About  Dubrovnik and Cavtat

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic," is a 1,600-year-old city on the eastern Adriatic coast that became a significant Mediterranean power due to its strategic location and advancements in sea traffic. By the 15th century, its merchant fleet was the second largest in the Mediterranean. Declaring itself an independent commune in the 10th century, Dubrovnik became a republic in the 11th century, lasting until Napoleon's conquests in 1808.

The Republic invested heavily in infrastructure and culture, pioneering innovations such as a sewage system, quarantine facilities, and public healthcare. It also supported the arts, with preserved music manuscripts from 1106 and one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, active since 1317. Despite significant damage from a 1667 earthquake and an armed siege in the 1990s, Dubrovnik preserved its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Dubrovnik is renowned for its 1,940-meter-long city walls, built in the 13th century and fortified up to 1660. These walls, featuring towers, bastions, and drawbridges, stand up to 25 meters high and remain a defining symbol of the city’s resilience and heritage.

Cavtat, known in ancient times as Epidauros or Epidaurum, is a charming Adriatic town and cultural hub of Konavle, located  southeast of Dubrovnik. Nestled on the wooded Rat peninsula, it boasts a well-protected bay and excellent connections via Dubrovnik airport. With over 7 km of sandy shores, pristine beaches, and luxury hotels, Cavtat has become a sought-after tourist destination offering hidden coves, seaside walks, recreational sports, and cultural programs.

Steeped in history, Cavtat was a significant Roman colony and later became the Dubrovnik Republic's second most vital seaport. Its name derives from "Civitas Vetus," Latin for "old city." Architectural highlights include Renaissance and Gothic-style buildings such as the Rector's Palace, city walls, St. Nicholas' Church, and the Franciscan monastery. Remnants of Illyrian, Greek, and Roman settlements, along with ancient artifacts like mosaics and coins, underscore its rich past.

Cavtat is also a treasure trove of art and culture, featuring works by renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović and painter Vlaho Bukovac, whose memorial home is in the town. The Rector's Palace houses historical collections, including the legacy of Baltazar Bogišić, whose library and artifacts reflect the region's heritage. Cavtat seamlessly blends historical charm with modern allure, making it a standout destination on the Adriatic coast.