Dubrovnik's top historical sites you won't want to miss!
Dubrovnik is beautiful! But that also means it gets really, really busy. And if you don't keep your eyes open and your tired body out of Games of Thrones dominated souvenir shops, it's easy to miss Dubrovnik's historical gems. Many of them dating back to the mighty Republic of Ragusa! So here's our history fans' guide to what to see in Dubrovnik and when to visit to avoid the crowd....
1. Rector's Palace
Built in 1447, the Rector's Palace blends Gothic and Renaissance architecture, once serving as the operational core of the Republic of Ragusa. This remarkable building was home to the Rector, a rotating aristocratic figure who acted as Ragusa's executive. But who only briefly lived in the palace before it was someone else's turn!
Upon entering, the ornate interiors should take you back to the 15th century. You might even be able to hear the pronouncements of judicial proceedings and the polite back stabbings of diplomatic meetings.
When to visit
If you want to avoid the crowds (many of whom will remember it as a Game of Thrones shooting location of Qarth - no us neither), your best bet is to go there when it opens at 9am or just before it closes at 6pm - April to October. If you're travelling during winter months, the crowds are a lot thinner. However, it tends to close earlier (at 4pm) so plan your day accordingly.
2. Sponza Palace
If the Republic of Ragusa was all about the wealth of its maritime trade, Sponza Palace has to be its beating heart. Originally built in the 16th century as a customs house, it now operates as an archive that preserves crucial documents from the Republic of Ragusa's history. A must-visit for Countries That Don't Exist Anymore fans!
Sponza Palace was the place where bread was made - literally. It used to be a granary as well as a mint and treasury. Its impressive stone corridors are built in Gothic and Renaissance styles. And on its façade, you can spot loads of stone carvings of both mythological and historical figures. The palace regularly hosts exhibitions on Croatian history, so there's always something new to learn.
When to visit
The advice is much the same as the Rector's Palace. Unfortunately the palace was used heavily in Game of Thrones, so avoid peak times to sidestep the flocks of Thronies.
3. Dubrovnik Cathedral
When the earthquake of 1667 trashed Dubrovnik, a Romaneque basilica was one of its many victims. Fortunately Dubrovnik Cathedral (built between 1671 and 1713) was a fine replacement. You won't miss, as it's a bit of an old town icon - so you're bound to bump into it even if you hadn't planned. It stands as testament to the resilience of the people during the turbulent periods of the Republic of Ragusa. The resilience of tourists is also tested as there are some pretty substandard cafes and restaurants nearby.
If you pop inside, stunning paintings and sculptures abound. The showstopping altarpiece was even crafted by Italian master, Titian. Though its doubtful he would have approved of some of the Italian restaurants nearby.
When to visit
Since the cathedral is opening from 8am to 8pm daily, you can be a bit more relaxed about seeing this one.
4. The City Walls
Exploring Dubrovnik would be incomplete without a hike along the iconic City Walls. Constructed in the 13th century, these massive fortifications are a reminder of when the Ottoman threat loomed large.
With a length of almost 2km, the walls give you the most breathtaking views of the old town and the shimmering Adriatic Sea. You really get a sense of Dubrovnik in its entirety and why it was such a good spot for a defensible city. As you walk the ramparts, its hard not to appreciate their historical significance. And its one of the few places in Dubrovnik where you can be alone with your thoughts.
When to visit
Any time! Because of all the walking involved, the city walls naturally aren't for everybody. Plus they're open from 8am to 6.30pm every day, so just visit when it fits into your schedules. Sunset is obviously a spectacular time of day, so Spring or Autumn (Fall) are great times of year. If you go in summer peak, there's a very handy bar on top of the walls. Refreshing!
5. Franciscan Monastery
Tucked away from stag night stained streets is a very the tranquil Franciscan Monastery, dating back to the 14th century. If you've listened to our episode on the Republic of Ragusa, you might remember how Ragusa had the oldest still operational pharmacy in Europe. So, you can pop in for some history. And do something about that hangover.
Take a break from the sun and have a stroll through the cloisters and gardens. Its library is crammed with priceless manuscripts too. While its free to walk around the site, you'll have to pay to enter the Franciscan monastery museum.
When to visit
Fortunately the monastery site never gets too busy. During summer, it's open from 9 am - 6 pm. And from 9 am - 2 pm during winter months.
6. St. Blaise Church
St. Blaise Church, dedicated to Dubrovnik's patron saint, is a baroque architectural wonder. Found in the heart of the old town, it stands as a symbol of the Republic of Ragusa’s independent spirit, since St. Blaise was the guy who warned the Ragusans of an imminent attack.
The richly decorated interior is quite the spectacle, and a reminder that God really likes gold - for some reason. Each year, the Feast of St. Blaise brings thousands of locals together in a tradition that has survived for centuries.
Not only is he the patron saint of Dubrovnik, Saint Blaise is also patron saint of throat illnesses and wool combers. A classic pairing. He's also one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. Apparently he once saved a boy's life who had a fishbone caught in the throat. Standards for canonisation were pretty low back then!
When to visit
If you're suffering from a fishbone related throat illness, time your visit carefully. The church is only open to visitors between April and September, from 2 - 4 pm.
7. Minceta Tower
If you're visiting the walls of Dubrovnik, it's well worth popping into Minceta Tower. Constructed in the 14th century to keep the Ottomans at bay, the tower is named after the Menčetić family, who were... Ottomans. Bad luck there.
There's a museum worth visiting in the basement and see if you can spot the flag flying from the tower with the word Libertas - or freedom. The museum isn't free unfortunately, but you can't have everything. wear comfortable shoes, as its 750 steep stairs if you want to get to the top.
When to visit
The tower is open from 8 am to 7 pm in summer and 9 am to 3 pm in winter. You'll find the entrance near the Pile Gate.
8. Fort Lovrijenac
The mighty Fort Lovrijenac guards the city's western approach to the city, i.e. the sea - which is why its walls are only really thick on the seaward side. Apparently the fort was built in only three months in the 11th century to fend off an attack by those pesky Venetians. Apparently the Venetians were going to build their own fort on the cliffs, only for the Ragusans to out-fort them.
Fort Lovrijenac has a quadrilateral court and three terraces overlooking the sea. It was defended by ten large cannons and a equally stirring inscription ‘Non Bene Pro Toto Libertas Venditur Auro’ – ‘freedom is not to be sold for all the gold in the world.’
When to visit
If you've got a ticket for the City Walls, you can get into the fort too. But since the parapets now host an open air theatre with regular performances of Shakespeare, you might want to take in an evening performance and catch a sunset while you're there. Game of Thrones fans won't have the patience for Shakespeare, so you'll be safe for a few hours.
Any sites you think we've overlooked? Feel free to let us know below.
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