- Dubrovnik is a medieval fortified port city with an unusual set of double walls, located on the coast of Croatia.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top ten best preserved medieval walled cities.
Medieval Sites
The Walls of Dubrovnik
-
- Built between the 14th-16th centuries CE, the Walls, Towers and Gates of Dubrovnik are still intact.
- They are 1.2 miles (2 km) long, and up to 20 feet (6m) thick. The HBO TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ was regularly filmed using these walls.
- Double Defensive Walls are usually associated with Castles. Carcassonne in France is another city with this rare feature.
History
The Republic of Ragusa (1272-1808 CE)
-
- Dubrovnik achieved great influence as the maritime Republic of Ragusa, which was founded in 1272 CE.
- In 1667 CE, an earthquake damaged the city and from then on Dubrovnik went into decline.
- The Patron saint of Dubrovnik is Saint Blaise.
- The city was founded in the seventh century CE by refugees from Cavtat.
- From 1205-1358 CE, it was a vassal state under the Republic of Venice.
- 1358-1440 CE, at the Peace Treaty of Zadar, Dubrovnik became a vassal state under the Kingdom of Hungary.
- From 1440-1804 CE, Dubrovnik became a vassal state under the Ottoman Empire.
- Dubrovnik was allied with Ancona for many centuries, preventing Venice from dominating the Adriatic.
- In 1806, Napoleon’s army forced the city to surrender.
- In 1808, Napoleon abolished the Republic of Ragusa, and made it part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Between 1808 and 1991
-
- 1808-1815: Dubrovnik became part of of the Kingdom of Italy.
- 1815 to 1918: after the Congress of Vienna, Dubrovnik became part of the Hapsburg Empire.
- 1918 to 1943: after the First World War, Dubrovnik became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.
- 1944 to 1991: Dubrovnik came under the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, ruled by President Tito.
Croatia (Since 1991)
-
- In 1991 Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia. For 7 months from October 1, 1991, Dubrovnik was besieged by the Yugoslav People’s Army. Over 50% of the buildings in Dubrovnik were damaged by shells.
- After the War, between 1995-1999, the city was repaired in the old medieval style.
Dubrovnik