Old City of Dubrovnik Croatia for the history lover in you

Getting off the ferry and stepping onto the pier in Dubrovnik’s Old Towm was like stepping back in time. Imposing medieval walls rose before us in majestic glory as the smooth marble-paved road glistened in the sun. Like many must have done before, we made our way to the Pile Gate, the main entrance to the walled city. With our mouths hanging open and our minds blown, we couldn’t wait to discover everything to do in Dubrovnik.

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You had me at Old Town Dubrovnik

From the moment we arrived, I loved Dubrovnik Old Town. Maybe it’s the history nerd in me, or perhaps it’s the photographer who loves architecture. We were all in our element here. The sun was shining, the ocean waves crashed in the distance, and I stood there wondering why it took me so long to get here.

The Old Town of Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, is a city surrounded by ancient defensive walls. There are numerous churches, museums, shops, cafes and restaurants. You can spend hours just walking around marvelling at the beauty around you. If you want to see a bit more, walk along the city walls. It’s a walk that is one of those things to do in Dubrovnik that will leave you speechless.

I won’t lie. I was tempted to glide on the sleek stones made smooth by weather and the countless feel that polished them over the centuries. The buildings, the fountains, and the steps are all made of marble (although some say it’s limestone) and create a sense of being inside a fancy carving. Everything is spotless despite all the tourists who come there in droves.

Dubrovnik’s history

Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history dating back to the 7th century. The area around present-day Dubrovnik has been inhabited since ancient times. It was initially settled by Illyrians and later came under Roman rule in the 1st century AD.

Dubrovnik emerged as a significant maritime power in the Middle Ages. In the 7th century, it became part of the Byzantine Empire before establishing itself as the independent Mediterranean city-state known as the Republic of Ragusa in the 14th century. This period saw the construction of the city walls and the flourishing of trade and commerce.

Dubrovnik experienced its golden age during the 15th and 16th centuries. As a major trading hub on the Adriatic Sea, it enjoyed prosperity and cultural flourishing. The city-state established diplomatic relations with other European powers and became known for its advanced governance, diplomacy, and maritime law.

During the Renaissance, Dubrovnik saw significant cultural and architectural developments. The city’s wealthy merchants and aristocracy commissioned the construction of palaces, churches, and public buildings, many of which still stand today.

What to do in Dubrovnik:

• Take a cruise to the Elaphite Islands with lunch and drinks. Book your spot today!
• Discover the Old Town of Dubrovnik with a walking tour. Save your spot before you go.
• Zip line from Mount Srdj and enjoy the breathtaking views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. Don’t miss out, get your tickets now.

Despite its independence, Dubrovnik faced threats from neighbouring powers, including the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice. The city successfully defended itself against numerous sieges, maintaining its autonomy and preserving its cultural identity. In the early 19th century, Dubrovnik came under French control during the Napoleonic Wars before being annexed by the Austrian Empire. This marked the beginning of a period of decline for the once-mighty Republic of Ragusa.

Following World War I, Dubrovnik became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and later the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia under Marshal Tito. In the 1990s, Croatia declared independence, leading to the Croatian War of Independence. Dubrovnik endured a devastating siege during this conflict but has since been rebuilt and restored to its former glory.

What to Do in Dubrovnik Old Town

Dubrovnik is a dream destination for history and culture buffs, boasting a UNESCO-listed Old Town brimming with architectural wonders, museums overflowing with artifacts, and a rich history as a maritime republic. Here’s a list of must-see places and top things to help you delve into Dubrovnik’s fascinating past:

Explore the Old Town (Stari Grad)

One of the best and free things to do in Dubrovnik is to get lost in the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you can marvel at its well-preserved medieval architecture, historic buildings, and charming squares. Encircled by medieval walls, the Old Town offers a remarkable blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll encounter historical landmarks, charming squares, and vibrant markets.

Walk the City Walls

Take a stroll along the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik for breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, red-roofed buildings, and picturesque landscapes. The walls offer outstanding views of the city and the water around it. All the orange rooftops glisten in the sunshine—uniform and orderly. You can imagine the hustle and bustle of the days when this was an active shipping port. Merchants and seamen arrive daily at this fortified city that seems to spill into the water from the coastline.

As you wander along the narrow walls, you can imagine the watchmen who walked along the same walls so many centuries ago. Did they marvel at the city below that was under their watch? Maybe they wondered what lay across the dark blue waters and what dangers lurked there. Or, most likely, they were frying in the heat just like we were. Like the rest of the city, the walls are built from smooth and shiny stone. There isn’t that much greenery around to provide shade. You should definitely bring a hat and sunscreen if you’re visiting during summer.

