Dubrovnik Old Town
Registration year: 1979, 1994
World Heritage Type: Cultural Heritage
Registration criteria:
•It is a masterpiece that represents the creative genius of humanity.
- They bear unique or rare testimony to a cultural tradition or a civilisation, still living or already extinct.
- It is an outstanding example of an architectural style or of an architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates an important stage in human history.
Access: Approximately 20.7 km from Dubrovnik Airport, approximately 22 minutes by car
What is Dubrovnik? A Croatian city where the medieval walled city remains intact
The sparkling blue Adriatic Sea, the pure white sturdy walls, and the orange roofs. Located in the south of Croatia and facing the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" for its beauty. When Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw visited Dubrovnik in 1929, he expressed his excitement by saying, "If you want to see heaven on earth, you should come to Dubrovnik."
The Old Town of Dubrovnik was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1979 and 1994. The most distinctive feature of this cultural heritage is the sturdy city walls that surround the entire city. The 25m-high walls, which stretch for about 2km, were mainly built between the 12th and 17th centuries. Dubrovnik prospered through Mediterranean trade from around the 13th century, and as the Republic of Ragusa, competed for supremacy with the Republic of Venice and other countries. For this city, the city walls have played a major role in protecting the "freedom and autonomy" of the city-state. Looking out over the beautiful city from the top of the city walls, you can see the crystallization of the "freedom and autonomy" that has continued to be protected despite being exposed to major fires, earthquakes, and interference from other countries.
The Old Town of Dubrovnik was devastated by the civil war in the 1990s and was listed on the World Heritage in Danger List from 1991 to 1998. However, the beautiful streets that still retain a medieval atmosphere were later restored by the citizens. Now that it has regained the brilliance of the "Pearl of the Adriatic," the Old Town of Dubrovnik welcomes many travelers as one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
Stroll through the walls of Dubrovnik Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Old Town of Dubrovnik is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." The best way to experience its charm is to walk around the city.
For example, the top of the city walls, which are about 2km in circumference, is a great route to enjoy a stroll while looking down on the city. It's a great way to get a sense of the scale and atmosphere of the city, so it's recommended that you walk there first when you visit Dubrovnik. Also, Mount Srd, which stands at an altitude of about 412m behind the city, is a vantage point from which you can get a panoramic view of the city. The view from the cable car to the top of the mountain is also stunningly beautiful. You can enjoy the unique contrast of the deep blue of the Adriatic Sea and the orange rooftops of the "Old Town of Dubrovnik".
Now, after looking out over the beautiful cityscape from the top of the castle walls and Mount Srd, we finally head to the old town that spreads inside the walls. The old town, with its neatly laid out cobblestones, is dotted with many sights. Placa Street, which runs from Pile Gate in the west of the old town to Luža Square in the center of the old town, has long been loved as the main street of the city. Walking along the street for about 200 meters, you will find cafes and shops lined up. Around Luža Square, there are buildings that can be considered landmarks of the old town, such as the Cathedral, Sponza Palace, the Clock Tower, and the Church of St. Blaise, so take your time to admire the beautiful architecture. In addition, Dubrovnik Old Town is web-like with small alleys, so we recommend enjoying a stroll along the alleys as your curiosity takes you.
Vacation on the Adriatic beach. A trip to Dubrovnik is best done in summer
The World Heritage Site "Old Town of Dubrovnik" is visited by many tourists throughout the year, but the best season to visit is undoubtedly summer! During this time, the "Dubrovnik Summer Festival", said to be the oldest festival in Croatia, is held. For about a month and a half, classical music and plays are performed in the old town, which still retains a medieval atmosphere, adding a gorgeous touch to the World Heritage cityscape.
Another attraction unique to summer is the Adriatic Sea around the "Old Town of Dubrovnik" that shines especially beautifully. Travelers from all over the world enjoy their summer vacations in their own way, whether that be driving along the coastline or relaxing on the beach with a book. The temperature in Dubrovnik in summer is roughly the same as in Tokyo, but the sunlight pouring down from the blue sky is intense. Be sure to take precautions against sunburn.
Travel writer/Toru Yoshihara
In addition to the Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia is dotted with fascinating World Heritage sites. The ancient city of Trogir, a World Heritage island in the Adriatic Sea, is a cultural heritage site with an impressive beautiful townscape of cobblestone streets and historical buildings. Plitvice Lakes National Park, which spreads out near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a natural heritage site dotted with large and small lakes and waterfalls. If you're visiting Croatia, we recommend enjoying World Heritage site hopping!
*Some content was updated on October 15, 2019.
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
