Dubrovnik's main street, Placa.
Only one day in Dubrovnik? You could check out Dubrovnik beaches but
don't miss these sights:
One of the best ways to get a feeling for Dubrovnik
is to take a 2km walk around the city
walls.
Then, begin
your walking tour at Pile
Gate You'll quickly appreciate rich Ragusa's
security concerns when you cross over a drawbridge that was raised
every night. There are two massive doors through the walls, an
exterior door in a Renaissance style and a Gothic interior door
topped by the statue of St Blaise, Dubrovnik's
patron saint.
Straight ahead is the town's main street, Placa (pronounced "platsa")
or Stradun, Dubrovnik's
most illustrious feature,punctuated by the clock
tower at
the end.
Along this wide gleaming street lined with shops
and cafes, all Dubrovnik's processions take place. It's curious
to note that it was actually a part of the sea until the 11th century when
it was finally paved over.
Right in front of the Pile Gate entrance is the
circular Onofrio Fountain (named
after its Neapolitan builder) built in the 15th
century and sporting 16 carved masks. Unlike the rest of Dalmatia,
Dubrovnik citizens were not relegated to capturing rainwater; the
fountain was connected by aqueduct with a spring 12km from town.
Opposite is the Franciscan
Monastery with the restored sculpture of the Pieta over
the entrance door. Inside is the Pharmacy dating
from the 14th century and a gorgeous cloister also
from the 14th century.
Next to the monastery is the 16th-century St
Saviour Church, one of the few Renaissance structures to survive
the earthquake of
1667.There are often concerts and exhibitions here.
Notice the Orlando Column on
the eastern end of Stradun. It was carved in 1417 and has been a
popular meeting place for almost six centuries!
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The Sponza Palace |
Dubrovnik's Renaissance highlight is the Sponza
Palace which now houses the State Archives. You can't visit
all of it, but it's certainly worth admiring the part that's open
to the public on weekdays.
Nearby is the ornate St Blaise's church,
at the end of Stradun, dedicated to Dubrovnik's
patron saint. Inside
the lavish 18th-century church is a charming 15th-century statue
of St Blaise who holds a scale model of Dubrovnik in his hand.
 |
The Rector's Palace |
The Renaissance highlight you can visit is the Rector'sPalace. It was built in the late 15th century for Dubrovnik's ruler, the elected Rector,
who held office for one month on a revolving basis and was not allowed to leave
during his term.The interior has been turned into a fascinating museum with
renovated rooms, furnishings and art from Dubrovnik's glorious past.
Across the square is Dubrovnik's baroque Cathedral. Built in the 18th century after an earthquake destroyed
the original,the cathedral is still being explored after excavations
revealed traces dating back to the 7th century. Don't miss the Treasury with
its relics from St Blaise and a Madonna attributed
to Raphael.
Between the Rector's Palace and the Cathedral
is Gundulic square, scene of a morning market and
the deluxe Pucic
Palace hotel, the only luxury hotel in the Old Town.
In the centre of town is a statue of Dubrovnik's renowned poet
Ivan Gundulic.
Before leaving town by the Ploce Gate; you'll
come to the Dominican Monastery with
a sober exterior that blends into Dubrovnik's walls. The art collection
here centers on Dubrovnik's finest painters, mostly from the 15th
and 16th centuries. There's also a lovely cloister dedicated
to St Sebastian.
If
you have two days or more, you could check out the following sights
. . .
Related Pages
Dubrovnik Travel
Guide
Dubrovnik
Accommodation
Hotels
in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Nightlife
Dubrovnik
Dining
Dubrovnik
Tours & Excursions
Getting
to Dubrovnik
Getting
Around Dubrovnik
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