Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, also refered as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is Croatia’s most southern city. Dubrovnik is a must-see place during your stay in Komarna. Go early in the morning to avoid a hustle and enjoy this medieval town that changed little since the 13th century.
What to see in Dubrovnik?
City walls – Dubrovnik’s most important feature and the most dominant symbol of the town; Dubrovnik city walls date back in Middle Age, they are almost 2 km long, consisting of a series of forts, bastions and towers. The corner towers are Minčeta, Revelin, Bokar and Sveti Ivan.
Rector’s Palace – Above the entrance of the Rector’s Palace, you can read following inscription: “Obliti privatorum publica curate” or “Forget your private business, concern yourself with public affairs”. Rector’s Palace is the most important public building in Dubrovnik and a site that was once the government headquarters and the Rector’s residence.
Stradun (Placa) – is Dubrovnik’s main street. At its both ends, there is a fountain designed by Onofrio in the 15th century.
Sponza Palace – wass built in 1520 in a late gothic and renaissance style. It used to be a storage and customs building [Divon], and is now the State Archive where the most important documents about Dubrovnik’s history are kept.
Franciscan Monastery of the Friars Minor – was built in 1317 under the city ramparts near Minčeta. Part of the monastery is a library with a large number of manuscripts of a great cultural and historical value. Apart from the ancient library, the monastery also has one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe (1317).
Dominican monastery – is the oldest monastery in Dubrovnik (dating back from 1225). Dominican monastery houses an important treasury of ancient Dubrovnik artwork, including 239 incunabula.
St. Blaise church – St. Blaise is the patron saint of Dubrovnik. This beautiful church is located across from the Sponza Palace, at the square where public gatherings in Dubrovnik are held. The church was built at the beginning of the 18th century. There is a statue of St Blaise, at the main altar, holding a model of Dubrovnik in his hands, showing Dubrovnik before the earthquake of 1667.
Old port – used to be the main trading and maritime place in Dubrovnik, it remains today a picturesque part of the town.
Orlando’s column – you can find it between Sponza Palace and St. Blaise’s Church. For over 4 centuries, Orlando’s column carried the freedom flag of the Republic of Dubrovnik. That fact made Orland’s column important symbol of Dubrovnik’s freedom and independence.
Dubrovnik cathedral – The Baroque cathedral was built between 1673 and 1713. The people of Dubrovnik named it ‘Gospa Velika’.
Revelin Fortress – is one of the most important Dubrovnik sights. It was built outside of the city walls. It protected eastern part of the City from mainland as well as the entrance to the port. Today, the fortress’ terraces are used as venues for performances during Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
Fort Lovrijenac – rises above 37 meters high sea cliff. Above the entrance it is written in Latin “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro” meaning “All the gold of the world cannot buy the freedom.” Fort Lovrijenac is used as venue during Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Many world-class presentations of Shakespeare’s Hamlet have been performed here.
Fort Minčeta – is a large circular tower on the highest north-west part of the City Walls. It provides one of the nicest views over the city. At first it was a smaller square-shaped building, later on, some parts were added, and its today look it got in 1464.
