Dubrovnik
Aerial panoramic view at famous european travel destination, Dubrovnik cityscape on Adriatic Coast, Croatia.

Dubrovnik is always referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic. That is true — with its historical and cultural meaning, blue sea, beautiful beaches and nice people, it certainly deserves that title. It’s situated on the coast, in the south of Croatia. Its old Latin name was Ragusa, and the meaning of its name can be translated as “forest”. Just like Split, Dubrovnik has its own natural shield — it has settled down at the bottom of the hill called Srdj.

It is specifically known for the ramparts that surround it. Its old part was completed in the 13th century and seems to have never changed. Ramparts. Old ramparts made of heavy stones were the inevitable means of defense throughout the past. Keeping them to these days, people tend to keep a spirit of history no matter how bitter it was.

The climate is Mediterranean sensed in warm and mild winters and hot summers. Sunny days during most of the year give it a special charm — a charm of the new people always coming back to this pearl. People seem to like walking down the Dubrovnik’s promenade called Stradun, sit in a cafe nearby and enjoy the moment while being watched over by the patron saint named saint Vlaho. On the day of St. Vlaho (February 3rd) a big ceremonial procession takes place. Banners of all sizes are held to praise the patron Saint. February is also known for the carnival.

There is a variety of things of cultural and educational meaning to see. Walks down the promenade, Dubrovnik’s towers used for defense and kept unchanged to these days, the Orlando Statue, a glorious symbol of the free city, a symbol of liberty, Onofrio’s fountain, Sponza palace, Gundulićeva poljana… It is impossible to miss any of these things — the spirit that makes you see them all keeps getting stronger and stronger.

If you wind up in Dubrovnik during the summer days, the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a must to see. It represents a cultural spectacle when keys to the city are handed to artists whose only duty is to entertain people for a whole month. If you hear some verses at the beginning, those are words of Ivan Gundulić, a Croatian writer who lived in the 17th century and whose words dedicated to liberty have been read at the opening of the Festival. The beginning of October is reserved for Dubrovnik International Film Festival that lasts for several days. The elite of society is present just like the famous people from all around the world.

That is certainly not all. Its night life, parties, theaters, museums, and exhibitions have a huge potential to entertain you. Whether you like pearls or not, this one will surprise you…