Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, beautiful and well-fortified, lies in the south of Croatia and is in many regards a unique treasure. Strictly speaking, this former capital city of the region Ragusa is a Croation exclave in southern Dalmatia, and is separated by Bosnia and Herzegovina from the rest of the country. Over the centuries many have dared to conquer this city, whether it be the Ottomans or the Venetians, the French or Austrians, and the city is still thriving. Its tumultuous history marked by battles of conquest, is still reflected in the cityscape today. This "Pearl of the Adriatic" is therefore surrounded by a strong city wall and has many fortresses which do well to attract rather than scare tourists away. Additionally, the city wall, as well as the round towers of the Minceta Fortress, the Fortress of St. John, the Maritime Museum, the aquarium, and the Lovrijenac Fortress, all located directly on the sea, offer wonderful views of the charming, well-preserved historical city. It must also be noted that not only the Lovrijenac Fortress, but also the Revelin Fortress lies directly on the sea, providing not only fantastic viewing points, but also offering regular opportunities to visit the theater and concert halls. During the day, the Revelin Fortress serves as an archaeological museum and for the last few years has begun to transform itself in the evenings into a well-known club. There are many hip clubs and bars, as well as restaurants and cafés, which lie mainly in the heart of the tourist city: the historical center of Dubrovnik. This easily surveyed area, closed in and protected by a stalwart fortress wall, is without a question, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a visitor, one can expect to be astonished by the unique mix of Medieval, Romanic and Gothic architecture influenced by the Ottomans and Venetians and by a Mediterranean flair and way of life. The city invites you to explore it like a life-size museum. Seeing that the historical old city is a car free zone, it is best experienced by foot. Do not, however, be concerned about having to walk long distances. The best tourist sights, such as the St. Blasius Church, the Orlando Statue, the Onofrio Fountain, and the Sponza Palace are all not far from each other. A visit to the baroque Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin with a Titian-Polyptych in the apse is a must for all tourists.

The true treasures of Dubrovnik, the impressive, stylistically varying buildings from different époques, are, however, not to be found gathered in spot in the city. During a stroll through the city, its charm is discovered in its romantics alleys and lively squares and the main street of the old city, the Stradun. The Stradun, passing though all the important sightseeing spots, is not only the unifying vein of the city, but is also the strolling, the shopping and the pedestrian mile. Thanks to the large amount of gastronomy, the legendary summer nights of Dubrovnik begin here. These nights are longest during the summer festival when musicians, actors and artists flock to the city and transform it into a large stage.

For those wishing to escape the bustle of the city, there is a gondola which will take you to the top of the Srd mountain for a wonderful view of the city, sea and surroundings. For a relaxing day-trip, Europe's longest fortress wall located in nearby Ston offers a fascinating trip back into the past. For those who would prefer a holiday including cultural activities, water sports, and swimming, the nearby Elaphiti islands offer relaxation and variety, or you can visit the spectacular National Park on Mljet island "Odysseus Island", which is about 30 kilometers northwest of Dubrovnik.