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View Full Version : Things to do in Dubrovnik



Sisak
03-09-2013, 01:17 PM
1. Walk the Walls: Dubrovnik's medieval fortifications are one of its main attractions. They encircle the old town and offer picture-perfect views of its red-roofed buildings and the surrounding area, including the ocean. Climb into defensive towers and lookout posts, peek into tidy gardens, and take plenty of photos!

2. Shop for Souvenirs: From coral jewelry to traditional embroidery, souvenirs in Dubrovnik reflect Croatian traditions and local resources. You'll also be able to buy wine, dolls, lavender, olive oil, cookbooks, and more.

3. Experience the Dubrovnik Summer Festival: See folk performances, plays, and even internationally known performers when you visit during Dubrovnik's popular Summer Festival.

4. Rector’s Palace: Right off Luza Square is the Rector’s Palace. It was the seat of the Ragusan government, where the Rector lived and worked. The first prince (Rector) ruled the Republic from here. After Napoleon’s army dissolved the Dubrovnik Republic the Rector’s position was reduced. In fact a new Rector was selected each month.

5. Sample Croatian Wine: Did you know that Croatia has a tradition of wine production? Croatian wines have unique flavor that results from its soil and climate. Be sure to try Croatian wine while you're in Dubrovnik—it's a part of local culture you don't want to miss.

6. Go for a Dip: Dubrovnik's best beaches are not in the immediate vicinity of the old town, but you'll find swim spots outside the city walls and another beach just east of Old Town. Lokrum Island, the small island visible from Dubrovnik's walls, also has a nudist beach.

7. Visit the Aquarium: St. John's Fortress is home to a maritime museum and an aquarium. This excursion is a good option if you're traveling with children or need to escape either sun or rain.

8. Wander Ancient Streets: Dubrovnik's compact old town is made up winding streets and sheltered alleyways. Shops and restaurants occupy centuries-old buildings, but Old Town Dubrovnik is also home to a lucky few residents who own houses here. Explore streets that branch out from the main thoroughfare to understand the layout of the old town a little better.

9. Visit Old Town Dubrovnik in the Evening: Dubrovnik takes on a glow after night falls, with the Stradun reflecting street lamps and the town clock lit up for all to see. Duck into courtyards and examine the architecture in this new light, or find yourself a lively bar serving up drinks and music.

10. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Dubrovnik: Most of East and East Central Europe experience frigid temperatures at the end of December, but Dubrovnik's weather is pleasant and mild! If you want to experience New Year's in your shirtsleeves rather than a winter coat, consider Dubrovnik your destination of choice. Fireworks over the Stradun and other main sights create a magical display.

11. Pile Gate: This is the north gate into the city. It features a stone bridge with two gothic arches. If you exit towards the outside you can get to Tower Loverjenac, something we did not do. On entering, the outer draw bridge is met by an internal bridge that leads into the city. If the light is right, some good shots are to be had from Pile Gate. My suggestion is to walk down the path to the left as you exit out of the town. at the end you’ll be at the bay I mentioned from the wall tour. There is a great view of the enormous Tower Loverjenac and Tower Bokar with the Adriatic in the background.

12. Big Onofrio’s Fountain:
You’ll see this round structure near the pile gate. It’s close to the entrance to the wall tour. It’s a 16-sided water fountain and is considered a masterpiece of engineering for the early 1400’s. This is not only for the design, but for the design of the irrigation flow. The water that serves it is 20 kilometers away.

13. Church of St. Blaise & the Cathedral:

While the Church of St. Blaise is worth seeing, mostly because of the religious artifacts in a small room behind the alter, I liked the Cathedral much more. At night the lighting is dramatic and great for night shots. The courtyard in front of it was not that busy when I was shooting, so I was able to take a long exposure without people walking through.

14. Franciscan Monastery:

The Franciscan Monastery is a must see for fans of great architecture as this courtyard and surrounding buildings are considered a masterwork of Dubrovnik architecture. The Roman-Gothic styling features an outside courtyard with the second oldest pharmacy in Europe, and it’s still a pharmacy today. Inside the library features 30,000 volumes of books and 1500 hand written documents. The garden area is extraordinary.


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