Dubrovnik, Croatia

Lord Byron once called Dubrovnik, Croatia “the Pearl of the Adriatic.” Once you visit this historic seacoast town, you will surely agree.

Dubrovnik is located on what is referred to as the Dalmation Coast of the Adriatic. Dalmatia is the whole southern region of Croatia. This coastal area spreads across a big portion of the Adriatic coastline of Croatia—from Rijeka all the way to the Dubrovnik region. It is only a little over 30 miles (50km) at its widest point. The history of Dubrovnik and the Dalmation Coastal area is colorful, tragic, and heroic! My husband and I have visited the city several times and LOVE it. It’s our favorite Dalmatian Coast city.

Dubrovnik was founded in the seventh Century by the ancient Greeks. For 700 years it was an independent merchant city trading with countries as far away as India, and even areas of Africa. For centuries this little area lived in harmony with other countries and merchant cities. Yet, despite all its peaceful past, Dubrovnik has been devastated three different times in three different ways.

The Historic City Walls of Dubrovnik

Walking around the historic walled city is easy and it's impossible to get lost. There is an open gate (with a drawbridge) at each end of the placa. Each night the gates of the city are closed, but during the day, they are open. The main street (called the placa) runs from gate to gate, and you can walk the distance in just a few short minutes. But, don't rush; take some time and wander around the narrow side streets; enjoy the many shops and street venders; and visit a few of Dubrovnik’s 13 unique churches, each with its own set of bells!

If you have time in Dubrovnik, and want an adventure of a lifetime, “walk the wall!” At either entry gate you can pay just a few Euros (less than 10) and literally climb about fifty steps to the wall, and then you can walk completely around the small city. On your walk you may stop and have a coffee while overlooking the clear, blue Adriatic, or simply enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Adriatic and excellent views of the city below.

Fortress beyond the Pile Gate:

If you’re even more adventurous, and have a little more time, exit the city by the Pile Gate and climb to the top of the adjacent ancient fort. From the fort you will get an even better view of the old City of Dubrovnik! The cost of the fort ticket is 50 Kunas. Note: The ticket booth is halfway up the climb, so purchase your ticket BEFORE you begin. This is a note from painful personal experience!

The Tragic Earthquake of 1667:

Dubrovnik’s tranquility was shattered by a catastrophic Earthquake in 1667. Over 5,000 citizens were killed, and a large portion of its priceless Renaissance art and architecture were completely destroyed. Only two buildings survived this catastrophe. The city that we see today still reflects the reconstructed baroque style that occurred after the earthquake.

The Arrival of Napoleon in 1806:

The glory days of the historic merchant city were already declining when Napoleon arrived in Dubrovnik in 1806. When Napoleon’s generals reached the city after the conquest of Venice, Napoleon's reputation was so powerful that the Dubrovnik city officials capitulated and handed the the keys to the city to Napoleon's forces. When I say keys, I mean keys! At that time, the gates were closed and locked each night at sundown. By 1815, like most of the eastern Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik became part of the Hapsburg Empire, where it remained until 1918.

Yugoslavia and Croatia

Following World War II, Dubrovnik became a part of the new country of Yugoslovia led by General Tito who ruled from 1945 until his death in 1980. Tito loved Dubrovnik and often visited his favorite villa there. His rule was a combination of absolute allegiance to Marxism combined with a rather independent and combative relationship with the Soviet Union. Tito was the last of the World War II Communist leaders, and he was responsible for amalgamating the six different areas of Yugoslavia into a country. When Tito died in 1980, Yugoslavia began to fragment.

The Siege of Dubrovnik: 1991-1992

Following the death of Tito and his dictatorial leadership, Yugoslavia’s six distinctive areas each began to seek independence. Dubrovnik was the city in Croatia that experienced the most devastation and continual bombardment. For 238 consecutive days, the Croatian forces gallantly defended their city against Yugoslav’s Peoples Army. During these days, 194 of the Croatian army were killed along with 88 civilians. It was a brutal time.

This bombardment provoked international condemnation of the Serbs, and it became a public relations disaster for both Serbia and Montenegro. This worldwide condemnation contributed to diplomatic and economic isolation for Serbia and Montenegro. Croatia officially declared its independence on June 25, 1991. During this 20th Century Siege of Dubrovnik, 11,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed; in fact, in present day Dubrovnik over 70 percent of the beautiful red tile roofs are new!

Tourism in Dubrovnik

Tourism is now the number one industry in Dubrovnik, and visiting the city today you will see little evidence of a war that occurred less than 30 years ago. Dubrovnik’s proud and tenacious citizens have nearly completely rebuilt their beautiful and historic city!

If you care to visit other cities of this area, Split and Sibenik are also interesting Croatian Dalmatian Coast cities that are great to visit, but Dubrovnik remains my favorite. You will LOVE your visit here; I promise!!!