More Info about Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik thrived in medieval times (under the name ‘Ragusa’), just far enough from the greedy imperial grip of Venice. With no royal intrigue – its terracotta-tiled centre is free of grandiose monuments – this was one of Europe’s major centres of learning and commerce. Citizenship was bestowed upon the skilled and the entrepreneurial. Although much was destroyed in the earthquake of 1667, and the city was overrun by the Habsburgs and Napoleon, Dubrovnik retained a strong sense of identity and artistic prowess. Its renowned summer festival kept going, even during the bombardments.
Protecting the city-state throughout centuries of trade and torment has been St Blaise, whose statue stands over Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town. From here, you can walk right around the towers and bastions (entrance 30kn) of the high city walls – allow about an hour. Alternatively, a stroll down the main street of Stradun (also known as Placa) should take ten minutes from Pile to the old harbour.
First, you will come across the Franciscan monastery (Stradun 2, 321 410). Although rebuilt after 1667, the cloister is a Romanesque original from the 15th century. On the other side stands domed Onofrio’s Great Fountain, built around the same time. Nearer the old harbour, the baroque Church of St Blaise (432 027) stands across Luza Square from the sumptuous Sponza Palace (321 422, open by appointment), formerly the Ragusa Mint. Further attractions await by the harbour: the Rector’s Palace (321 437, closed Sun), the seat of government in the old republic; the Cathedral and Treasury (411 715); and the Dominican monastery (321 423), where the museum holds a few Titians and an 11th-century Bible.
Most hotels are a short walk uphill from the old harbour, past the beach along Frana Supila and Ploce Gate. To the east of Pile Gate are the bus station, the main modern port and the Lapad peninsula, with its sandy beaches.
• www.tzdubrovnik.hr Dubrovnik Tourist information

Seasonal Dubrovnik
After the hectic summer season, Dubrovnik quietens down for the winter. Two events mark the calendar: the procession in national costume to commemorate the town’s patron saint, St Blaise, on 3 February; and the carnival that runs for a fortnight up until Mardi Gras (28 Feb). Fancy dress parades fill the narrow streets of the Old Town

On the north flank of the city walls that encircle Dubrovnik’s beautiful Old Town, near Ploce Gate, a map plots the exact points where the shells fell during the six-month Serb bombardment a decade or so ago. Two out of every three buildings in the city were damaged. Dubrovnik has now been extensively restored to its finest medieval glory and is fully open for business.For a change from the ancient and the artsy, try this excellent gallery, managed by former photojournalist Wade Goddard. The award-winning photos on display here concentrate on the subtleties of human violence rather than on its carnage. The permanent exhibition focuses on the Balkan wars but temporary exhibits will include other wars.

Hours: Tue-Sat 10:00am-4:00pm, Sun 10:00am-2:00pm
Web: http://www.warphotoltd.com

A host of attractive resorts are within easy reach of Dubrovnik. From the Gruz main ferry terminal, there are regular crossings to the largely unspoilt Elaphite archipelago, whose three main islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan all offer tranquillity. Further afield, verdant Mljet has a national park and lakeside monastery. From Dubrovnik old town harbour, smaller boats run to nearby Lokrum, where Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked after the Crusades, and palm-fringed Cavtat.

Lokrum Island: A deep blue sea surrounds the deeply green and forested Lokrum Island, an easy day trip from Dubrovnik,lying only 680 metres offshore.

     The relaxation begins on the boat from Dubrovnik when you enjoy a magnificent view of the walled Old Town.There are no houses, hotels, stores, souvenir shops or restaurants on Lokrum. You come here to swim, sun and enjoy the idyllic coves tucked among the rocks. Some of the coves are naturist which you can spot when you see the sign "FKK". Another popular bathing spot is Mrtvo More or 'Dead Sea) an inland pond fed by a saltwater channel.

    The only sight on Lokrum is the Benedictine monastery, now in ruins and its Botanical Garden with palm trees and exotic plants. According to legend, the story of the monastery begins in 1192 when Richard the Lionhearted found himself stranded on Lokrum after a tempest. He was so enchanted with the island, he made a generous donation for a monastery on the island

The Benedictine order that established the monastery used their island to warn the mainland of approaching dangers such as pirates or tempests. The inhabitants of Dubrovnik learned to watch for fires coming from the island's hilltop or incessant bells ringing from the monastery church.

Getting to Lokrum Island is easy. Just take one of the boats leaving half-hourly in summer (less often the rest of the year) from Dubrovnik's Old Port.

The city boundaries also include the Elafiti Islands (Šipan, Lopud, Koločep, Olipe, Tajan and Jakljan).