazing sights. The Pile Gate dates back to the 14th century. Most of its height, however, was accomplished in the 1600?s, a height that is quite impressive, reaching 25 meters! Right next to the city gate is an astonishing Renaissance.
Franciscan Monastery:
The 14th-century Franciscan church and monastery enclosed in the walls of medieval Dubrovnik boasts a world-renowned collection of ancient manuscripts, open for viewing to the public in a beautiful reading room. The research library has been utilised by many famous writers and historians, including Croatian literary scholars. The original library of the monastery was destroyed by fire after an earthquake in 1667, and the present collection was put together in the early 19th century by a Franciscan friar, Inocentije Culic, who energetically worked to save the manuscripts of several monasteries that were closed down during the French occupation of the city. The friar donated hundreds of manuscripts and valuable printed works to the library, leaving the city of Dubrovnik a treasure-house of learning and literature. Also at the Franciscan Monastery is a fascinating pharmacy museum, which preserves the relics of the medieval pharmacy that was run in the monastery as far back as Franjevacki Samostan; tel. 20/426-372).1317.located Placa 2; Opening time: 9am to 6pm daily. Do not forget to bring your camera because it is just beautiful! Also inside of these gates is a Pharmaceutical Museum, which is also the oldest working pharmacy in Croatia.
Andautonia Archaeological Park:
Near the village of Scitarjevo, close to Zagreb, are the remains of the ancient Roman town of Andautonia which have been excavated and provide a fascinating tourist attraction. Andautonia was a prominent administrative, economic, cultural and religious centre about 400 years ago. Archaeologists are still excavating the site, but visitors can view a 26,910 square foot (2,500 sq m) area of the Roman City including parts of the main street, city baths, colonnades and side streets. Tourists can also visit the present-day village of Scitarjevo, which offers examples of typical rural farms with their characteristic wooden houses.
Archaeological Museum:
Founded in 1820, the Archaeological Museum in Split is the oldest Museum in Croatia. Its displays include many archaeological artefacts from prehistoric times, the Greek colonial period, and from the Roman, early Christian and Medieval ages. Most of the relics found in excavations of the Roman city of Salona are displayed here. There is also a large collection of antique coins and a large library.
City Walls:
The impressive walls enclosing the ancient city of Dubrovnik were laid out in the 13th century and became an ongoing work for almost two centuries. Today they stand proudly with five bastions, three round towers and 12 square towers, and provide a popular diversion for visitors wishing to explore their 6,365ft (1,940m) length. Walkers can visit five bastions and 15 lookout towers along the way. Entrance is on the north side, near St. Spasa Church.
Dominican Monastery:
Construction began on this monastery and church complex in 1228, but it wasn't completed till some 200 years later. Some of the city's most renowned citizens are buried here, and the treasury is worth a look.
Dubrovnik Riviera:
In close proximity to the city of Dubrovnik are numerous picturesque villages and resorts to visit and explore. About 11 miles (18km) away on the road to Split is the quiet bay of Zaton, with its sandy beaches and pine forest. The town has numerous restaurants, a relic of the days when it was the chosen retreat for the aristocrats of the Dubrovnik Republic. The village of Tristeno features the 'Arboretum', a Gothic-Renaissance park on the coast which is currently undergoing restoration. In the centre of this village visitors are awed by two gigantic sycamore trees, reputedly 500 years old, standing 197ft (60m) high. Even closer to the city the towns of Kupari, Srebreno, Mlini, Soline and Plat lie along a chain of hills descending to the rim of Zupa Bay, known as one of the most beautiful resorts on the Dubrovnik Riviera, with modern hotels offering a variety of watersports
Sponza Palace :
This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, featuring a mix of late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, with impressive stone carvings. Construction started in 1516, and the luxurious building was used as a sort of customhouse. The atrium, with its arched galley, was said to have been the most lively commercial center and meeting place for businessmen in the city. One wing of the palace housed the state mint. And intellectuals gathered here as "The Academy of the Learned."
