Dubrovnik is an ancient city located on the Adriatic sea. Now part of modern day Croatia this town has seen its turmoil’s. This town certainly is one of the most predominant tourist attractions on the Adriatic. Since ancient times the wealth of the city has been dependent on its maritime activities.
The name of the city has varied over the years. However the modern name of the city was given it by the Austro Hungarian empire that adopted the name in 1909. Before then this city was known in Italy and other western nations as Ragusa.
In 1991 the republics of Croatia and Slovenia broke away from what was then Yugoslavia. This led to the conflict that was named as the siege of Dubrovnik which lasted 7 months. Many parts of the old town suffered from shelling during time period but much of the town has been restored according to guidelines outlined by UNESCO.
When you visit this city it is best to come when they are holding the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. At that time all of the artists who come to the city are given keys to the city and the town just breaks from its usual routine and becomes something more then it was intended. If y ou cannot make it during this time period the city also celebrates the Sveti Vlaho (Saint Blaise) on February 3rd. This celebration is marked by parades and other outdoor festivities.
While the conflict and tension may still exist Dubrovnik is still worth getting off the ship to visit. It is like stepping back into a time machine in many respects as much of the town is still standing from the old days.