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New
archaeological researches try to prove how history of Dubrovnik began
in the 6th century or even earlier. It was enlarged by the
arrival of the Croats after the destruction of the ancient Epidaurum (Cavtat)
in the 7th century. Dubrovnik was, indeed, a very powerful merchant
center during 12th and 13th centuries. Liberation from
the Venetian, Dubrovnik was achieved by the Zadar Treaty in 1358.
In
the 16th century Dubrovnik became an independent Republic. It had
its currency, rector, Senat, flag, independent
legislature and its patron St. Blasius. The golden age of the Dubrovnik
Republic was in the 16th century.
After
surviving fires, plagues and devastating earthquakes in 1667 and 1979,
Dubrovnik, that once rivaled Venice as a maritime
power, was ravaged by modern artillery: hundreds were killed during the war
(1991-1995),
more than two-thirds of all roofs breached, nine palaces gutted and more
than 500 historic buildings damaged.
Dubrovnik is the highlight in
Croatia. Named one of the most beautiful towns in the world for the last
five years running in 'Traveler Magazine.' Even Croatia's enemies know how beautiful Dubrovnik is as in 1992 the
Serbians tried to bomb it to ruin the spirit of the Croatian people.
The
old town has one major street called Placa. To the west of this street is
the entrance to the old town, and to the east the sea. Over 30 tiny lanes are
connected to Placa. The whole
of the Dubrovnik's history has passed through this beautiful palace - the Rector's Palace.
Like the Republic, the palace, too, had
to go through troubled times in the past - it has been destroyed in gun
powered explosions several times and shaken by earthquakes. Apart from
harboring the grave of Ivan Gundulić, the Franciscan church has
claims to literary fame. Its association with books started early and has
continued ever since: thus today the Franciscan monastery boasts one of the richest
libraries in Dubrovnik. The present
Dubrovnik cathedral was built according to plans by Italian architect
Buffalini from Urbino, and was completed in 1713. It was erected on the
ruins of the Romanesque cathedral heavily damaged by the great earthquake.
People
in Dubrovnik live a slow, quiet life, isolated from constant race for money
and/or career (of course there are exceptions). They like to socialize and
take a special liking to foreign or domestic tourists. They also like good
cuisine and good wine. Basically trends or social symbols do not dominate
them. This is a small town and even the smallest incidents are always known
by everyone, which results in a very public and open way of life for most of
the citizens. People are use to hanging around Stradun and talk to their
friends for hours. Overall, it is a friendly environment. You can find people in the streets
at all hours. Between 11am and noon there is a lunch break, which is spent
either in cafes eating or in various cafeterias. Afternoons
are spent in a family environment or, in case of a sunny day, taking a walk.
Population of Dubrovnik is known to regularly attend theatres, cinemas or
classical music concerts.
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