The little Croatian town of Dubrovnik is located across the Adriatic Sea, at the foot of a mountain, recalling the Greek cities, but with Slovenian style, reflecting his worn walls in the crystal clear waters. This place has suffered numerous invasions, but nevertheless managed to remain standing until nowadays.

Photography by ahisgett

Its history goes back to the seventh century, when the peoples of the region were constantly invaded and plundered by the Slavs, deciding to move to a small coastal town, and fortifying the area to prevent invasions. This town eventually grew increasingly, as its location was strategic for trade in fisheries. This fact was very interested in the Arabs, attacking a century later. At this point, this small town had taken the name of Ragusa and still suffered many invasions throughout its history.

By the year 1358 Ragusa had changed the name of Dubrovnik (Croatian term meaning oak forest), but this name was only made official in 1909. Meanwhile, during that period the city was exposed to various struggles, invasions, and agreements with both East and West also.

Photography by abundantc

Shortly before the famous battle of Kosovo (1389), Dubrovnik signed a security pact with the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, in which he offered the city the full protection in exchange for an annual tribute by this. The pact will not only ensured the peace, but also assured marketing support with countries in Asia and Africa. Thanks to these facts, the city maintained its independence for long.

Consecrated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, the ancient city is now completely walled, as in ancient times, stepping directly into the past. Its picturesque constructions invite us to walk the narrow irregular streets that cross the city of red roofs.

The streets are pedestrian, which means you can take a pleasant stroll away from the noise of the cars and the bustle of big cities. In Dubrovnik you can find churches, castles, monasteries, plazas, theaters and palaces of different styles that are mixed with the romance of the city, forming an oasis in the battered Croatia.

Photography by jimmyharris

While it shows the city is a veritable museum itself, you can also visit some representative buildings, among which stand the church of the Dominicans (the product of several architectural styles), the Fort of San Juan (a strong historical which currently houses inside an aquarium and maritime museum), the Convent of Santa Clara (built in the late thirteenth century) and the Source of Onofio.

Without a doubt, Dubrovnik is enshrined as one of the most beautiful walled cities and better cared for throughout Europe, offering the possibility of being covered in a day, or enjoy more fully with time, depending on taste and availability of visitor.