Dubrovnik is like any genius, part of the environment to which it belongs and, at the same time, completely different from all the others. Like its geographical separation from the rest of Croatia, the history of Dubrovnik is special, and not only in relation to Croatia. The Republic of Dubrovnik was one of the most advanced states of its time, far ahead of all other parts of today’s Southeast Europe. Today, Dubrovnik is one of the most visited destinations in the Mediterranean with many tourists coming from the land, air and sea. In the collective tourist consciousness, it is on a par with destinations such as Barcelona and Venice.
A window through which the world looks at Croatia
Throughout its tourist history, and especially in recent years, Dubrovnik is a favourite destination of the world’s jet set and movie stars whose visits further promote the city as a tourist destination. The city is a must stop in the itineraries of luxury cruisers sailing the Mediterranean. The city is a world destination, one of the few most visited cities in the Mediterranean, but by far the smallest among them. The ideal time to visit the city is early autumn, late September – early October. In the south of the Croatian Adriatic, the sea is still warm, there is no heat, prices are lower and it is less crowded. As for the tourist attractions of this pearl, they are countless and you will easily find them on the pages of the tourist board of the city, but also in many other sources. Here are just some interesting facts you may not have known.
Legend has it that on the Dubrovnik island of Lokrum, English King Richard the Lionheart took refuge from the storm in 1192, on his return from the Crusades. As a sign of gratitude, he intended to build a church on the island, but at the request of the people of Dubrovnik, he built it in the city.
Unfortunately, the church was almost completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1667, and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in its place. According to some sources, the Republic of Dubrovnik was the first country in the world to recognize the United States in 1783. The Pharmacy of the Little Brothers in the Franciscan Monastery is the oldest pharmacy in the world. In the Republic of Dubrovnik, slavery was banned, declared illegal, and as shamefull and inhumane condemned in 1416, more than 600 years ago, before America, in which the rise of slavery is yet to take place, was even discovered. Let these interesting facts help you dive a little into the history of the Republic of Dubrovnik, into its peculiarities some of which would be welcomed even today. And all this as part of planning a visit to this unique city, one of the things you must not miss in life.
