February 26, 2025 • 20 mins
In this episode of Global Treasures, we cover the Old City of Dubrovnik, located in Croatia. Known for its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains, the city brings in over 1.5 million visitors annually. Join us as we cover the history, travel tips and more.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Abigail (00:00):
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries.
Where culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history, travel tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:26):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural, or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season two, where we'll explorethe 45 sites that UNESCO added in 1979.
(00:52):
Thank you for listening tothe global treasures podcast.
We appreciate all of your support, and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow us onTikTok, Clapper, and Facebook.
And please share this podcastwith your friends and family.
Imagine standing atop ancientlimestone walls that rise like pale
(01:17):
giants from the azure Adriatic Sea.
Below, a sea of terracotta roofs stretchestowards the horizon, their sun weathered
tiles telling tales of centuries gone by.
This is Dubrovnik, the Pearlof the Adriatic, where medieval
majesty meets Mediterranean charm.
(01:40):
As waves crash against the rocky shoresbelow, and seabirds soar past the
defensive towers that have guarded thecity for centuries, you're transported
to a world where merchant princes onceruled, where diplomacy and trade built an
empire, where every stone tells a storyof survival, resilience, and reinvention.
(02:04):
In this timeless sanctuary, Where thepast whispers through narrow limestone
streets and echoes in torch litsquares, you'll discover a city that
has weathered storms both literal andmetaphorical, merging each time with its
spirit unbroken and its beauty undimmed.
(02:25):
Perched on Croatia's southernDalmatian coast, Dubrovnik
stands as one of the world's mostperfectly preserved medieval cities.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site,historically known as Ragusa, represents
far more than just stunning architecture.
It embodies the spirit ofa city that maintained its
(02:46):
independence through centuries oftumultuous Mediterranean history.
The Old Town, completely encircledby nearly two kilometers of massive
defensive walls, showcases anextraordinary blend of Gothic,
Renaissance, and Baroque architecturethat has survived earthquakes,
(03:07):
wars, and the passage of time.
The city rises from theAdriatic like an ancient dream.
Its strategic position at the southerntip of Croatia made it an ideal maritime
center, while its rugged coastlineand surrounding limestone mountains
created a natural fortress that helpedpreserve its independence for centuries.
(03:30):
Today, this natural settingcontinues to captivate visitors
as the crystalline waters ofthe Adriatic lap against ancient
stones, and the surrounding ElephitiIslands create a stunning backdrop
to this architectural marvel.
Dubrovnik's architectural heritagereads like a textbook of medieval
(03:51):
and renaissance urban planning,where every element served both
practical and aesthetic purposes.
The city's crown jewel is itsremarkable system of walls and
fortifications, stretching almosttwo kilometers around the town.
These massive barriers, reaching upto six meters thick on the landward
(04:13):
side, aren't mere defensive structures.
They're a testament to medievalengineering and the city's
determination to protect its freedom.
The walls incorporate a sophisticatedsystem of towers, Bastions and
forts, each positioned to providemaximum defensive coverage while
(04:35):
creating an imposing statement ofpower to any would be invaders.
Within these protective embraces,the Sponza Palace, a survivor of
the devastating 1667 earthquake,stands as one of the finest
Renaissance buildings in the city.
Its elegant arched atrium and carvedcapitals now house the National Archives.
(04:59):
Preserving centuries of Dubrovnik'swritten history within its stone walls.
The palace's façade combines Gothic andRenaissance elements in perfect harmony,
reflecting the refined taste of nobility.
The Rector's Palace, a GothicRenaissance marvel, tells the story
of the city's unique governance.
(05:21):
Here, the elected rector lived andworked under strict conditions that
prevented any single individualfrom accumulating too much power.
The palace's ornate staircase And finelycarved capitals speak to the wealth and
sophistication of a city that valuedboth beauty and pragmatic governance.
(05:43):
The building's evolution throughvarious architectural styles
mirrors Dubrovnik's own history,
with each addition and renovation markinga different chapter in the city's story.
Religious architecture playsa crucial role in Dubrovnik's
architectural landscape.
