Things to See in Dubrovnik

Things to See in Dubrovnik – Some Dubrovnik Attractions:

Contained within the medieval city walls of Dubrovnikare the monuments and sights that tell of the history of its beautiful Old Town (Stari Grad). Starting from the Pile Gate, we take a walking tour down the Stradun and the other narrow streets of the Old Town to see some of the Dubrovnik’s most important monuments and to get a feel for this historical city.

Dubrovnik Attractions

Great Onofrio Fountain
This interesting fountain is just next to the Pile Gate and is a good meeting point. It was built by Onofrio della Cava to commemorate the completion of the new waterworks in 1438.  The waterworks supplied the city with water from the Dubrovnik River, 12 kilometres away.

Franciscan Monastery
Just across from the Fountain is this 1317 monastery.  Within the monastery is a pharmacy which was founded at the same time as the monastery, making it one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. The monastery library is also noted to be one of the most important old libraries in Croatia and in the world.

Stradun (officially called the Placa)
This central stone street of the Old City was built in 1667 after the great earthquake destroyed the city.  Walking down the Stradun, imagine what it was like before the earthquake, when it was lined with lovely and luxurious palaces.

Orlando’s Column
Near the Clock Tower in the Square of the Loggia is a stone column with the figure of a medieval warrior bearing a sword and shield standing on a pedestal. Orlando’s statue is a symbol of the freedom of Dubrovnik and the flag of the Republic always flies on top of this column.

At the base of Orlando’s Column is a line measuring 51.2 cm. People used this to measure their textile purchase here to make sure that they have not been ripped off.

As you stroll down the Stradun, don’t forget to look at some of the side lanes off the Stradun that lead to the upper level of the Old Town. One particular lane was decorated with beautiful plants and was a feature of our city walk.

The Rector’s Palace
Turing right, at the end of the Stradun is the Rector’s Palace. This is where the highest level of city government met.  The Dubrovnik Rector lived here, without his family, for the duration of his office which is limited to one month. Except for official business, he was not permitted to leave the palace. The rector was also responsible for the keys to the city.  Each evening a special ceremony was held in which he accepted the keys to the city gates and was responsible for ensuring that no one could enter into the town through the night.

The Sponza Palace
At the end of the Stradun is the Sponza Palace. This combination Gothic and Renaissance style palace was originally intended to be a custom’s housewhere traded goods from all over the world were brought here to be taxed. During its days, the palace courtyard and all the arcades were abuzz with traders and business people meeting here.

Cathedral and Treasury
Further along from the Rector’s Palace is the baroque Dubrovnik Cathedral with its great dome. Next to the church is the Cathedral Treasury which is famous for its collection of reliquaries and also a collection of sacred objects in gold.

Bokar Fortress
The purpose of this fortress was to defend the main entrance gates, drawbridge and moat at Pile.

Fort of St. John
The fort was the main defence for the city port and one of the most important defence fortresses of the city. This is a beautiful side of the city and definitely worth making your way to.  The Ploce Gate is also at this eastern end of the city.

Other Sites and Monuments of Interest

Other significant places of interest and monuments include the Dominican Monastery, Church of St. Blaise, Clock Tower and the Square of the Loggia.

Our two-day visit doesn’t really do Dubrovnik justice and one could easily spend a week here and not run out of things to see.

See our Dubrovnik photos at Travelsignposts Dubrovnik photo gallery Here.

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