Nicknamed the Pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik, has a wealth of attractions for visitors. The city's seafront location, coupled with its beautiful and historic old town, is helping Dubrovnik make a come back to its top spot as a destination in the Dalmatia area.
Founded in the 7th century, Dubrovnik has had a series of rulers including
Venetians and Hungarians, and even became its own Republic, known as the Republic of Ragusa. The city of Dubrovnik enjoyed its greatest growth in the 15th & 16th centuries, which is reflected in the impressive architecture. The old town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to Croatia's artistic and intellectual elite and frequent cultural activities are the norm.
A siege by the Yugoslav Peoples Army in from October 1991 to May 1992 heavily damaged much of the city. Since then, with the help of the Croatian government and UNESCO, much of the damage has been repaired and the buildings updated to withstand earthquakes that are common in the area.
Some of the key sights in Dubrovnik are the Cathedral Treasury, the Church of St Blaise, the Rector's Palace, Fort of St John, Sponza Palace, the Dominican Monastery, and the famous Ploce Gate.