Diocletian’s Palace:
Roman Emperor Diocletian, having abdicated his throne in AD 305, decided to spend the last years of his life in Dalmatia and built a palace for that purpose on the bay of Aspalathos, on the south side of a peninsula extending into the Adriatic sea. The spot he chose is now the very heart of the city of Split, and the palace still stands as one of the city’s major tourist attractions. The building and the entire historic Split inner city area around it have been declared a Unesco World Cultural Heritage Site. The palace is interesting in that it is designed to combine a luxurious villa with the defences of a military camp, having towers and fortifications on its landward sides and monumental gates. The palace is built of local white limestone, quarried on the nearby island of Brac.
Croatian History Museum:
The building that houses Croatia’s history is itself a part of that history. Sited in the historical town centre, it is the beautiful Baroque palace, Vojkovic-Orsic-Rauch, built at the end of the 18th century and formerly the private residence of three successive baronial families. In the late 1930s the palace became the residence of Zagreb’s mayors, before being designated as a repository for the historical relics of the city. It currently houses more than 140,000 artefacts in various collections, from stone monuments to fine art, religious artefacts to heraldry. The exhibitions are not permanent but constantly changing so that all the collections get an airing. Address: Matoševa 9; Telephone: (01) 4851 900; Website: Croatian History Museum
Croatian National Theatre:
The building housing the Croatian National Theatre is as much a national treasure as the world-class dramatic, opera, music and ballet productions that take place on its stage. Construction began on the theatre building in 1894. Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac painted the ceremonial curtain while Viennese artist Alexander Goltz decorated the ceiling of the auditorium. The building was officially opened by Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz-Joseph I at the end of 1895. The theatre is constantly busy with full performing arts programmes. Address: Trg Marsala Tita 15; Telephone: (0)1 482 8532
The island of Hvar:
Off of the coast of Split, just 15 nautical miles (24km) from Baska Voda and accessible by ferry, is the island of Hvar, which abounds with Romanesque and Renaissance buildings and a true Mediterranean atmosphere. The island is noted for its fertile soil and was the site of the world’s first parcelling out of arable land by the ancient Greeks, who farmed there. It is now mainly a wine-growing area. The island’s main towns are Vrboska and Jelsa, famed for their Dalmatian wines, and it is dotted with picturesque villages.
Town squares:
Praska Street in the lower part of old Zagreb leads on to a sequence of attractive park squares, each flaunting their own attractions and worth a walking tour. Zrinski Square features a music pavilion dating from 1895 and fountains, with the Archaeological Museum at No.17. This square also features a row of busts of distinguished Croations and the palace of the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences (1876), which houses the Strossmayer Gallery of old masters. On Strossmayer Square is a monument to bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer, founder of the Academy, and several other historic buildings. Tomislav Square features the Art Pavilion, fronted by a monument to Croatian Renaissance painter Andrija Medulic. King Tomislav rises on horseback at the southern end of the square. Starcevic Square is home to the City Library and Hotel Esplanade, and gives access to the Botanical Gardens and Frane Bulic monument. In Marulic Square the University Library building stands as a magnificent example of Art Nouveau. Mimara Museum is on Roosevelt Square, and the neo-Baroque Croatian National Theatre stands on Marshal Tito Square.
Trakoscan Castle:
Trakoscan is a legendary 13th-century Gothic castle that was home to various influential families for centuries before finally falling into abandoned disrepair in the second half of the 18th century when it belonged to the Draskovic family. In the 1950s the castle was taken over by the state and turned into a living museum, reconstructing life in a medieval castle. Visitors can explore four levels, including the dungeon, and finish their exploration by enjoying the surrounding parklands. Telephone: (042) 796 281 or 796 422; Website: Trakoscan Castle
The Synagogue:
The second-oldest Sephardic synagogue in Europe and home of the Jewish Community of Dubrovnik.
The Orlando Tower:
It is a popular meeting place. As you enter the city, just inside, you will find the Franciscan Monastery which is home to the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1391. Visit the Pile Gate. Here you will find the circa-14th century Franciscan Monastery (Placa 2). Be sure to check out the pharmacy. The Rector's Palace (Pred Dvorom 3) was the government seat in the 15th century; now you'll find a museum with Baroque paintings and historic artifacts. The Synagogue (Zudioska 5) is Europe's second-oldest Sephardic synagogue. Other highlights include the city's cathedral (Poljana M. Orzica) and the Fort of St. John Maritime Museum and Aquarium (Ul Od Margarite &the waterfront). Take a cable car ride up to the 1,340-foot Mount Srdj for excellent views.
