Dubrovnik Sights
# Dubrovnik's Stari Grad (Old Town) Walls
One of the best ways to appreciate old town's history and architecture, and get its overall vibe, is to walk along the top of the walls. Guaranteed to be one of the highlights of your trip to Dubrovnik. There are 16 towers and no matter where you look youâll be mesmerized by the panoramic views of the town's red-tiled roofs set against the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea. The wall runs for about 2km and reach a height of 25m. Bring something to drink, especially in hot weather, as the walk has numerous steps and can be quite tiring for some. Entrance costs are 30kn for adults and 10Kn for children.
# Stradun (Main Square)
No matter where you are in the Old Town, itâs almost impossible to get lost as all the streets lead onto the main square, known as the Stradun. Itâs the center of town and meeting place for its inhabitants. If itâs the hip, happening café culture youâre looking for, youâll find it here. It runs from the bus stop outside Pile Gate to the clock tower at the opposite end of town.
# Franciscan Monastery
Located just inside the Pile Gate, the museum of the Franciscan monastery keeps all inventories of the old pharmacy thatâs been operating since 1391, as well as the works of local jewellers, painters and embroiders.
# Cultural Heritage Museum
Located inside the luxurious Rectors Palace which was the home and seat of government of the Prince (Rector) of the old Dubrovnik Republic. The museum houses a permanent collection of ceramics, icons, metalwork, textiles, furniture, glassware, photographs, a collection of paintings by the Old Masters from the 15th-19th centuries. Also has exhibits of uniforms of dukes and councilors as well as Aristocratic garments.
# St. Blaiseâs Church
Located at the end of the Stradun, the treasury of the Dubrovnik cathedral keeps the relics of St. Blaise, patron of Dubrovnik, and numerous paintings and works of art there.
# Gundulic Square
Scene of the bustling morning markets and location of Pucic Palace, the only hotel to be found within the Old Town walls.
# Dominican Monastery
The museum of the Dominican Monastery exhibits valuable examples of Dubrovnik's paintings from the 15th and the 16th centuries, as well as sculptures, jewelery, manuscripts, and music.
# Fort Lovrijenac
Located on a headland opposite Pile Gate, the historic fortress is not attached to the city walls. Legend has it that that fort was constructed in three months in the 11th century to prevent the Venetians from building their own fortress there. Above the entrance, you'll find inscribed in Latin âAll the gold in the world cannot buy freedom.â Many world-class presentations of Shakespeareâs Hamlet have been performed here during Dubrovnik's annual Summer Festival. Young Croatian actor, Goran Visnjic, launched his professional acting career playing the lead character of Hamlet here. It wasnât long before he was spotted by a Hollywood talent scout and landed the role of Dr. Luka Kovach on the hit television series, âER.â
# Lokrum Island
10 minute Ferry Ride from Dubrovnik. Is a thick forested reserve protected by the Croatian Academy of Art and Science boasting a rugged nudist beach, a lovely botanical garden and the remains of an old Hapsburg fortress. On the islandâs highest point youâll find Fort Royal, which is built in the shape of a five-pointed star by the French army in 1806. Great views of Dubrovnik and Catvat from here. Also has small lake which is linked to the open sea called Mrtvo More (Dead Sea).