Lying to the east of the Adriatic Sea and sharing borders with six countries, namely Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro, the beautiful Balkan country Croatia, offers a great treat to tourists visiting the country. Its rich cultural history dating back to the Middle Ages and the numerous natural wonders make it a much targeted holiday destination. Each of its major cities has a distinction of its own while even the little towns and villages have something of interest to offer, making the country a perfect haven for tourists.
One of the many enchanting cities in Croatia is the ancient city of Dubrovnik situated on the Adriatic seacoast in the southernmost part of Croatia. It was the only city in the Adriatic to offer competition to the magical city of Venice. The city came up in the Middle Ages due to maritime trade and developed into a wealthy and important seaport and one of the most significant cities in Croatia. It is today an illustrious tourist resort and a place where the rich and famous spend their holiday. It is rightfully called the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, as it certainly is a paradise on earth. Dubrovnik is also listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Dubrovnik offers some splendid architectural delights and a multitude of breathtaking excursions that can be taken to nearby places. Although there had been severe bombing in the city during the Croatian War of Independence, most of the damaged parts have been repaired, but a few signs of destruction are still visible in the old city. The Placa Stradun or the old city makes up the central part of the city and walking through the streets and the side alleys, one can explore the elegant Baroque architecture while the modern plaza makes the centre a major business area and a place for important events.
The best place to begin your exploration of the old city is Pile Gate and one can start with the Lovrjenac Fort. To the west of the Pile is the Big Onofrio’s Fountain where tourists take a break to relax from the heat. Walking along the Old City Walls, one can explore the forts that lie at each of the three city entrances. The Bell Tower at the Ploce entrance with its famous bronze statues that give the gong every hour is a major attraction. To the front of the Bell Tower lies the Roland’s Column, also known as Orlando’s Column’, with its stone staff that is symbolic of the renowned knight. To the west lies the Gothic Sponza Palace that still retains its original structure.
Apart from this, there are several museums and churches that can be explored. A day visit to the Banje Beach, a pebbled beach or the Lapad Beach, a sandy beach can also form a part of your holiday itinerary. Besides there are numerous excursions on sailboats and motor boats to nearby islands such as the Elaphite, Mljet, Pelješac and Korcula islands. The city offers a whole range of eating places from low budget street diners to expensive restaurants and bars while one can shop for curios crafted by local craftsmen, to take back home as gifts. All in all, Dubrovnik offers an ocean of things to explore and enjoy and is definitely a city worth visiting. You are sure to come back for more!
Photo by Arnáiz provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Kiss Laszlo pixelfoto.hu provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Guia arquitectura provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Fillitsa Karantoni provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Karolina P. provided courtesy of Panoramio.com