“Those who seek paradise on Earth, should come to Dubrovnik.” George Bernard Shaw
Forteresse de Dubrovnik on Walls of Dubrovnik
. Photo-Connie McMullen
Situated on the southern Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik is the most picturesque city on the Dalmatian coast. Rich vegetation, beautiful lakes, rare islands, pristine coasts on the crystal clean sea, all make this region to an unforgettable experience.
Known as "the Pearl of the Adriatic" (which is what Lord Byron called it), Dubrovnik is a city on the Adriatic Sea coast in the extreme south of Croatia, positioned at the terminal end of the Isthmus of Dubrovnik. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations on the Adriatic, a seaport and the centre of Dubrovnik-Neretva county. Its population was 43,770 in 2001 down from 49,728 in 1991. In the 2001 census, 88.39 percent of its citizens declared themselves as Croats.
The old city is bustling with tourist, artists, and vendors in August, 2007
The prosperity of the city of Dubrovnik has always been based on maritime trade. In the Middle Ages, as the Republic of Dubrovnik, it became the only eastern Adriatic citystate to rival Venice. Supported by its wealth and skilled diplomacy, the city achieved a remarkable level of development, particularly during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Dubrovnik Region is characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild and wet winters and hot and dry summers. The Old Town of Dubrovnik, is the regions crown jewel. It is an interesting city in that it has survived much.
The city plan dates from 1292 when the strip of wetland between Ragusa and Dubrava was reclaimed, unifying the city around the newly-made plaza (today Placa or Stradun).
In the 12th century the port was reconstructed after a fire. The plaza was paved in 1468 and reconstructed after the earthquake of 1667. The city was fortified and two harbors were built on each side of the isthmus.
Lovrijenac tower, Dubrovnik, Croatia Photo-Connie McMullen
The old city was devastated by shelling during the 1991- 92 civil war in Croatia. Thousands of shells were blasted into the city, damaging and destroying hundreds of historical monuments and structures. Amazingly, the old city was retired with the assistance of the Rebuild Dubrovnik Fund. The glorious city has since been reclaimed as a United Nations World Heritage Site.
Transportation Dubrovnik Airport: Dubrovnik has an international airport of its own. It is located approximately 20 km (12 mi) from Dubrovnik city center, near âilipi. Buses connect the airport with the Dubrovnik bus station. In addition, a network of modern, local buses connects all Dubrovnik neighborhoods running frequently from dawn to midnight.
Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street draws thousands annually,
intrigued by the city’s history.
Take a coach or taxi to a view point south of town, and behold breathe taking landscapes. Then head down to cross the stone bridge into the old city which is a spectacular example of medieval and baroque architecture, doubled walled in stone. Narrowed lanes, mixed with churches, fountains, and small shops - all make for a wonderful walking experience in the stone paved Stradun. Radiating outward from the Stradun are dozens of small narrowed lanes, many just a few meters wide, housing shops, and local residences. No vehicles are allowed inside the old city; the streets are crowded with tourists. There are also many outdoor eateries serving local menus and wine of this region.