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Dubrovnik - the city of a unique political
and cultural history (the Dubrovnik Republic,
the Statute from 1272), of world-famous cultural
heritage and beauty (inscribed on the List
of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO) - is one
of the most attractive and famous cities of
the Mediterranean. Apart from its outstanding
natural beauties and well-preserved cul-tural
and historical heritage, Dubrovnik also offers
high-quality visitor opportunities. It is also
the city of hotels, of high ecological standards
and tourist programs, and is equally attractive
in all seasons. Its geographical isolation
is compensated by high traffic and communication
standards - especially through air traffic
and fast hydrofoil boats.
The tourist development of Dubrovnik started before the First World War; quite
soon, the exclusiveness of its attractions made Dubrovnik a powerful international
tourist centre.
The
sightseeing of Dubrovnik and its monuments requires several days. However, already
a walk through Stradun, through narrow streets and small squares, monumental
ramparts and fortreses, provides enough opportunities to experience the millennial
beauty of its shell-shaped urban core, centuries of building, stone-cutting,
carving and engraving, the history of the Duke's Palace, libraries, the oldest
pharmacy in the south of Europe, etc.
Dubrovnik offers individual choice among numerous museums and galleries, which
contain the jewels of Croatian heritage.
The
Dubrovnik Museum in the Duke's Palace keeps 15,500 exhibits in its cultural and
historical department. A collection of furniture from the 17th-19th century,
uniforms of dukes and councillors, aristocratic garments and many other items
are exhibited in the authentic halls of the palace. The Maritime Museum (situated
in the fortress Sveti Ivan) has a number exhibits on a permanent display, related
to the maritime affairs of Dubrovnik and Croatia on the whole, with a particular
emphasis on the history of the Dubrovnik Republic. The museum of the Franciscan
monastery keeps all inventories of the old pharmacy, as well as the works of
Dubrovnik jewel-lers, painters and embroiders. The museum of the Dominican monastery
exhibits valuable examples of Dubrovnik painting from the 15th and the 16th centuries,
as well as sculptures, jewellery, manuscripts, incunabula and notes (music).
The treasury of the Dubrovnik cathedral keeps the relics of St. Blaise, patron
of Dubrovnik, and numerous paintings and works of art. The Rupe Ethnographical
Museum presents traditional occupations and the rural architecture of the region
of Dubrovnik, national costumes and hand-made textiles. Very attractive is also
the Aquarium of the Institute of Biology, situated in the fortress Sveti Ivan,
comprising interesting marine species.
Dubrovnik has a number of churches, monasteries and hotels scattered all over
the town. Its coastal belt is adorned with several marinas, piers and promenades.
Because of a magnificent view on the mediaeval Dubrovnik, a walk along the town
ramparts is a must for each visitor.
A great number of Dubrovnik restaurants and taverns offer delicious specialities
of local and international cuisine. Sports and recreational facilities include
playgrounds, courts and requisites for all sports in the sea and on the ground,
from tennis and table tennis to sailing and yachting. There are also several
gyms and fitness centres with swimming pools, saunas, massage, aerobics, solarium,
box gyms, etc.
Dubrovnik is famous for quality hotels. Most of them are situated on the Lapad
peninsula and in the area of Ploce, southeast of the old town. The hotel complex
Dubrava - Babin Kuk on Lapad has all features of a small town. It has a shopping
centre, a bank, an out-patient department, many restaurants and cafés,
and a street called the "New Stradun", which connects all hotels.
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