City guide DUBROVNIK
Once a proud maritime republic, Dubrovnik
flourished as a centre of trade and diplomacy,
it's medieval walls standing as silent guardians
over centuries of history. The city's Old Town, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of
cobblestone streets and terracotta rooftops. So
stunning is the Old Town, playwright George
Bernard Shaw called it "paradise on Earth." Its
cinematic charm has made it a star on screen,
famously serving as King's Landing in Game
of Thrones and as the casino planet Canto
Bight in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. With the azure
Adriatic Sea as a backdrop, Dubrovnik is both
enchanting and timeless, inviting exploration
at every turn.
MUST SEES
Begin your journey at Pile Gate, the grand
entrance to the Old Town and wander
through the charming streets and alleys,
marvelling at its well-preserved medieval
architecture and fortified walls. Stroll along
the lively Stradun, Dubrovnik's main street
lined with shops and cafés. Discover the
Dominican Monastery, founded in the 14th
century, where Renaissance paintings offer
a glimpse into the city's cultural heritage.
Marvel at the Sponza Palace, a Renaissance-
era landmark that once served as a customs
house and mint, now home to the city
archives and historical exhibits. The Church
of St. Blaise, dedicated to Dubrovnik's patron
saint, stands as a testament to the city's
religious traditions with its ornate Baroque
interiors. Pause at Onofrio's Large Fountain,
a beloved gathering spot and a marvel of
15th-century engineering, which ingeniously
used gravity-fed aqueducts to bring fresh
water from a distant spring into the heart of
Dubrovnik. Take the Dubrovnik Cable Car to
the top of Mount Srđ, soaring 400 metres for
views over the city and the Adriatic Sea.
GASTRONOMY
Dubrovnik's gastronomy is a celebration of
Mediterranean flavours, with fresh seafood
like oysters and mussels from nearby Ston Bay
and iconic dishes such as black risotto made
with cuttlefish ink. Don't miss peka—meat
or octopus slow-cooked under a bell-shaped
Clockwise left to right: The narrow alleyways
of the city; Onofrio's Large Fountain; Enjoy wine
tasting on an excursion
Croatia's southernmost city, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic", exudes
a captivating atmosphere, blending ancient charm with coastal allure.
Explore Dubrovnik
57 | Viking Explorer Society News
