This beautiful city has its origins in the first half of the 7th century, when the Romanized inhabitants of Epidaurum, today's neighboring city of Cavtat, sought refuge from the invasions of Slavs and Avars that were ravaging the Balkan peninsula. Thus, they founded a small settlement on the islet of Laus, which would later extend along the coast.

In the 9th century, it was considered the most important city in southern Dalmatia and formed a small community under the protection of Byzantium, later coming under the rule of the Venetian Republic. In the middle of the 14th century it finally achieved its independence, proclaiming itself the Republic of Ragusa. As a city-state, it enjoyed a certain independence in exchange for the payment of tribute, first to the King of Hungary and later to the Ottoman Empire, which would respect its borders in its expansive advance through the region.

Over time, the city flourished as a commercial and maritime center during the 16th and 17th centuries, and it was during this time that many of the city's most impressive buildings and monuments were constructed. The Republic of Ragusa would remain independent until the early 19th century, when Napoleon would incorporate it by decree into the Kingdom of Italy. During the 19th century it would pass under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, until the foundation of Yugoslavia at the beginning of the 20th century and its dissolution, belonging to the independent Croatia until today.

One of the main attractions of Dubrovnik is its impressive walled old town, dating from the thirteenth century. Dubrovnik's old town is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, squares and historic buildings. The city boasts numerous historic buildings and monuments, such as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, the Rector's Palace, the Franciscan Monastery, famous for its impressive Gothic-Renaissance cloister, or the Clock Tower. Another place of interest is Luza Square, which is the heart of the old town and the place where most of its stores and boutiques are located.

Entering through the Pile Gate, you will be greeted by the bustling Stradun, the city's main thoroughfare. Surrounded by limestone buildings with gleaming terracotta roofs, here you'll find a variety of stores, cafes and restaurants, as well as important monuments such as the Onofrio Fountain and the Church of St. Blaise, which boasts an impressive Baroque facade and an interior decorated with artwork and sacred objects. Another of the city's highlights is the Sponza Palace, a Gothic Renaissance building dating from the 16th century.

Its medieval walls, which offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the deep blue Adriatic Sea, have protected the city for centuries and are one of the best preserved fortification systems in the world. Another must-see is its Old Port (Porat Dubrovnik), one of the most picturesque corners of the city.

Here, traditional fishing boats bob gently in the crystal-clear waters while the restaurants along the shore offer a perfect place to relax and enjoy the rich gastronomy. On the west side, the Bay of Pile and the Lovrijenac Fortress complete the picturesque old town.

Dubrovnik is not only a treasure trove for lovers of history and architecture, but also a vibrant cultural center. The famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival fills the city with music, dance and theater, while filmmakers and fans from around the world know it as the location of King's Landing in the popular TV series Game of Thrones.

With its spectacular old town, the so-called Pearl of the Adriatic, has always been a culturally and economically prosperous city, and has managed to keep its splendid architectural beauty intact to the delight of the whole world.

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