The city's Baroque cathedral, rebuiltafter the 1667 earthquake, houses
(06:08):
precious relics in its treasury,including works of gold and silver
that survived the catastrophe.
The Franciscan Monastery containsone of Europe's oldest functioning
pharmacies, dating back to 1317.
The Dominican Monastery, resemblinga fortress from the outside, reveals
(06:29):
its true nature within, through astunning Gothic Romanesque church
and an extensive art collection.
The city's water system, designedin 1438, represents one of medieval
Europe's great engineering achievements.
The Great Fountain of Onofrio, with itssixteen carved masks spouting fresh water,
(06:54):
still stands as both a practical amenityand an architectural centerpiece, together
with the smaller fountain at the other endof the stratum, Dubrovnik's main street.
It forms a part of sophisticatedmedieval infrastructure that helped
the city survive numerous sieges.
(07:15):
Dubrovnik's history is a masterclassin survival and diplomacy.
Born from the ashes of the Romancity of Epidurum in the 7th century,
the settlement that would becomeDubrovnik grew from a refugee haven
into one of the Mediterranean's mostsophisticated maritime republics.
(07:37):
Archaeological evidence reveals evenearlier inhabitants, with findings
of ancient coins from the 3rd and2nd centuries BC, suggesting a
rich prehistory that set the stagefor the city's later prominence.
The city's golden age began in 1358,when it gained relative independence as a
(07:59):
vassal of the Kingdom of Hungary, markingthe birth of the Republic of the Ragusa.
This period saw Dubrovnik perfect theart of diplomatic balance, maintaining
its independence through carefulnegotiation and strategic alliances.
The Republic paid tribute to theOttoman Empire while fostering trade
(08:20):
relationships with Western Europeanpowers, creating a unique position
as a bridge between East and West.
What followed was a remarkableperiod of prosperity built on
a foundation of maritime trade.
The Republic's merchant fleet rivaled thatof Venice, with ships sailing as far as
(08:41):
England in the west and India in the east.
The city's merchants establishedtrading colonies throughout
the Mediterranean and beyond.
Building churches modeled after theirhometown's architecture in distant lands.
The Republic was remarkablyprogressive for the time, abolishing
the slave trade in 1418, longbefore many other European powers.
(09:07):
The city established one of theworld's first quarantine hospitals
in 1377, demonstrating an advancedunderstanding of public health.
Its diplomatic networks were sosophisticated, that Dubrovnik
maintained consulates in more than80 foreign ports, while ambassadors
from major European powers maintainedpermanent residences within its walls.
(09:32):
The city's motto of libertas,freedom, wasn't just a word, it
was a living principle that guidedits development and diplomacy.
This commitment to independenceled to the development of unique
governmental structures, including acomplex system of checks and balances
that prevented any single family orindividual from dominating city politics.
(09:58):
The Greek Council, composed of noblefamilies, and the Senate worked together
to maintain stability while promotingeconomic growth and cultural development.
The Republic's decline began withthe catastrophic earthquake of 1667,
which killed over 5, 000 citizensand destroyed much of the city.
(10:20):
The rebuilding effort that followeddemonstrated Dubrovnik's resilience.
But the city never fully recoveredits former maritime power.
The final chapter of independence cameduring the Napoleonic Wars, when French
forces occupied the city in 1806.
The subsequent siege by the Russianand Montenegrin forces saw 3,
(10:42):
000 cannonballs rain down on thecity, marking the beginning of
the end for the ancient republic.
Today, Dubrovnik's culturalheritage remains vibrant and living.
A testament to centuries of artisticand intellectual achievement.
The city pulses with traditionsthat span centuries, most
(11:05):
notably during the Feast of St.
Blaise, the city's patron saintcelebrated every February 3rd with
masses, parades, and festivities thattransformed the entire Old Town into
a living museum of cultural heritage.
This celebration, dating back tomedieval times, brings together
(11:27):
religious devotion, cultural pride, andcommunity spirit in a spectacular display
of Dubrovnik's enduring traditions.
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a 45 daycelebration that was established in 1950.
During this time, the city streets andpalaces become stages for performances
(11:50):
that blend historical settings, Withcontemporary artistic expression.
