Dubrovnik is the most famous coastal city in Croatia. With hundreds of years of history and imposing fortifications, there are many sights to see at this UNESCO-protected sight. These are some of the not to be missed when visiting.
Dubrovnik city walls
Dubrovnik’s city walls offer the best views of the city and the surrounding landmarks. A small fee will allow you to walk all of the 1600+ feet of them. Along the way, you’ll be able to venture into outposts and scale defensive towers, peer into people’s backyards, and identify other important sights from great vantage points.
Luza Square and the Stradun
The Stradun is Dubrovnik’s main artery and runs from its main gate (the Pila Gate) to Luza Square, where the city’s clock tower is located. Along this street there are shops, exchange houses, cafes and restaurants. Dive into the side streets of Stradun for more food and shopping options, and use Luza Square as an orientation point to further explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Franciscan monastery
The cloister of the Franciscan monastery, with its frescoes, garden and fountain, is a peaceful sanctuary. Pay attention to the columns in the cloister, which are covered with detailed carvings depicting animas and human faces. For an additional fee, you can visit the small pharmacy museum that preserves the history of one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, which is still in service in the monastery today.
The church of San Blas
The Church of Saint Blaise, in Luza Square, is an important church because it honors Saint Blaise, or Sveti Vlaho, the patron saint of Dubrovnik. On the feast of the saint (February 3), his relics, which are kept in the church, parade through the streets of the old town. A silver statue of Saint Blaise is one of Dubrovnik’s treasures.
Look for the image of Saint Blaise in another part of Dubrovnik – examine each new visitor from his position at the top of the Pila Gate.
Assumption cathedral
The Cathedral of the Assumption has offered archaeologists a glimpse into the Dubrovnik settlement era. The church that currently stands here replaced an older church, but that church was built on the site of an even older church from the 7th century, the foundations of which were revealed during the renovation.
Onofrio Fountain
You can’t miss Onofrio’s Fountain when you enter Dubrovnik through the Pila Gate. This massive fountain was built in the 15th century to supply fresh water to the city. Smaller fountains can be seen throughout the city. Although the Onofrio Fountain has suffered damage due to time and earthquakes, remains of its original decorations remain.
Roland column
Roland’s Column is in front of the Church of San Blas. This column represents both the value of Dubrovnik’s freedom and his past allegiance to Sigismund, who was King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia in the 15th century. This highly detailed sculpture of the legendary knight is one of the symbols of Dubrovnik.
The sponza palace
The Sponza Palace in Luza Square is home to the Dubrovnik Archives. Its Gothic windows and graceful arches represent the best of Dubrovnik architecture. This building once housed an armory, mint, treasury, and customs.
Rector’s palace
The Rector’s Palace is a combination of different architectural styles and its appearance has evolved with the city. The Rector’s Palace is now a museum that recreates the appearance of the interiors of the structure.
Fortaleza Lovrijenac
The Lovrijenac fortress is located outside the walls of Dubrovnik. This imposing structure, with ocean waves beating against its rocky base, is the focal point of many photos of Dubrovnik. Today, the fortress is used as part of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and the site of annual Hamlet performances.
