The City of Dubrovnik is located in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and has a surface area of 143.35 km2. It is situated in the very south of the Republic of Croatia, extending from the Duboka Ljuta gorge on the east, to Imotica in the west .
The geographical position of the region is typical Mediterranean with favourable climate ( mild and warm winters and hot dry summers).
Dubrovnik is surrounded by a group of few islands known as the Elaphite archipelago that includes Šipan, Lopud, Koločep, Tajan, Olipa, Jakljan and Daksa with a rich variety of flora: cypress, pine, olive groves, vineyards, and lemon and orange plantations, palm trees, agave and cactus, which contributing to unique atmosphere.
For thoose who love nature there is a lot of well aranged beaches, coves, little islands and a true Mediterranean landscapes where you can enjoy. There are many marinas with crystal blue sea where you have opportuinity to sailing, fishing, diving... and try other water sports.
The city has a historical baroque-styled emblem with four parallel red bars on a silver inverted pear-shaped shield.
Dubrovnik is famous for Maestral wind which is the messenger of lovely weather while the Bura and Jugo winds are typical in the winter.
Dubrovnik is a city built in 7th century in South Dalmatia. In his early ages he was under the reign of Byzantium, but it kept its authonomy. For some time Dubrovnik was also a republic. Because of its good geografical position maritime was the most important activity. This small republic had led a great politic by establishing trading connections with bigger and stronger forces, such as Ottoman Empire.
In 14th century most parts of Europe were hit by a plague and so was the teritory of Dubrovnik. About 7000 people died 'couse of it but after some time Dubrovnik had recover and grew stronger. In 17th century came another disaster. It was an earthquake that was so strong that ruined almost entire city. But it seemed that bed luck didn't stopped. Just after the earthquake came a big fire, in which were burned all beautyes of Dubrovnik. After this disasters the city started to decay. In 19th century marshal Auguste Frederic Louis Viesse de Marmont abolished the Dubrovnik Republic that was never established again. The teritory of the republic then refered to Dalmatia. .jpg)
This historical town survived many natural catastrophes and wars, many wanted and fighted for its treasure, but despite everything Dubrovnik still exists and it is more beautiful and richer that ever. History left here so much and made a huge monument of this town.
In 1318 started the construction of Franciscan monastery and church and it lasted for centuries. The old church was ruined in an earthquake so it had to be reconstructed. The interior has a Baroque features and here is burried Ivan Gundulić, a famous poet from Dubrovnik. In 1317 was built, within the monastery, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.
The constuction of Dominican church and monastery started in 1301and it is built in Gothic and Renaissance style. Some parts were destroyed in an earthquake so it was reconstructed in 17th century during the Baroque.
St. Vlah church was dameged in an earthquake and destroyed in a fire in 1706. Marino Gropelli, a Venetian architect, has biult completely new church that exists today in a style of spruced Venetian baroque.
The entire city is surrounded with the city walls that are also a monument and a big attraction for tourists. You can take a walk on the walls and from there you can see other cultural heritage.
With no doubt you can say for Dubrovnik that it is an elite artistic town.
Summer Games in Dubrovnik is a festival that helds since 1949. That are days when city and its citizens go back in history and enjoy in many musical, dramic and dance performances. There are also many other festival, such as: Music Festival "Julian Rachlin and friends", Libertas Film Festival, International Film Festival in Dubrovnik, Festival of Contemporary Arts "Quarantine", Festival of Urban Culture "Re-Action".
Dubrovnik keeps its national treasure, which you can see in one of many galleries: The Art Gallery, Gallery "Sebastian", Art Workshop Lazareti and Gallery "Island".
This is a city with many different museums for people with different interests:
1. The Archaeological Museum has 7 collections and these are the Prehistoric collection, an Antique collection, an Early Medieval Collection, the Collection from 13th century 'til the earthquake in 1667, the Collection of Vase, the Egyptian Collection and the Numismatic Collection.
2. Cultural History Museum in which you can see the following collections: the collestion of arts, ceramic, icons, metal, textiles, furniture, glass, photographsand other.
3. Maritime Museum
4. The Home of Marin Držić is a museum and its main intention is to collect, research and dissamination of theatre.
5. Museum of Contemporary Art was opened in 1956. It tell its visitors a story about the World War II and about Croatian War of Independence.
6. Ethnographic Museum possesses more then 5000 objects that testimony about historical tradition in Dubrovnik and Dalmatia.
Dubrovnik has a privileges whereas is placed by the sea. On a pebbly beach Banje is placed a famous Eastwest Beach Club. Buza is a bar for romantic souls and it's placed on a cliff. Hemingway is a bar where you can go out and dance, drink cocktails and have fun 'til morning. An Irish bar Karaka is placed in Od Polaca street and it will bring you an irish atmosphere while you enjoy in Mediterranean climate. Fuego is a latino bar and all those who want to show their dancing skils are invited.
There is also many open-air concerts and happenings that entertain visitors and tourists, youth and older people.
Dubrovnik has a Mediterranean climate and great geographical possition. It has beautiful pebbly beaches with lots of greenery and a clean sea. During the day you can take a long walk through the city, you can go kayaking, you can water-skii, go sailing, fishing, scuba diving, you can play tennis, or simply lay on a beach and enjoy the sun.
Dubrovnik can be reached: by plane you will get to airport in Dubrovnik, one of 9 Croatian airports; by personal vehicle from any part of Europe; by boat or by personal boat, which you can anchor in one of marinas; by bus which connects all the mains cities and other settlements along Croatia.
