In the far south of Croatia, the Republic of Dubrovnik has been a vital commercial center for centuries, shuttling goods between Byzantium and the east and Venice and the west. Reaching its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries, foreign merchants travelled freely in and out of Dubrovnik and the city had a large fleet of merchant ships that travelled the world over, as far as India and America. And so the merchants brought stories, ideas and goods home to Dubrovnik – further influencing the amalgam of culture, which spread across Dalmatia.
Today the city is a graceful testament to its past greatness and wealth, and the influences of east and west – the medieval architecture, the cobbled streets, the fully preserved fortress and city walls, even the newer parts, sloping elegantly to the sea, are in keeping with the ambience of the ancient city. In summer the city sparkles, from its broad ancient promenade to the original narrow streets. The cobbled squares host cultural events, theatre, music and open air cafes and restaurants. On summer evenings the sound of classical music and jazz waft over the walls and infuse the town with the magical feeling that you have gone back in time to the days of the Venetian empire.
Dubrovnik lives up to its reputation as an international hot spot and lively cultural center.