It draws on the city's rich traditionof public celebration, featuring
everything from classical concerts inancient churches to modern theatrical
productions in medieval fortresses.
The city's cultural significanceextends beyond its walls to
(12:12):
embrace the surrounding landscape.
The Arboretum Tersteno, the world's oldestarboretum, dates back to before 1492.
and is essentially a botanical garden.
This living museum of plant lifereflects the sophisticated tastes of
Dubrovnik's noble families who broughtexotic species from their maritime
(12:36):
travels to create this unique garden.
Even the city's ancient pharmacy,still operating in the Franciscan
Monastery after more than 700 years,stands as a testament to Dubrovnik's
enduring legacy of innovation.
The Monastery's library, withits collection of over 30, 000
(12:58):
volumes, includes 1, 500 valuablehandwritten documents, representing
one of the most important literarytreasures in this part of Europe.
These collections, Carefullypreserved through centuries of
turmoil, offer insights into theintellectual life of a city that
(13:20):
valued knowledge as much as commerce.
Dubrovnik faces the delicate balance ofpreserving its historical integrity while
managing the pressures of modern tourism.
The city's popularity, boosted by itsrole as king's landing in the television
series Game of Thrones, has broughtboth opportunities and challenges.
(13:43):
Over 1.
3 million people visited the citywalls alone in 2018, creating
pressure on the ancient infrastructureand the local community.
This surge in tourism has led to concernsabout the sustainability of such high
visitor numbers in a historic environmentdesigned for a much smaller population.
(14:05):
Conservation efforts focus notonly on the physical preservation
of buildings and monuments, butalso on maintaining the ecological
balance of the surrounding area.
The nearby Locrum Island serves asa nature reserve, protecting rare
plant species and bird habitats.
While marine conservation effortswork to preserve the rich biodiversity
(14:29):
of the Adriatic waters that havesustained the city for centuries,
scientists actively study the impactof climate change on both the marine
ecosystem and the ancient limestonestructures, developing new conservation
techniques to protect this invaluableheritage for future generations.
(14:49):
The city has implemented various measuresto manage tourism sustainably, including
limiting the number of cruise shipsthat can dock each day, and developing
strategies to encourage year roundtourism rather than just seasonal peaks.
These efforts reflect a growing awarenessthat preserving Dubrovnik means not just
(15:10):
maintaining its physical structure, butalso protecting its living culture and
the quality of life of its residents.
The city's sophisticated water system,completed in 1438, was an engineering
marvel that included two publicfountains that still stand today.
This system, One of the earliest of itskind in Europe, brought fresh spring
(15:34):
water from nearly 12 kilometers awaythrough an aqueduct that utilized clever
engineering to ensure a consistentwater supply, even during sieges.
The Roland statue in Lusa Square,erected in 1418, served not just
as a symbol of city autonomy,but also as a practical measure.
(15:58):
Its forearm was used as the official unitof measurement in Dubrovnik, equal to 51.
2 cm. This shows the Ragusa's approachto civic life, where even decorative
elements served multiple purposes.
The city's diplomatic achievementsincluded being among the first states
(16:18):
to recognize the independence of theUnited States reflecting its enduring
commitment to the principles of libertythat guided it throughout its history.
This legacy is also evident in thecity's historical archives, which
contain correspondence with numerousEuropean courts, and even letters
from Queen Elizabeth I of England.
(16:41):
These values continue to resonatethrough the stones and stories of this
remarkable city, making Dubrovnik notjust a monument to the past, But a living
testament to the enduring human spirit.
Each corner of the Old Town holdssecrets waiting to be discovered,
from hidden gardens perched atop thecity walls to ancient stone carvings
(17:05):
that marked the homes of medieval guilds.
Even today, archaeologistscontinue to make new discoveries
beneath the city streets, addingfresh chapters to Dubrovnik's
already rich historical narrative.
And if you want to visit thisbeautiful city, There are many ways
to get there, ranging from cruiseship to train to flying or driving.
(17:30):
If you're flying in from anothercountry, you'll want to fly into
Dubrovnik Airport and take theairport shuttle into the Old City.
It's pretty inexpensive andis only a 30 minute ride.
