The Pearl of the Adriatic, Lord Byron
Lord Byron once called Dubrovnik, Croatia “the Pearl of the Adriatic.” Once you visit this historic seacoast town, you will surely agree. Its history is colorful, tragic, and heroic! My husband and I visited the city several times, and it’s our favorite Dalmatian Coast city.
Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th Century. For 700 years it was an independent merchant city trading with countries as far away as India and areas of Africa. For centuries Dubrovnik lived in harmony with other countries and merchant cities. Despite all this, the city has been devastated three different times.
Walking around the historic walled city is easy and impossible to get lost. There is an open gate (with a drawbridge) at each end of the placa. On the placa you walk from gate to gate in just a few minutes. But take some time and wander around the narrow streets; enjoy the many shops; and visit a few of Dubrovnik’s 13 unique churches, each with her own set of bells!
If you have free time in Dubrovnik and want an adventure of a lifetime, “walk the wall!” At either entry gate you can pay just a few Euros (less than 10) and literally walk completely around the small city. On your walk you will enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Adriatic and excellent views of the city below. In the city square is the Onofrio Fountain built in 1438 and still in use today.
And.. if you’re even more adventurous, exit the city by the Pile Gate and climb to the top of the adjacent ancient St. John Fort. From the fort you will get even better view of the old City of Dubrovnik , and you can purchase a combined ticket or buy tickets separately. The cost of the fort ticket is 50 Kunas. A note from personal experience: the ticket booth is halfway up the climb, so buy your ticket BEFORE you begin.
The Tragic Earthquake of 1667:
Dubrovnik’s tranquility was shattered by a catastrophic Earthquake in 1667. Over 5,000 citizens were killed and a large portion of its priceless Renaissance art and architecture were completely destroyed. Only two buildings survived this catastrophe. The city that we see today still reflects the reconstructed baroque style that occurred after the earthquake.
Napoleon Arrives in Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Pearl:
The glory days of the historic merchant city were already declining when Napoleon arrived in Dubrovnik in 1806. When Napoleon’s generals reached the city after they conquest of Venice, the city officials capitulated and handed the the keys to the city. By 1815, like most of the eastern Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik became part of the Hapsburg Empire, where it remained until 1918.
Yugoslavia and Croatia:
Following World War II Dubrovnik became a part of the new country of Yugoslavia led by General Tito. Once he took power, General Tito led Yugoslavia was from 1945 until his death in 1980. Tito loved Dubrovnik and often visited his favorite villa there. His rule was a combined absolute allegiance to Marxism with a rather independent and combative relationship with the Soviet Union. Interestingly, Tito was the last of the World War II Communist leaders. He was responsible for amalgamating the six different areas of Yugoslavia into a country, but with his death the country began to fragment.
1991-1992 Siege of Dubrovnik:
For good reason, this bombardment provoked international condemnation of the Serbs. Consequently, this became a public relations disaster for Serbia and Montenegro, contributing to diplomatic and economic isolation, for them both. Croatia officially declared its independence on June 25, 1991. During this 20th Century Siege of Dubrovnik, 11,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed; in fact, in present day Dubrovnik over 70% of the tile roofs are new!
Tourism in Dubrovnik:
Tourism is now the Number One industry in Dubrovnik, and visiting the city today you will see little evidence of a war that occurred less than 30 years ago. Dubrovnik’s proud and tenacious citizens have nearly completely rebuilt their beautiful and historic city! Split and Sibenik are also interesting Croatian Dalmatian Coast cities that are great to visit; but Dubrovnik remains my favorite. You will LOVE your visit here; that’s a promise!!!
I experienced Dubrovnik, Montenegro, and the Yangtze River on Viking Cruises. Because I traveled so many cruises with Princess Cruises I love them, but, Viking stole my heart as well. If you like to cruise, you might want to try Viking!
Check out Other Blogs on this Site:
There are numerous blogs on this site; several about Alaska; Africa; and Europe, as well as blogs about Israel, China, and Thailand. I think you will enjoy them all. Just return to the Menu on the Front Page and you will find them all. Enjoy!
Also, check out Dr. David Slamp’s book Tales of the Magnificent Med. You can purchase it in the Alaska Bookstore.
