Dubrovnik: what to see and do
Dubrovnik sits at the foot of Mount Srđ, whose elevation is 412 metres. Refugees from Epidaurum arrived in the seventh century. The 2021 census recorded 26,922 people in the Dubrovnik settlement (41,562 in the whole City of Dubrovnik).
Things to do in Dubrovnik
Lovrijenac Fortress occupies a rock rising almost 40 metres above the sea. A guided Game of Thrones tour of filming spots in Dubrovnik lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. It includes a professional local guide, a walk around filming locations, a visit to Lovrijenac Fortress, entry to a certified Game of Thrones shop and an opportunity for a photograph with an Iron Throne replica.
The private Dubrovnik day trip covering the Old Town, city walls and coast lasts 10 hours. It includes a private vehicle and professional driver for the day, plus a coastal route with stops at viewpoints.
An eight-day self-drive tour of Croatia from Dubrovnik includes a rental car for the tour, assistance from a local representative with car hire, a detailed driving route and travel documents.
Dubrovnik Old Town
UNESCO added Dubrovnik's Old City to its World Heritage List in October 1979. Around the Old Town, the city walls form a circuit of about two kilometres. Their current form and size developed between 1453 and the 1667 earthquake. An opening made in the walls in the early 20th century, under Austrian rule, became the Buža Gate.
The fifteenth-century Rector's Palace combines Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Sponza Palace was designed between 1516 and 1522. Dubrovnik's present cathedral dates from 1713 and is Baroque in style. Onofrio della Cava drew up the design for the Small Onofrio Fountain in 1446. The Large Onofrio Fountain has a many-sided form decorated with 16 carved stone masks.
The Cultural History Museum's collection contains around ten thousand objects dating from the late fifteenth century to the early twentieth century.
The guided walking tour of Dubrovnik Old Town lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Included are a licensed professional local guide and a walk presenting historical and cultural context spanning 1,400 years of Dubrovnik history.
The Dubrovnik Republic
In principle, the Republic's governing authority belonged to the Great Council, whose members were adult nobles. Ston and the Pelješac peninsula passed into the Republic's possession in 1333. The Republic purchased the eastern part of Konavle in 1419 and the western part in the 1420s. An earthquake in 1667 left Dubrovnik almost entirely destroyed. French troops entered in late May 1806. Marmont abolished the Republic in January 1808.
Lokrum
Lokrum lies off Dubrovnik and has an area of about 0.7 square kilometres. The island forms part of Dubrovnik's historic core. A document dated 1023 records the establishment of a Benedictine monastery there. Its botanical garden was formally established in 1959. The island has held protected status as a Special Reserve of Forest Vegetation since 1948.
Theatre and music
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival began in 1950 under the name Festival of Theatre Games. It adopted the name it uses today in 1952. Its Orlando award, recognising special achievement in theatre and music, dates from 1978.
Airport access
Near Čilipi, Dubrovnik Airport is about 20 kilometres by road from the city.
Frequently asked questions
How long are Dubrovnik's city walls?
The walls run for about two kilometres around the Old Town.
When did Dubrovnik's Old City receive UNESCO recognition?
The Old City joined the UNESCO World Heritage List in October 1979.
What is on Lokrum?
Lokrum has a botanical garden.
When did the Dubrovnik Summer Festival begin?
It started in 1950 as the Festival of Theatre Games and has used its current name since 1952.
How far is Dubrovnik Airport from the city?
The airport is near Čilipi, about 20 kilometres by road from Dubrovnik.