You'll find that there are tons ofoptions for hotels, bed and breakfasts,
and homestay options that range fromaffordable to extremely upscale.
(17:53):
Within the old city, you can book awalking tour or again, if you're a fan
of the Game of Thrones TV show, you cantour all of the spots where they filmed.
The historic city wall withthose incredible views is worth
lacing up your shoes to walkthe one and a half miles around.
Explore the narrow streets filled withshops, restaurants, churches, and museums.
(18:19):
Sponsor Palace, which I mentionedbefore, is a 16th century
palace worth visiting as well.
Other things to do include takinga cable car ride above the Adriatic
to the top of Mount Asarti.
Sea kayaking is popular here too, andif you're into spooky stuff, The
(18:39):
former convent of St. Clair willbe of interest to you, as it made
international news years ago whena video was posted online showing a
ghost caught on camera, or supposedly.
You can find videos on YouTubeif your curiosity is piqued.
As you navigate the city, you'll find thatwhile Croatian is the primary language,
(19:02):
much English is spoken in touristy areas.
This site is a hub for cruise ships,with almost 2 million visitors annually.
So know that if you're goingto visit during the spring
and summer, it will be busy.
The weather in Croatia is lovely,with warm summers that peak at about
86 degrees Fahrenheit, with wintersgetting as low as the 40s Fahrenheit.
(19:27):
The summer doesn'texperience much rain though.
When it comes to food, everyonesays oysters are the must do.
Because they're plucked freshfrom the Adriatic Sea daily.
Black risotto with fresh seafoodis another standout option.
Notice the menus will be seafoodheavy, given its location.
(19:47):
Whether you are exploring the food,or walking the streets, once wandered
by famous figures, Dubrovnik'sunique cultural heritage makes
it a must do for any traveler.
Join us next time, as we travel tothe Palace and Park of Versailles,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site
that is a former royal residencefor numerous kings and none
(20:11):
other than Marie Antoinette.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
Imagine a place that tells a story spanning centuries.
Where culture and nature intertwine tocreate something truly extraordinary.
That's the beauty of UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites.
I'm Abigail, and this is GlobalTreasures, the podcast that covers
the history, travel tips, andlegends surrounding one of the 1, 223
(00:26):
World Heritage Sites each episode.
These places have been identifiedas having universal cultural, or
natural significance that is soexceptional that it transcends national
boundaries and is of importanceto present and future generations.
Welcome to season two, where we'll explorethe 45 sites that UNESCO added in 1979.
(00:52):
Thank you for listening tothe global treasures podcast.
We appreciate all of your support, and youcan continue to support us by subscribing
at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean.
You can also follow us onTikTok, Clapper, and Facebook.
And please share this podcastwith your friends and family.
Imagine standing atop ancientlimestone walls that rise like pale
(01:17):
giants from the azure Adriatic Sea.
Below, a sea of terracotta roofs stretchestowards the horizon, their sun weathered
tiles telling tales of centuries gone by.
This is Dubrovnik, the Pearlof the Adriatic, where medieval
majesty meets Mediterranean charm.
(01:40):
As waves crash against the rocky shoresbelow, and seabirds soar past the
defensive towers that have guarded thecity for centuries, you're transported
to a world where merchant princes onceruled, where diplomacy and trade built an
empire, where every stone tells a storyof survival, resilience, and reinvention.
(02:04):
In this timeless sanctuary, Where thepast whispers through narrow limestone
streets and echoes in torch litsquares, you'll discover a city that
has weathered storms both literal andmetaphorical, merging each time with its
spirit unbroken and its beauty undimmed.
(02:25):
Perched on Croatia's southernDalmatian coast, Dubrovnik
stands as one of the world's mostperfectly preserved medieval cities.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site,historically known as Ragusa, represents
far more than just stunning architecture.
It embodies the spirit ofa city that maintained its
(02:46):
independence through centuries oftumultuous Mediterranean history.
The Old Town, completely encircledby nearly two kilometers of massive
defensive walls, showcases anextraordinary blend of Gothic,
Renaissance, and Baroque architecturethat has survived earthquakes,
(03:07):
wars, and the passage of time.
