Historically known as ‘Ragusa’, more recently as ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’, its one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, a ratio of 36 tourists: 1 resident. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1979 in recognition of its outstanding medieval architecture and fortified old town. The history of the city dates back to the 7thC and its prosperity based on maritime trade. A protectorate under the Byzantine Empire, later under the Republic of Venice. The entire city was almost destroyed when a devastating earthquake hit in 1667. During the Napoleonic Wars, Dubrovnik was occupied by French Empire forces, with the The Republic of Ragusa being incorporated into the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy. In the 19th-20thC, Dubrovnik was part of the Kingdom of Dalmatia within the Austrian Empire. It became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia immediately upon its creation in 1929, before becoming part of Croatia in 1939.

Some fun facts about Dubrovnik:

• the world’s first commercial pharmacy opened in 1317, allied to the Monastery. It stills stocks creams and herbal teas with recipes faithful right back to the 1300’s.
• The second ‘country’ (it was a Republic) to abolish slavery in 1416 (Venice was first in 960).
• Had the world’s first orphanage in 1432.
• Has a medieval sewer system from 1296 still in use today.
• Dubrovnik has its own Shakespeare – Marin Drzic, Croatia’s greatest playwright, was born in 1508.
• Dubrovnik has its own James Bond – Dusan ‘Dusko’ Popov was a double agent working for MI5 during WW2 under the code name “Tricycle’ and ‘Ivan’ for German military intelligence (Abwehr). He was famous for his playboy lifestyle, while carrying out perilous wartime missions for the British.
• The walls around the city run an uninterrupted course of 1,940 metres and reach a maximum height of 25 metres. The walls were reinforced by 3 circular and 14 quadrangular towers, 5 bastions, 2 angular fortifications and the large St John’s Fortress.
• Lokrum island is 600 metres from Dubrovnik and has a Benedictine Abbey and Monastery that date back to 1023.
• Mt Srdj (pronounced serge) has great panoramic views over the old town.

My last day in Croatia…off to France tomorrow. Adieu Republika Hrvatska! Its been a lovely 2 week journey through your beautiful lands.