Dubrovnik

Fort Lovrijenac, often referred to as St. Lawrence Fortress, has historically served as one of Croatia's oldest significant fortresses. It is regarded as "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar" because of its placement on a steep mountainside just beyond the city's main wall. This spectacular architectural structure rises an astonishing 37 meters above the Adriatic and proved to be invincible during the numerous Venetian sieges that were launched after it was completed in the 11th century.In fact, according to legend, the Venetians originally intended to construct a tower onsite but were outdone by resourceful local residents. Fort Lovrijenac is accessible through two drawbridges and a passageway via its remarkable walls, which are as thick as 12 meters in certain parts, and is distinguished for its odd triangle structure with its multiple terraces. The fort not only serves as a tourist destination but also as a location and silhouette for Dubrovnik's renowned Summer Festival as well as its numerous theatrical and musical acts.

Built-in the 10th century the old walls are a great part and stunning feature of the history of this city. The walls have been regularly renovated to preserve the important elements of the old city and keep in touch with its architectural heritage. The formidable walls go as high as six meters in several spots along the way and are a great defender feature by being 6m wide. The city walls are 2 km in length and great for a casual stroll with loved ones or for enjoying the excellent views of the Adriatic.The walls surround the old town of Dubrovnik and also feature some of the best tourist attractions such as the Bokar tower, Fort Lovrijenac, Revelin Fortress and more. The beautiful city walls ascend and descend at several spots along the way, making this short 2 kilometer distance an adventurous hike for visitors.

The beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary known as the Dubrovnik cathedral and treasury was built over the remains of an old building dating back to the 6th century. This stunning structure was designed in the Baroque style by one of the renowned architects of Rome - Andrea Buffalini. The beautiful cathedral is known for its stunning details including features like the three aisles, three apses, and the gorgeous decor. The interiors are also decorated by several wonderful paintings done by Italian and Dalmatian artists of the 16th to 18th centuries.The cathedral also features the popular artwork ‘Virgin of the chair’ which was painted by Raphael in the early 1600s. The structure also includes a cathedral treasury which houses some important relics such as the cross which is believed to be the same one on which Jesus was crucified. In addition to this, the treasury also features May gold and silver relics as well as parts of the city’s patron saint St. Blaise. 

The Sponza Palace is known to be one of the few buildings that survived the tales of time and natural calamities that hit the city in the 17th century. Originally the building was constructed to be a customs house and later on it went to be an armory, a bank, a treasury and a mint. This stunning structure features many elements of a blended architectural style of gothic and renaissance elements. The structure also houses an alcove which is featuring a St. Blaise statute on its premises. The blended elements have perfect balance, as visitors will find Gothic style windows on the 1st floor and Renaissance inspired windows on the 2nd floor. As the visitors enter the structure, right before the gate they will find the Memorial room of the defenders of Dubrovnik. This room features black and white pictures of young men who lost their lives between the years 1991 and 1995. 

An amazing addition to the city of Dubrovnik, the Franciscan Church and Monastery was first opened in the 14th century. The monastery complex is also known for its amazing architecture which follows the Romanesque style with a blend of Gothic and Baroque elements. The Monastery is a beautiful blend of the cultural and artistic heritage of the city and also features an impressive library. In addition to the library, the monastery also features an ancient pharmacy that can be traced back to 1317.The complex also has an old pharmacy museum, which tells a tale about the history of the pharmacy. It also displays antique apothecary jars, furniture, original inventors, and even several historical medical instruments as well as books. The monastery is surrounded by a beautiful church and well kept landscape gardens that are great for relaxing strolls during the visit.

The Reactors Palace once functioned as an administrative center for the city of Dubrovnik Republic. The Palace was destroyed more than once since its construction first in a Gothic architectural style. With later additions, the palace has gained beautiful elements of both Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles. The beautiful structure also features works of talented and renowned artists like Onofrio Della Cava and Pietro di Martino of Milan.The palace is divided into several parts the Minor and Major council hall, Rector's residence, courtroom, administration office, prisons, arsenal, and gunpowder storehouse. As one of the popular places to visit in Dubrovnik, Rector’s Palace is currently home to the Cultural historic department of the Dubrovnik museum and features several collections of furniture, objects of daily use, and paintings by various artists both local and popular, among other things. The museum's exhibitions also put on display a collection of old coins used in the city and a collection of pharmaceutical arms and utensils. 

The beautiful island of Lokrum is one of the most amazing places for a day getaway from the city. The island is just a 10 minute ferry ride away from the city of Dubrovnik and is among the best places in Dubrovnik for both locals as well as tourists. The island is brimming with pine, cypress, and olive trees, providing the guests with a refreshing experience, tranquil shade and a calm atmosphere. A boat leaves every hour on hour from the city to the island, and it will take not more than 15 minutes to reach the island.Guests can even book private kayaking tours if they wish to get more adventurous and experience the waters. The island also offers visitors a chance to enjoy Snorkeling or swimming along the coast. The Botanical Gardens on the island are a great place to spend time strolling in a calm environment. For history enthusiasts, the ruins of the Benedictine Monastery are among the best places to visit in Dubrovnik.

The Minceta Tower is known as one of the most popular historic sites as well as the one visited the most in Dubrovnik. This tower is at the highest point of the city's defense system and features stunning Gothic architectural elements. This beautiful tower was built on the lane of a renowned local family and was also designed by a local builder after the fall of Constantinople. Furthermore, the construction includes several techniques of warfare and has two separate structures joined together.Today the majestic structure holds more of a decorative and tourism value than any defense system. The tower rods also feature the Croatian flag on its beautiful crown and in summer the tower adds another flag - Liberia’s Flag. The tower is a reminder of the proud history of the city and also plays an important part in its important present day festivals.