The city rises from theAdriatic like an ancient dream.
Its strategic position at the southerntip of Croatia made it an ideal maritime
center, while its rugged coastlineand surrounding limestone mountains
created a natural fortress that helpedpreserve its independence for centuries.
(03:30):
Today, this natural settingcontinues to captivate visitors
as the crystalline waters ofthe Adriatic lap against ancient
stones, and the surrounding ElephitiIslands create a stunning backdrop
to this architectural marvel.
Dubrovnik's architectural heritagereads like a textbook of medieval
(03:51):
and renaissance urban planning,where every element served both
practical and aesthetic purposes.
The city's crown jewel is itsremarkable system of walls and
fortifications, stretching almosttwo kilometers around the town.
These massive barriers, reaching upto six meters thick on the landward
(04:13):
side, aren't mere defensive structures.
They're a testament to medievalengineering and the city's
determination to protect its freedom.
The walls incorporate a sophisticatedsystem of towers, Bastions and
forts, each positioned to providemaximum defensive coverage while
(04:35):
creating an imposing statement ofpower to any would be invaders.
Within these protective embraces,the Sponza Palace, a survivor of
the devastating 1667 earthquake,stands as one of the finest
Renaissance buildings in the city.
Its elegant arched atrium and carvedcapitals now house the National Archives.
(04:59):
Preserving centuries of Dubrovnik'swritten history within its stone walls.
The palace's façade combines Gothic andRenaissance elements in perfect harmony,
reflecting the refined taste of nobility.
The Rector's Palace, a GothicRenaissance marvel, tells the story
of the city's unique governance.
(05:21):
Here, the elected rector lived andworked under strict conditions that
prevented any single individualfrom accumulating too much power.
The palace's ornate staircase And finelycarved capitals speak to the wealth and
sophistication of a city that valuedboth beauty and pragmatic governance.
(05:43):
The building's evolution throughvarious architectural styles
mirrors Dubrovnik's own history,
with each addition and renovation markinga different chapter in the city's story.
Religious architecture playsa crucial role in Dubrovnik's
architectural landscape.
The city's Baroque cathedral, rebuiltafter the 1667 earthquake, houses
(06:08):
precious relics in its treasury,including works of gold and silver
that survived the catastrophe.
The Franciscan Monastery containsone of Europe's oldest functioning
pharmacies, dating back to 1317.
The Dominican Monastery, resemblinga fortress from the outside, reveals
(06:29):
its true nature within, through astunning Gothic Romanesque church
and an extensive art collection.
The city's water system, designedin 1438, represents one of medieval
Europe's great engineering achievements.
The Great Fountain of Onofrio, with itssixteen carved masks spouting fresh water,
(06:54):
still stands as both a practical amenityand an architectural centerpiece, together
with the smaller fountain at the other endof the stratum, Dubrovnik's main street.
It forms a part of sophisticatedmedieval infrastructure that helped
the city survive numerous sieges.
(07:15):
Dubrovnik's history is a masterclassin survival and diplomacy.
Born from the ashes of the Romancity of Epidurum in the 7th century,
the settlement that would becomeDubrovnik grew from a refugee haven
into one of the Mediterranean's mostsophisticated maritime republics.
(07:37):
Archaeological evidence reveals evenearlier inhabitants, with findings
of ancient coins from the 3rd and2nd centuries BC, suggesting a
rich prehistory that set the stagefor the city's later prominence.
The city's golden age began in 1358,when it gained relative independence as a
(07:59):
vassal of the Kingdom of Hungary, markingthe birth of the Republic of the Ragusa.
This period saw Dubrovnik perfect theart of diplomatic balance, maintaining
its independence through carefulnegotiation and strategic alliances.
The Republic paid tribute to theOttoman Empire while fostering trade
(08:20):
relationships with Western Europeanpowers, creating a unique position
as a bridge between East and West.
What followed was a remarkableperiod of prosperity built on
a foundation of maritime trade.
The Republic's merchant fleet rivaled thatof Venice, with ships sailing as far as
(08:41):
England in the west and India in the east.
The city's merchants establishedtrading colonies throughout
the Mediterranean and beyond.
