Cruise Diva
Goes Ashore in Europe:
The Mediterranean
Sights
to see & things to do
Dubrovnik,
Croatia
This
jewel of a city by the sea is a favorite of cruise passengers
fortunate enough to find it on their itinerary. Surrounded by
medieval ramparts, its ancient streets, stone house, and historic
buildings are rich in cultural heritage. Damaged heavily by Serbian
shelling in 1991-92, Dubrovnik has been lovingly restored and is
once again a favored port stop on the Adriatic.
Diversions
Cruise
ships pass the oddly fjordlike coastline to dock about a ten-minute
drive from the Old Town. Taxis usually meet ships’ arrivals and
buses are available.
Walking
through the Placa (known also as the Stradum) and exploring the Old
Town’s ancient streets is a step back in time. The area is
virtually unchanged since the 13th century and no motor vehicles are
allowed within its environs. The city’s ramparts encircle many of
its top attractions, the Dominican Monastery, the Franciscan
Monastery, and the Rector’s Palace all combine imposing
architecture with exquisite art and priceless religious relics. The
15th century Orlando Column is the symbol of Dubrovnik’s freedom.
Located in the city center, a white flag inscribed with the
word “libertas” has flown from it since 1990.
The
Sponza Palace is without question one of the most beautiful
buildings in the city. Constructed in late Gothic and early
Renaissance styles, it is adorned with impressive stone carvings.
Inside the Roman baroque style Cathedral of the Assumption of
the Virgin are numerous art objects and priceless Renaissance
paintings.
Outside
the city, popular tours include drives through the scenic Konavle
region with stops to visit artists’ studios and sample the local
cuisine. From the harbor, boat rides are available to the island of
Lokrum, location of a botanical preserve and natural history museum.
Shopping
In
addition to a number of art galleries scattered throughout the city,
shops carry woodcarvings, carpets, ceramics, tapestries, leather
goods, jewelry and highly prized embroidery and delicate lace. Shop
early or late—most stores close for lunch. An excellent shopping
center is a five-minute ride from the harbor, only a block from the
Dubrovnik President Hotel.
Beaches
Also close to the
Dubrovnik President Hotel is a gravelly nude beach. The beaches at
Lapad and Sumratin are popular with swimmers.
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