Interesting Things To See In Dubrovnik

An Overview of Dubrovnik 

Facing the frothing waves of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is famous for it’s gorgeously preserved Old Town. The city’s entire historic interior is surrounded with imposing stone walls, intact since the 16th-centruy. The rest of the city’s interior is equally impressive. There are numerous baroque and Gothic buildings accented by narrow alleys, paved limestone pathways and stone-stairway overlooks to view the city from above. Visitors can enjoy the impressive St. Blaise Church, the Sponza Palace, Rector’s Palace and the pedestrian center of Stradun. There are many interesting things to do in Dubrovnik.

Interesting Things To See In Dubrovnik

Lovrijenac

Also known as St. Lawrence Fortress, these fortifications rise directly above seaside cliffs, once vital defenses against Venetian influence and rule. The fortress overshadows the two primary land and sea entrances into the city’s interior. The excellent fort was originally meant to be a Venetian project which would have allowed them to exert continuous control over Dubrovnik and her trade. Instead, the people of the Croatian city constructed the entire fortress in just three months, securing their own fate.

Dubronik Cathedral

Officially known as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, this religious structure serves as the seat of the Diocese of Dubrovnik. The Cathedral is home to an impressive treasure containing relics from the 11th to 18th-centuries, the most important artifact being the gold-plated skull, arm and leg of Stain Blaise, the patron saint of the city.

Lokrum Island

Just fifteen minutes away from Dubrovnik by ferry is a small island that once served as a holiday retreat for Austrian Archduke Maximilian. The island retains it’s original monastery and botanical garden as well as impressive rock formations, serene swimming bays, short hiking trails and Utvrda Royal (Fort Royal), a French fortification built when Napoleon’s occupied Croatia. The island is one of the most interesting things to do Dubrovnik.

Rector’s Palace

This palace in the city of Dubrovnik once served as the seat of power for the Rector of the Republic of Ragusa from the 14th century until 1808. The building has suffered damage from fires and gunpowder explosions over the years, undergoing several repairs throuhgout history. The result of the repairs along with the original façade resulted in a building with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque Elements.

Dubrovnik City Walls

The city walls of Dubrovnik are the most imposing and iconic heritage structures of the city. The large curving walls were exquisitely designed, being among the greatest fortification systems through the Middle Ages. The defenses were never breached by hostile armies through the entirety of the Middle Ages. The walls, which can be walked up to view sunsets or the city’s interior, have rightfully been labeled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring city walls are some the most interesting things to do in Dubrovnik.

St. Blaise’s Church

This church is dedicated to the patron saint of Dubrovnik, Saint Blaise. The Saint is credited with saving the people of Dubrovnik in the 10th century when Venetians anchored hostile ships off the island of Lokrum.

War Photo Limited

This is an small exhibition center which displayed photos of conflict and war through photojournalism. Armed conflicts from around the world are represented.

Stradun or Placa 

Stradun, also known as Placa, is the main pedestrian shopping, gathering and community street in Dubrovnik. The pedestrian route wanders some 300 meters through town, connecting the western entrance called the “Pile Gate” to the “Ploče Gate” on the eastern walls. The street was constructed in it’s current form following a devestating earthquake in the 1600s.

MOMAD Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik

Located in a historic Gothic palace, this venue hosts contemporary paintings and sculptures crafted by Croatian artists.

Orlando’s Column in Dubrovnik

Much of Dubrovnik’s history is central to the city and it’s storied history. This column honors the historical knight Roland who was in service to Emperor Charlemagne. When Charlemagne was forced to retreat, Roland saved the army by protecting their flight at the cost of his own life. The knight’s fame grew following his death, become a central figure in stories such as the Matter of France, a cycle of medieval poetry. In Italy, he become Orlando the main character in the epic poesms Orlando innamorato (Orlando in Love) and Orlando furioso (Mad Orlando). Due to his legacy, Orlando was selected as a symbol of Dubrovnik’s sovereignty, freedom and self-governance against hostile neighboring powers.

Red History Museum

This is a unique and interactive museum following the lives of people living in communist Yugoslavia. Visitors can learn about the arts, politics, secret agencies and stories of people living under the watchful eye of the Yugoslav regime.

Mljet National Park

Mljet National Park is a sprawling island nature preserve known for long beaches, ancient ruins, saltwater lakes, numerous hiking path, kayaking trips and beautiful wildlife. It’s a popular day trip from Dubrovnik.

Love Stories Museum

This is a unique museum which contains stories and donations granted by real couples from all around the world. Visitors can find interesting local souvenirs while visiting this small venue celebrating love and romance.

Park Orsula

This small park offers wide views looking over the sea, all the way to the island of Lokrum. The gorgeous view includes the remains of the 14th century St Orsula’s Church. The venue is also known for shows and community performances thanks to the open-air amphitheater here.

Mostar Day Trip

Mostar is a popular day trip from Dubrovnik, entering the famous bride city in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. The historic town is iconic for it’s well-constructed Turkish houses and it’s stunning Old Bridge, an extraordinary technological achievement overarching the Neretva River.

Dubrovnik Maskeron

Located near Pile Gate along the Stradun, visitors can find a lopsided, heavily-worn gargoyle head sticking out of a wall at ankle-height. The stone head, just next to the entrance of the Franciscan monastery, is that of a gargoyle, supposedly representing an owl. The legend states that a person who can hop onto the head, keep their balance and take their shirt off while facing the wall will be lucking in love afterwards.

Mount Srd

Mount Srd is a low mountain located just behind Dubrovnik. Visitors can climb to the top, following rugged hiking trails for splendid views of the city itself or the Adriatic at large. The top of the mountain has a white stone cross and Fort Imperial, a fortification constructed by French forces during the Napoleonic Wars. There is a cable car which allows visitors to view the upper portion of the mountain without hiking it.

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