Building churches modeled after theirhometown's architecture in distant lands.
The Republic was remarkablyprogressive for the time, abolishing
the slave trade in 1418, longbefore many other European powers.
(09:07):
The city established one of theworld's first quarantine hospitals
in 1377, demonstrating an advancedunderstanding of public health.
Its diplomatic networks were sosophisticated, that Dubrovnik
maintained consulates in more than80 foreign ports, while ambassadors
from major European powers maintainedpermanent residences within its walls.
(09:32):
The city's motto of libertas,freedom, wasn't just a word, it
was a living principle that guidedits development and diplomacy.
This commitment to independenceled to the development of unique
governmental structures, including acomplex system of checks and balances
that prevented any single family orindividual from dominating city politics.
(09:58):
The Greek Council, composed of noblefamilies, and the Senate worked together
to maintain stability while promotingeconomic growth and cultural development.
The Republic's decline began withthe catastrophic earthquake of 1667,
which killed over 5, 000 citizensand destroyed much of the city.
(10:20):
The rebuilding effort that followeddemonstrated Dubrovnik's resilience.
But the city never fully recoveredits former maritime power.
The final chapter of independence cameduring the Napoleonic Wars, when French
forces occupied the city in 1806.
The subsequent siege by the Russianand Montenegrin forces saw 3,
(10:42):
000 cannonballs rain down on thecity, marking the beginning of
the end for the ancient republic.
Today, Dubrovnik's culturalheritage remains vibrant and living.
A testament to centuries of artisticand intellectual achievement.
The city pulses with traditionsthat span centuries, most
(11:05):
notably during the Feast of St.
Blaise, the city's patron saintcelebrated every February 3rd with
masses, parades, and festivities thattransformed the entire Old Town into
a living museum of cultural heritage.
This celebration, dating back tomedieval times, brings together
(11:27):
religious devotion, cultural pride, andcommunity spirit in a spectacular display
of Dubrovnik's enduring traditions.
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a 45 daycelebration that was established in 1950.
During this time, the city streets andpalaces become stages for performances
(11:50):
that blend historical settings, Withcontemporary artistic expression.
It draws on the city's rich traditionof public celebration, featuring
everything from classical concerts inancient churches to modern theatrical
productions in medieval fortresses.
The city's cultural significanceextends beyond its walls to
(12:12):
embrace the surrounding landscape.
The Arboretum Tersteno, the world's oldestarboretum, dates back to before 1492.
and is essentially a botanical garden.
This living museum of plant lifereflects the sophisticated tastes of
Dubrovnik's noble families who broughtexotic species from their maritime
(12:36):
travels to create this unique garden.
Even the city's ancient pharmacy,still operating in the Franciscan
Monastery after more than 700 years,stands as a testament to Dubrovnik's
enduring legacy of innovation.
The Monastery's library, withits collection of over 30, 000
(12:58):
volumes, includes 1, 500 valuablehandwritten documents, representing
one of the most important literarytreasures in this part of Europe.
These collections, Carefullypreserved through centuries of
turmoil, offer insights into theintellectual life of a city that
(13:20):
valued knowledge as much as commerce.
Dubrovnik faces the delicate balance ofpreserving its historical integrity while
managing the pressures of modern tourism.
The city's popularity, boosted by itsrole as king's landing in the television
series Game of Thrones, has broughtboth opportunities and challenges.
(13:43):
Over 1.
3 million people visited the citywalls alone in 2018, creating
pressure on the ancient infrastructureand the local community.
This surge in tourism has led to concernsabout the sustainability of such high
visitor numbers in a historic environmentdesigned for a much smaller population.
(14:05):
Conservation efforts focus notonly on the physical preservation
of buildings and monuments, butalso on maintaining the ecological
balance of the surrounding area.
The nearby Locrum Island serves asa nature reserve, protecting rare
plant species and bird habitats.
While marine conservation effortswork to preserve the rich biodiversity
(14:29):
of the Adriatic waters that havesustained the city for centuries,
scientists actively study the impactof climate change on both the marine
ecosystem and the ancient limestonestructures, developing new conservation
techniques to protect this invaluableheritage for future generations.
