Old Town Dubrovnik

The most famous district in the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia is its Old Town area, where its historic center is also located. This particular area, enclosed in walls made in the ancient times, is designated as UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sights & Activities

The first historic structure visitors will see upon entering the area would be the Pile Gate. The gate leads to the main street of the Old Town, the Stradun or the Placa. The street was constructed in the 12th century and is presently paved with limestone. The houses on each side of the street are identical in appearance and were built during the 17th century. Stradun terminates at the Ploce Gate on the other end and because it is a pedestrian street, a lot of cafés are located on both sides that cater to visitors and locals who wander up and down this famous thoroughfare.

Near the Pile Gate is the Onofrio Fountain that was constructed in the 1438. The structure has 16 sides and was originally a drinking fountain, with ornate heads located in each side spouting water. Though damaged by an earthquake in 1667, it is still an impressive sight, especially to first time visitors. It has evolved to become one of the most popular meeting places in the city. This fountain is sometimes called the Big Onofrio Fountain as a smaller one, made by the same designer, is located further down the street.

The structure on the right side of the gate is the Franciscan Monastery, which established a pharmacy during the 14th century and still operational at the present. The monastery itself was constructed in the 13th century but was rebuilt a century later, when it also acquired its Baroque style of architecture that visitors can presently behold. Entrance to the monastery is free and visitors can explore its cloister, where a lot of sculptures are located and intricate carvings are on the arches surrounding the cloister. The monastery is also the repository of ancient manuscripts and old books that are considered priceless today.

Located near the monastery is the St. Saviour’s Church, which was built in 1520 in thanksgiving for the city’s survival from a huge earthquake.

Another historic structure in the city is the Rector’s Palace, constructed in combined Gothic and Renaissance styles during the 15th century. The palace houses the City Museum, which showcases artifacts related to the city. During summer, the palace becomes venue to several concert recitals.

Located on Luza Square is the Sponza Palace, also of combined Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It was constructed in the 16th century and is the repository of state archives. There is also a memorial for war in the city during the 1990’s.

The Old Town also has another monastery within its walls—that of the Dominican’s. Constructed at the start of the 14th century, it also has a cloister and a church within its premises. The church features a beautiful bell tower that dominates the skyline of the area. Its altarpiece was made by Titian and his assistants, depicting St. Magdalene. Within the monastery is also a museum that displays some fine works of art.

Visitors shouldn’t leave the Old Town without stopping by the Assumption Cathedral, a Baroque structure built in the 18th century.

Eating Out

The restaurants in the Old Town are varied, providing a lot of options for the numerous visitors that pass through its streets year after year. Oliva, on Lucarica 5, serves delicious pizza while Nishta, situated along Prijeko, offers only vegetarian and vegan dishes. Fine dining experience can be had at the Gils’ Cuisine & Pop Lounge, along Nikole Gucetica. It also serves world-class wines. Arsenal, located along Pred Dvorom, serves good food and has live music later on.