Dubrovnik Travel guide

Dubovnik - History

New archaeological researches try to prove how history of Dubrovnik began in the 6th century or even earlier. It was enlarged by the arrival of the Croats after the destruction of the ancient Epidaurum (Cavtat) in the 7th century. Dubrovnik was, indeed, very powerful merchant centre during 12th and 13th centuries. Liberation from the Venetian Dubrovnik achieved by the Zadar Treaty in 1358.

In the 16th century Dubrovnik became independent Republic. It had its currency, rector on the period of one month, Senat, flag, independent legislature and its patron St. Blasius. The golden age of the Dubrovnik Republic was in the 16th century.

After surviving fires, plagues and devastating earthquakes in 1667 and 1979 Dubrovnik, that once rivalled Venice as a maritime power, was ravaged by modern artillery: hundreds were killed during the war, more than two-thirds of all roofs breached, nine palaces gutted and more than 500 historic buildings damaged.

Yet tourists, who before the war would double the population of the city during the summer, are not so quickly persuaded. To the great dismay of the people of Dubrovnik, 80 % of which rely on tourism for their income, most foreigners seem to believe that the area is still a war zone and have failed to return.

It is their loss. Old Dubrovnik is safer than most European capitals and street crime is virtually unknown. By letting ignorance guide their choice of holiday, people are missing the best-preserved medieval city in Europe. As George Bernard Shaw, the great Irish dramatist, wrote in 1929: "Those who wish to see heaven on Earth should come to Dubrovnik."

The old town has one major street called Placa. To the west of this street is the entrance to the old town, and to the e ast the sea. The tourist office, airlines and travel agencies exist on Placa. Over 30 tiny lane s are connected to Placa, so a free map should be purchased at the Tourist office, which is the first building you will see when you enter Old Town. The whole of the Dubrovnik's history has passed through this beautiful though not too luxury palace - the Rector's Palace. Like the Republic, the palace, too, had to go through troubled times in the past - it has been destroyed in gun powered explosions several times and shaken by earthquakes.

Sponza Palace, this splendid palace, is one of the most beautiful buildings in this city; it was the place of entrance and exit of all the trading routes coming to the Dubrovnik Republic. The business spirit of the citizens of Dubrovnik has known how to create for itself an appropriate environment, proving its wealth and culture by building up this luxurious palace and its impressive facade.

Apart from harbouring the grave of Ivan Gundulić, the Franciscan church has other claims to literary fame. Its association with books started early and has continued ever since: thus today the Franciscan monastery, of which this church is a part, boasts of the richest library in Dubrovnik. The present Dubrovnik cathedral was built according to plans by Italian architect Buffalini from Urbino, and was completed in 1713. It was erected on the ruins of the Romanesque cathedral heavily damaged by the great earthquake.

People in Dubrovnik live a slow, quiet life, isolated from constant race for money and/or career (of course there are exceptions). They like to socialize and take a special liking to foreign or domestic tourists. They also like good cuisine and good wine. Basically trends or social symbols do not dominate them. This is a small town and even the smallest incidents are always known by everyone, which results in a very public and open way of life for most of the citizens. People are use to hanging around Stradun and talk to their friends for hours. Overall, it is a friendly environment.
Working hours in Dubrovnik are from 8am till 4pm although you can find people in the streets at all hours. Between 11am and noon there is a lunch break, which is spent either in cafes eating fast junk food or in various cafeterias. Afternoons are spent in a family environment or, in case of a sunny day, taking a walk. Population of Dubrovnik is known to regularly attend theatres, cinemas or classical music concerts.