Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has had at least three cathedrals on the same site during its long history (some argue there have been as many as five since the 6th century). The first was a Byzantine building dating from the 7th century; the second a Romanesque Cathedral which was destroyed by the great earthquake of the 17th century; and at present the beautiful Baroque structure which was designed by Italian architect Buffalini from Urbino and completed in 1713.Within the current cathedral, called the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, there are several magnificent statues and paintings, including the appropriately themed 'Assumption of Mary' by Titian, which dates back to about 1552. This cathedral has stunning Baroque features as well as valuable art and is definitely worth a visit.The cathedral also has a treasury where hundreds of religious relics are stored. There is a cover charge for seeing the treasury, which is rich in artefacts, icons, and paintings. The organisation of the artefacts is somewhat chaotic but there is something intriguing about this mysterious collection of treasures. Visitors will also see the archaeological excavations that continue on the cathedral site.

Address : Kneza Damjana Jude 1

The impressive walls enclosing the ancient city of Dubrovnik were laid out in the 13th century and became an ongoing project for almost two centuries. They are among the finest in the world and are featured prominently on the HBO Series, Game of Thrones.The fortified walls are up to 10 feet (3m) thick on the sea side and at least twice as thick on the land side. Made to guard against invasion by the Turks in the 15th century, they reach 82 feet (25m) in height. Visitors can access the walls via a steep stone stairway and once they reach the top they'll be rewarded with superb views over the old city and out to sea.A walk around the old city from this fascinating vantage point is a must for visitors to Dubrovnik. In fact, it's a good way to get acquainted with the city. The detached Lovrjenac Fort to the west of the old city stood guard against both land and sea invasion and is also worth a visit for some stunning views.

Lined with palm trees, Dubrovnik's Old Port is a major focal point of the city thanks to its unforgettable scenery. Located right next to the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, the port features great shopping at small markets along its tiny cobblestoned streets as well as fantastic sightseeing opportunities.Known as the 'Jewel of the Adriatic', the beauty and fun of the Old Port makes Dubrovnik a popular cruise port. The cruise liners generally stop off at the modern Port of Gruz in Dubrovnik, which is less than two miles (2,5km) from the Old Town. The old harbour has a rich history as a trading hub and continues this tradition through its delightful markets and quaint shops.Many different kinds of boat tours are operated from the Old Town harbour and these trips offer a wonderful chance to explore the stunning coastline from the water. Many of these tours will point out attractions and landmarks, and provide insights into the port's history and Dubrovnik in general.

There is enough to do in the area surrounding Dubrovnik to fill any holiday and leave visitors desperate for more time. In close proximity to the city of Dubrovnik there are lots of picturesque villages and stunning resorts to explore.About 11 miles (18km) away, on the road to Split, is the quiet bay of Zaton, with its sandy beaches and pine forest. The town has numerous restaurants, a relic of the days when it was the chosen retreat for the aristocrats of the Dubrovnik Republic.The village of Tristeno features the Arboretum, a Gothic-Renaissance park on the coast. In the centre of this village, visitors are awed by two gigantic sycamore trees which are reputedly 500 years old and standing 197ft (60m) tall.Even closer to the city, the towns of Kupari, Srebreno, Mlini, Soline and Plat lie along a chain of hills descending to the rim of Zupa Bay, known as one of the most beautiful resorts on the Dubrovnik Riviera.Here, visitors will find plenty modern hotels offering a variety of watersports to keep guests entertained. Also very close to Dubrovnik is Lapad Beach, a popular sandy beach with a number of bars and restaurants make a lovely spot to while away a sunny afternoon.

A popular excursion from Dubrovnik is a day trip to the offshore islands of Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan, which are part of a larger archipelago northwest of Dubrovnik. They are the only inhabited islands in the group and the most popular for visitors.The islands are an escape from the mainland crowds and boast olive groves and orchards, sand and pebble beaches, 15th-century summer residences, and several interesting churches and monasteries.Kolocep is the smallest and closest island to Dubrovnik, and it is beautifully covered in green vegetation. Lopud is the most visited and is famed for the stretch of sandy beach at Sunj. Sipan used to be the summer getaway of choice for aristocratic families in Dubrovnik and is fascinating from an historical point of view.Each of the islands has something unique to offer visitors and it is worth investigating them all if time allows. Kolocep and Lopud are both car-free islands but they are tiny and easy to get around on foot. You can choose to stay on one of these charming islands and accommodation here is generally less expensive than in Dubrovnik.

The original Franciscan monastery in Dubrovnik was built in the 13th century in the Pile area. But when war broke out in the 14th century, the monks were forced to relocate to gain the protection of Dubrovnik's formidable defensive walls.Parts of the current monastery, and most of the church, have had to be rebuilt over the centuries due to damage. But parts of the complex date back to 1317. This Franciscan church and monastery, still enclosed in the walls of medieval Dubrovnik, boast one of the most beautiful Romanesque cloisters in Dalmatia.Within the monastery complex there is also a working pharmacy, which has been in business since 1317 and is thought to be the third oldest pharmacy in the world. A museum houses relics from the original medieval pharmacy such as medical books, instruments, and weight scales, as well as some gilded church relics.The massive monastery library, one of the richest in Croatia, is renowned globally by historians for its inventory: it contains some 30,000 volumes with 1,500 handwritten documents. The monastery is a great refuge after sightseeing in the heat and crowds of the city. It is cool and quiet and also has some tranquil gardens to venture into.