Cavtat:
Tour by excursion boart to a medieval town and resort area on the southern edge of the Rat peninsula. Here you have the opportunity to swim, shop and sightsee. The boats leave from the old harbor pier several times throughout the day.
Dordic Mayneri:
(Lopud) Dordic Mayneri Just a short trip out of Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful parks in Croatia is on the waterfront and is known for having a precious view. There is a gazebo here where many couples go to enjoy this luscious view of the contrasting white cliffs and dark blue sea. The main attraction is the beach, known as Plaza Sunj (Lopud). It is thought to be the best beach in all of Croatia because it has the best sand, great waves and a quiet cove that is perfect for a picnic.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival :
The summer is truly a beautiful time to visit Dubrovnik. In fact, during July and August you can partake in the (Dubrovacki Ljetni Festival; tel. 20/428-864). Culture is celebrated with the finest artists in theatre, ballet, opera, classical music, and jazz coming to perform. The best part is the Productions of Shakespeare (Lovrjenac Fortress) that are acted outdoors just like in Shakespeare's time. Definitely take advantage of this wonderful spectacle if you are there during these summer months!
Cafe Scene:
For people-watching, sip a coffee or cocktail at any of the city's numerous sidewalk cafes. For a waterfront view check out Gradska Kavana (Pred Dvorum); it also has plaza-side tables. The Hemingway Bar (Pred Dvoram) has comfy wicker chairs and a 30-page cocktail menu -- try the Mojito or the Croatian beer Karlovacko. Hungry? Proto (Siroka 1) has no view but makes up for it with outstanding dishes; try any of their grilled or fried fish entries or the seafood risotto. Want a view? Just outside the Pile Gate is Atlas Club Nautika (Brsalje 3).
Nightlife:
Durbovnik really starts to heat up once the sun sets. Many of the locals go in droves to the cafés on Buniceva Poljana. The second most lively center for nightlife lies just outside of the city walls on B. Josipa Jelacica. Be sure to visit the Trubadur (Buniceva Poljana bb; tel. 20/412-154). This is a very Americanized bar that has live jazz on Fridays and will not close until you want to leave. The most popular bar with the locals is Galerie (Kunicera bb.) and it can definitely get crowded. That does not deter people, however. They just take pillows and sit right outside on the street. It's only open until midnight, but check it out and have a cup of coffee or a beer. The Roxy (B. Josipa Jelacica bb.) is the most happening place of them all. It is loud and lively, so be prepared to lose your voice in conversation. It is a fun hangout and it is open late for all of those energetic young partygoers.
Beaches:
There's a resort-style beach with nice golden sand and a cocktail bar about a mile from the gates and below the Excelsior Hotel (Frana Supila 12). Better yet, swim from the rocks. Locals sun themselves on flat rocks that hug the wall and access the Adriatic via a flight of steps into the water (best for strong swimmers, by the way). Note the "no nudists" policy crudely scrawled on a wall at the entrance. It's hard to find; look for Konoba Karmen restaurant (Milay Butigan), then turn right at Ulica Pobijana. Follow that narrow street a few hundred feet and look for a black painted door marked "8- 20". There are plenty of places to go for diving and fishing because of their popularity. The best place to go, however, is the Nimar Diving Center (Lazarina 3, tel. 20/4171-232). You may be inclined to play a game of tennis. If so, go to the Tennis Center (Babin Kuk, te.l 20/448-166) and you will find plenty of courts to choose from.
Shopping:
In addition to a number of art galleries scattered throughout the city, shops carry woodcarvings, carpets, ceramics, tapestries, leather goods, jewelry and highly prized embroidery and delicate lace. Shop early or late—most stores close for lunch. An excellent shopping center is a five-minute ride from the harbor, only a block from the Dubrovnik President Hotel.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Dubrovnik:
Dubrovnik Travel Information
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