(14:49):
The city has implemented various measuresto manage tourism sustainably, including
limiting the number of cruise shipsthat can dock each day, and developing
strategies to encourage year roundtourism rather than just seasonal peaks.
These efforts reflect a growing awarenessthat preserving Dubrovnik means not just
(15:10):
maintaining its physical structure, butalso protecting its living culture and
the quality of life of its residents.
The city's sophisticated water system,completed in 1438, was an engineering
marvel that included two publicfountains that still stand today.
This system, One of the earliest of itskind in Europe, brought fresh spring
(15:34):
water from nearly 12 kilometers awaythrough an aqueduct that utilized clever
engineering to ensure a consistentwater supply, even during sieges.
The Roland statue in Lusa Square,erected in 1418, served not just
as a symbol of city autonomy,but also as a practical measure.
(15:58):
Its forearm was used as the official unitof measurement in Dubrovnik, equal to 51.
2 cm. This shows the Ragusa's approachto civic life, where even decorative
elements served multiple purposes.
The city's diplomatic achievementsincluded being among the first states
(16:18):
to recognize the independence of theUnited States reflecting its enduring
commitment to the principles of libertythat guided it throughout its history.
This legacy is also evident in thecity's historical archives, which
contain correspondence with numerousEuropean courts, and even letters
from Queen Elizabeth I of England.
(16:41):
These values continue to resonatethrough the stones and stories of this
remarkable city, making Dubrovnik notjust a monument to the past, But a living
testament to the enduring human spirit.
Each corner of the Old Town holdssecrets waiting to be discovered,
from hidden gardens perched atop thecity walls to ancient stone carvings
(17:05):
that marked the homes of medieval guilds.
Even today, archaeologistscontinue to make new discoveries
beneath the city streets, addingfresh chapters to Dubrovnik's
already rich historical narrative.
And if you want to visit thisbeautiful city, There are many ways
to get there, ranging from cruiseship to train to flying or driving.
(17:30):
If you're flying in from anothercountry, you'll want to fly into
Dubrovnik Airport and take theairport shuttle into the Old City.
It's pretty inexpensive andis only a 30 minute ride.
You'll find that there are tons ofoptions for hotels, bed and breakfasts,
and homestay options that range fromaffordable to extremely upscale.
(17:53):
Within the old city, you can book awalking tour or again, if you're a fan
of the Game of Thrones TV show, you cantour all of the spots where they filmed.
The historic city wall withthose incredible views is worth
lacing up your shoes to walkthe one and a half miles around.
Explore the narrow streets filled withshops, restaurants, churches, and museums.
(18:19):
Sponsor Palace, which I mentionedbefore, is a 16th century
palace worth visiting as well.
Other things to do include takinga cable car ride above the Adriatic
to the top of Mount Asarti.
Sea kayaking is popular here too, andif you're into spooky stuff, The
(18:39):
former convent of St. Clair willbe of interest to you, as it made
international news years ago whena video was posted online showing a
ghost caught on camera, or supposedly.
You can find videos on YouTubeif your curiosity is piqued.
As you navigate the city, you'll find thatwhile Croatian is the primary language,
(19:02):
much English is spoken in touristy areas.
This site is a hub for cruise ships,with almost 2 million visitors annually.
So know that if you're goingto visit during the spring
and summer, it will be busy.
The weather in Croatia is lovely,with warm summers that peak at about
86 degrees Fahrenheit, with wintersgetting as low as the 40s Fahrenheit.
(19:27):
The summer doesn'texperience much rain though.
When it comes to food, everyonesays oysters are the must do.
Because they're plucked freshfrom the Adriatic Sea daily.
Black risotto with fresh seafoodis another standout option.
Notice the menus will be seafoodheavy, given its location.
(19:47):
Whether you are exploring the food,or walking the streets, once wandered
by famous figures, Dubrovnik'sunique cultural heritage makes
it a must do for any traveler.
Join us next time, as we travel tothe Palace and Park of Versailles,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site
that is a former royal residencefor numerous kings and none
(20:11):
other than Marie Antoinette.
Until then, keep exploring, keepwondering, and keep treasuring
the remarkable diversityof our world's heritage.
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