Visit Fort Lovrijenac

Explore the Lovrijenac fortress, also known as the St. Lawerence fortress, located just outside the city walls. The tower offers spectacular views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding coastline. It’s also known as the filming location for parts of Game of Thrones, including the set for the Red Keep.

Ride the Cable Car

To see the best views of Dubrovnik, you must take the Dubrovnik cable car. It’s located just outside the city gates and goes up to the Imperial Port on Mount Srd. Napoleon built the fort, which opened on his birthday. The man didn’t do anything halfway. Book your tour of the old town and the cable car now.

Explore the Rector’s Palace (Knežev dvor)

Once the seat of the Republic of Ragusa’s government, the Rector’s Palace now houses the Cultural History Museum. It showcases artifacts and exhibits detailing Dubrovnik’s political, cultural, and economic history. The palace’s architecture, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, reflects the city’s rich heritage.

Wander the Sponza Palace

Built in the 16th century, Sponza Palace is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. It originally served as a customs house and mint but later became a treasury and armoury. Today, it houses the State Archives, preserving valuable historical documents and manuscripts dating back to the Middle Ages. Sponza Palace’s facade is a beautiful example of Venetian Renaissance architecture, often hosting art exhibitions and other events.

Visit the Dubrovnik Cathedral (Katedrala Velike Gospe)

This stunning Baroque style cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, is in the heart of the Old Town. It houses a treasury with relics, paintings, and sculptures dating back to the 11th century. The cathedral’s architecture and religious significance make it a must-visit for cultural travellers.

Explore the Franciscan Monastery and Museum

Founded in the 14th century, this monastery complex is renowned for its Romanesque-Gothic architecture and serene cloister. The attached museum displays a rich collection of religious art, including paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Dubrovnik’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Visit the War Photo Limited Museum

For a more recent perspective on Dubrovnik’s history, visit the War Photo Limited. The museum is dedicated to photojournalism, documenting conflicts around the world. It often features exhibitions highlighting the Siege of Dubrovnik during the Croatian War of Independence, offering insight into the city’s resilience and recovery.

Visit the Dubrovnik Maritime Museum

Croatia has a long and rich maritime history, and Dubrovnik was no exception. This museum, housed in the 16th-century Fort St. John, delves into Dubrovnik’s seafaring past through exhibits on shipbuilding, navigation, and famous seafarers. You’ll also find maritime artifacts, ship models, and historical maps.

Enjoy seafood and Croatian cuisine

Indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Croatian dishes at one of Dubrovnik’s restaurants, cafes, and taverns. Make sure to sample the local wine and olive oil for an ultimate Croatian experience. Want to indulge in local specialties? Book your culinary and wine tour to get the most out of your visit.

Dubrovnik Game of Thrones experience

If you are a massive fan of the show Game of Thrones, you might recognize Dubrovnik as the setting for some of the scenes in the show. The production has brought a lot of fans to visit what is the King’s Landing on the show. The place is spectacular, so it’s easy to see why they would choose this as the location.

There are even Game of Thrones tours that you can take to learn more about the production in Dubrovnik. I’m not a massive fan of the show, but when the opportunity came to sit on the replica of the Iron Throne, I knew I had to do it. I can see why so many fought so hard for it. It’s pretty spectacular, even when it’s not the real thing.

The show uses a lot of CGI to make King’s Landing even more spectacular, but you will recognize it once you see it in person. Even if you’ve never watched the show, the location will impress you.

Dubrovnik – where to stay

You can stay in the heart of Dubrovnik, in the Old City, or outside of it. Outside the medieval walls, there is another modern part of Dubrovnik that offers several accommodations, restaurants, and shops. If you want to spend more time here, there are many wonderful options to choose from.

We opted to stay in a nearby town called Cavtat. It is located near the airport and offers beautiful views of the sea, little restaurants and cute shops. Cavtat is a lovely seaside resort with hotels, villas and yachts. It’s also a short boat taxi ride to Dubrovnik, making getting in and out of the city convenient.

Cavtat is an ancient city on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Here, you’ll find pebble beaches, artsy attractions, and ancient Illyrian necropolises. Because of its geography and climate, Cavtat feels similar to many small Italian towns on the other side of the sea. The food is outstanding, the locals are friendly, and you can easily explore other Croatian islands.

Visiting the Old City of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a beautiful place, but like many others, it has become very touristy. We managed to visit on a day without cruise ships, which made it less crowded. You can spend the day just sitting on a patio and people-watch. Time doesn’t move too fast in this old Medieval fort. I’m okay with that. Don’t let that stop you from visiting Dubrovnik as it’s a gorgeous city to explore with loads of history and amazing architecture. What else can you want?