Old City of Dubrovnik: More Than Just King’s Landing
UNESCO Sites in Croatia: Old City of Dubrovnik (visited August 2020)
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Croatia’s Dubrovnik, with its majestic walls and captivating history, can easily be described as one of the most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites. Croatia is my home country and the time has come to finally dedicate the next two weeks to its natural beauty and historical sites, and I promise you will be mind-blown 😊
About the Site
Dubrovnik’s Old City is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and for good reason. Its fortified walls, which have stood for centuries, surround a city rich in medieval, Renaissance, and baroque architecture. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Dubrovnik is a unique place where you can experience a blend of history, culture, and stunning coastal views.
For the people of Dubrovnik, the city is more than a tourist destination—it’s a symbol of resilience and independence. Strolling through the city's narrow streets, it’s easy to feel connected to the past and appreciate the efforts that have gone into preserving this iconic site.
I’m sorry to use only other people’s photos here, and I’m doing that only because I had an old camera when I visited the city and my photos are terrible…
Key terms explained
The Republic of Dubrovnik (Ragusa):
Dubrovnik’s strategic location as the first island-protected port on the Adriatic made it a crucial maritime center from its early development in the 7th century. It flourished as a major trading hub in the Mediterranean during the 14th and 15th centuries, achieving independence from Venice in 1358. The city entered its golden age in the 16th century, renowned for its powerful merchant navy.
The Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995) was fought between Croatian forces seeking independence from Yugoslavia and the Serb-controlled Yugoslav People's Army (JNA). The conflict arose from Croatia’s declaration of independence, leading to intense fighting, ethnic cleansing, and the siege of cities like Vukovar and Dubrovnik. The war ended with Croatia regaining control of its territory after Operation Storm in 1995, and it remains a significant event in the region’s history, shaping modern Croatia.
Historical Significance
The history of Dubrovnik is one of trade, diplomacy, and independence. The city flourished as a maritime power in the 15th and 16th centuries, rivaling Venice in the Mediterranean. Its famous walls, which extend for almost 2 kilometers, were built to protect the city from invaders and have been impeccably preserved.
One of the most significant structures in the Old City is the Rector’s Palace, a stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, which once served as the seat of power for the Republic of Ragusa. Walking through Dubrovnik’s streets, you can’t help but feel the weight of its history, from the Sponza Palace to the beautiful Onofrio’s Fountain.
During the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik endured a brutal siege by Yugoslav and Montenegrin forces from 1991-1992, resulting in significant destruction of its cultural heritage, particularly the Old City. The city’s resilience became a symbol of Croatia’s struggle for independence, and extensive restoration efforts between 1991-2000 preserved Dubrovnik’s historical significance.
Architectural treasure
The architecture of Dubrovnik is breathtaking! The city is encircled by massive stone walls, up to 6 meters thick in some places, and reinforced by towers and bastions. You can walk along these walls, some of the best-preserved in Europe, and enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the city’s terracotta rooftops.
Dubrovnik is also home to beautiful examples of religious architecture, including the Dubrovnik Cathedral, St. Blaise Church, and the Franciscan Monastery, which houses one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.
Dubrovnik as the Movie Star
Since Dubrovnik acted as the King’s Landing in the popular Game of Thrones series, there are many attractions for fans of the series, like tours of the filming locations, which include the old city core, along with the island of Lokrum, Trsteno Arboretum and the city wall towers like Lovrijenac and Minčeta.
Also, the city acted as Canto Bight in Star Wars: The Last Jedi movie, and there are tours that cover those locations as well.
The Experience of Visiting Dubrovnik
Visiting Dubrovnik in summer can be a bit hot and overcrowded, so perhaps you should plan your visit in off-season months like May or September.
Walking along the city walls, with the sea on one side and the city on the other, is an unforgettable experience. If you visit, be sure to bring comfortable shoes because there’s plenty of walking involved!
One of the highlights of my visit was taking the cable car up Mount Srđ, which offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, along with the Museum of Croatian War of Independence. Watching the sunset over the Adriatic from the top of the mountain is magical.
Don’t forget to take some time to explore the nearby island of Lokrum, just a short ferry ride away, for a peaceful retreat and a true recharge of your batteries.
Check out this great Dubrovnik street photography by Davor Katusic:
Practical Information for Travelers
Dubrovnik’s Old City is easily accessible from the airport, about a 30-minute drive away. If you prefer public transport, there are buses that run regularly to the city. The city is also a popular cruise ship stop, so be prepared for crowds during peak hours.
The entrance to the city walls requires a ticket, but it’s well worth the price for the stunning views and historical significance. I recommend purchasing your tickets online to skip the lines.
If you're planning to visit several attractions, consider buying the Dubrovnik Card, which gives you access to various museums and sites within the city.
And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
MORE ON UNESCO SITES:
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A Journey Through Time in the Historic City of Bath, the United Kingdom
Belgium’s Industrial Masterpieces: The Canal du Centre Boat Lifts
Exploring Tallinn: A Journey Through Estonia’s Medieval Marvel
Discover the Ancient Mysteries of Newgrange and Knowth, Ireland
Plus, my “2025 Calendar: 12 Countries in 12 Months” is a gift for my free subscribers, so go and get your inspiration:
To promote this post, I published 14 short pieces in my FlashFacts publication. If you're not subscribed yet, do it because it's free, and you'll get daily doses of general knowledge.
Here are the FlashFacts I shared:
For more things Croatian, you can find a snippet about Zagreb Christmas Market here:
I always wanted to visit Dubrovnik, now I want even more!!
I was in your home country last month !
But we couldn't visit like we wanted the cities because it was difficult to manage and park with a big camper van, so we continued our road up north 😌