The Old Town of Dubrovnik juts out into the Adriatic Sea and features a rugged limestone mountain as its backdrop. It's considered as one of the finest and best preserved medieval cities in Europe. At one point in history, Dubrovnik rivaled Venice for its reputation as a trading port.

The entire city is also built with a wall. These huge and sturdy stone walls, built from the 11th to the 17th centuries, provided protection to the entire city-state. To this day, these walls remain standing and have become a huge part of Dubrovnik’s identity, particularly within the historic center.

The Old City and historic center of Dubrovnik are the best places to see in the city. Despite being a small area, there are many attractions to see. It's easy to explore the place by foot since it's a small space.

Medieval ramparts surround the entire historic center that offer a sense of protection throughout this entire settlement especially during the Medieval times. To enter the historic center of Dubrovnik, you must pass through the Pile City Gate.

This serves as the main entrance to the city, overlooked by two forts. Minceta Fort is one of the most beautiful forts in the world and has become a symbol of the city of Dubrovnik. Meanwhile, Bokar Fort's purpose is to defend the city from any attacks coming from the sea. Today, the fort serves as a venue for performances, particularly during the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

Sights in the Old town

Upon entering the city gate, the beautiful and awe-inspiring Onofrio Fountain will greet you. This is the favorite meeting place for the youth in the city. Another one of the most interesting monuments within the Old City of Dubrovnik is the Franciscan Monastery. This monastery features the perfect blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

As you continue exploring the historic center of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, you will be able to explore the most popular street in Dubrovnik: Stradun. Souvenir shops, cafes, bars, coffee shops, and galleries fill this street. Here it's never quiet and is always bustling with people. There are also several street entertainers that delight the crowd of tourists.

When you reach the end of the Stradun Street, you will find a lovely square that is another favorite among tourists. This square is home to many important historical sites within Dubrovnik. One of them is the Sponza Palace, built in the 16th century and now used for housing the National Archives today.

Another magnificent historical and architectural feature is the Rector’s Palace. This is a Gothic-Renaissance structure that features carved capitals and is best known for its ornate staircase. Meanwhile, the St. Savior Church is right next to the Franciscan Church and Monastery. These two are important remnants from the Renaissance period.