Dubrovnik is undoubtedly one of Croatia’s most beautiful cities and a favourite destination for those who love culture and history. It’s famous for its medieval walled Old Town, stunning landscapes, and pretty cobblestone streets. Dubrovnik also has its share of gorgeous beaches, making it an ideal destination for those who want to relax along the stunning Croatian coast while learning some history. Here are some of the top sightseeing destinations in Dubrovnik.
1. The Old City Walls
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City Walls of Dubrovnik is also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” As you stroll through the top of the walls, walking from tower to tower, you will stumble upon the picturesque views of the Old Town with the Adriatic Sea in the background.
As you gaze on the fortified city, you will see a treasure trove of Renaissance and Gothic architecture of churches, monasteries, and ornately carved fountains. All these sit alongside cosy cafes, fantastic restaurants, and souvenir shops. Exploring the Old City Walls is a feast for the eyes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the locals living within the walls for hundreds of years.
The stone walls you see today date back to the 12th to the 17th centuries. It served as a means to protect the city from pirate attacks. Encircling most of the Old Town, the entire length is about 1¼ miles, with some sections going as tall as 83 feet!
On the northern side of the walls, you will find the circular Minceta Tower, the wall’s highest point. Take the narrow winding staircase to climb to the tower to enjoy the most panoramic views of the Old Town. You’ll see everything from the top, including the nearby Lokrum island.
2. Dubrovnik Cathedral
Right at the heart of Dubrovnik is an imposing cathedral with an impressive dome dominating the Old Town. Also called the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, it acts as Dubrovnik’s focal point. Before getting inside, take time to admire the cathedral’s beautiful exteriors.
The Dubrovnik Cathedral dates back to the 1100s when King Richard of England commissioned the church after surviving a shipwreck. He ordered the construction as a way to thank God. However, much of what’s left today are new additions after a catastrophic earthquake destroyed most of the original building.
When you get inside, one of the things you’ll notice is the incredibly high ceiling. The lights cascading through the circular windows of the dome give the cathedral an airy feel. The gorgeous art pieces at the main altar and the side altars are also striking. Feel free to sit on the chairs and soak up the atmosphere. The cathedral is among the few historic buildings in Dubrovnik that are free to visit, so it’s ideal for those travelling on a budget. For those looking to see even more of the top sights around the country, there are plenty of cruising options in Croatia, ideal for visitors seeking more of the great destinations here.
3. Loggia Square
Loggia Square sits at the heart of Dubrovnik and is considered the city’s historical and cultural centre. It’s also the city’s busiest area and a favourite hangout spot for locals and visitors alike.
Located north of the Old Town, the charming Loggia Square boasts many outstanding architectural monuments. The most impressive of these is the medieval bell tower that dates back to the 15th Century. It’s a slender bell tower over 30 metres tall, crowned by an old clock that still works today.
Another point of interest at Loggia Square is the Catholic Church of St. Blaise. With its Baroque facade and grand central square, it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in Dubrovnik. Another place to check out is the Old City Hall from the 19th Century, which houses Dubrovnik’s local authorities.
If you have worked up an appetite after strolling around Dubrovnik, grab a chair at one of the coffee shops along Loggia Square. These are the best places to relax and people-watch as you indulge in the tastiest Croatian coffee and local pastries.
4. Minceta Tower
Dominating the north-western part of Dubrovnik with its impressive appearance, Minceta Fortress was a 14th Century rectangular tower featured in the popular TV series, Game of Thrones. When strolling through the Old City Walls of Dubrovnik, you will find the fortress at the north-western section of the walls. There are also some incredible places to stay around Dubrovnik, providing the ideal base for those exploring these wonderful attractions.
Constructed during the 1400s during the height of the Turkish invasion, the Minceta Tower plays a significant role in the history of Dubrovnik. It takes its name from the wealthy landowners during that time, the Menčetić family.
Don’t just admire the fortress from below. Climb the narrow stairs leading to the top of the tower, where you’ll find a terrace from where you can admire the city’s most stunning views. From here, you can also glimpse the nearby island of Lokrum. Although the 750 winding steps can be an effort to climb, it will all be worth it once you see the views above.
5. Dubrovnik Cable Car
Riding the Dubrovnik cable car is a must when visiting the charming Croatian city. It takes you to Mount Srd, just behind the walled city. The ride takes about four minutes, and you will enjoy breathtaking views from above. It runs all year round, which means you can ride it regardless of the time of your visit.
The Dubrovnik cable car has two cabins running throughout the day, and each can hold over 30 passengers. It can get crowded during the peak summer season, so get there early to avoid the queue. The Dubrovnik cable car station lies on top of the Old Town and is easy to get to from the Old City Walls.
Getting to the station takes only a few minutes to walk. Follow the lane towards Boskoviceva Street from Stradum to get to the top before turning right and walking towards the parking lot, where you’ll find the stairs taking you to the cable car station. For those arriving from the cruise port, the fastest way to get to the cable car station is by taking the city bus no. 8. It will drop you right at the station.
Comments are closed.