Address : Placa 2

Korcula Island is one of the bigger Adriatic islands, boasting beautiful views, secluded beaches, vineyards and olive groves, as well as pretty towns and harbours. Korcula Town is the island's main commercial area and is situated on the northwest coast.This old town, sticking out into the sea, is typically Dalmatian and often likened to a small Dubrovnik, with its red-roofed houses and enclosing walls. Some theorise that Marco Polo was born here and his rumoured house is now a museum open to the public. The town is also famous for its 15th-century Moreska sword dance which is performed during summer.Other main towns on the island include the tourist centre of Lumbarda, which is surrounded by vineyards and coves, and the port town of Vela Luka on the east coast. Korcula is said to have been a favourite Greek holiday spot over 2,000 years ago and since then it hasn't stopped delighting visitors with its culture and green landscapes. Of the 1,000 or so islands in Croatia, Korcula is often ranked most highly as a holiday destination by tourists.

Website : www.korculainfo.com

Marin Drzic is Croatia's best-known literary genius, immortalised in his Dubrovnik home which serves as a museum dedicated to the famous playwright and author. It gives visitors a great insight into the writer with a 40-minute presentation on his life and work.Drzic was born in Dubrovnik, probably in 1508, and he was a popular playwright, entertainer, and musician. The house itself has been restored to reflect the 16th-century Renaissance period that Drzic lived in.The Marin Drzic House is more than just a memorial. Indeed, it is an exhibition space and museum of theatre. The museum collects theatrical material for study and further dissemination and it is the only institution of its kind in Croatia.The museum has a collection of posters, programmes, and photographs from performances of Drzic plays all over the world. While the exhibition provides a good introduction into the history and culture of Dubrovnik itself, those without a particular interest in Croatian literature and theatre may find the museum a bit obscure.

Address : Siroka ulica 7

Website : muzej-marindrzic.eu/en

Covered by small villages, forests, and vineyards, Mljet is famous for its national park on the western half of the island. Main attractions include the two saltwater lakes of Veliko Jezero (Great Lake) and Malo Jezero (Small Lake), as well as a 12th-century Benedictine monastery.The lakes are popular spots for swimming and the beauty of this unspoilt oasis attracts nature lovers and those in search of peace and tranquillity. Mljet is said to be Croatia's greenest island while in Greek mythology it allegedly captivated the legendary hero Odysseus for seven years.Mljet is popular with couples because the lack of crowds and pristine natural beauty, making it ideal for romantic getaways. It is also a great option for those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and kayaking. There are of accommodation options on the island and a variety of great places to eat. Mljet could easily keep an outdoor enthusaist suitably occupied for an entire holiday.

Website : www.mljet.hr

Built between 1516 and 1522, the Sponza Palace was the centre of medieval Dubrovnik. Apart from featuring the customs office, the palace once also housed a number of the Dubrovnik Republic's state offices, the mint, the bank, the treasury, and the armoury.A mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, Sponza is one of the most beautiful palaces in the city and has been well-preserved so visitors today can still enjoy its stunning facade.It has been suggested that the architectural style of this well-preserved old palace gives some indication of what the public buildings in Dubrovnik may have looked like, before they were destroyed in an earthquake in 1667. Although this natural disaster caused considerable destruction to Dubrovnik, the palace itself was largely undamaged.Today, it houses the Dubrovnik archive, which contains 7,000 volumes and about 100,000 individual scripts. The atrium of the palace is an art gallery which showcases various exhibitions from contemporary artists as well as those who were prominent in Dubrovnik's past.

The biggest, longest, and widest street in Dubrovnik, the Stradun dates back to the 13th century, while the uniform houses that line it were mostly built in the 17th century. The street is 958 feet (292 metres) long and is the commercial, entertainment, and spiritual centre of Dubrovnik. The shiny, slippery, marble-paved Stradun is the main walkway of Dubrovnik's Stari Grad, and the best place to get a feel for the pulse of Dubrovnik.The Stradun holds many of the city's monuments and some great restaurants and shops. One of its more famous attractions is Onofrio's Fountain, which is located in a small square near the Pila Gate and Franciscan Monastery. This large fountain was built in 1438 by the famous Italian architect from Naples, Onofrio della Cava. After sustaining severe damage in a 1667 earthquake, the fountain was repaired and now features 16 masked faces, known as maskeroni, which supply water via an aqueduct. This construction was a masterpiece of its time. A smaller Onofrio's fountain is located on the opposite side of the Stradun.

Located in the historical centre of Dubrovnik, the War Photos exhibition space features temporary, changing exhibitions of photographic works relating to war and conflict. The photos aim to showcase war as it really is, exposing the horror and brutality that is experienced by innocents and combatants alike through the photographic medium.War Photo Limited exhibitions are intended to be educational and showcase the work of world-renowned photojournalists. Although they have no political agenda, the minds behind War Photos Limited consider war a disease and the intention is to expose its cruelties and rid people of the perception that it can be at all glorious and righteous. They showcase some of their exhibitions at schools, universities, and other educational centres.Anybody interested in military history or photography (or indeed the strength of the human spirit) will be fascinated by War Photo Limited. As the exhibitions change frequently, it is of course possible to visit the space many times and the documentation of particular wars and atrocities is very informative and well handled. Although some exhibitions may be quite shocking, a visit to War Photo Limited is an overwhelmingly rewarding experience.

Address : Antuninska 6

Website : www.warphotoltd.com