THE BEST OF DUBROVNIK WITH FIFTY-PERCENT SAVINGS
 
In order to additionally promote cultural events and at the same time grant a 50-percent discount, the Town of Dubrovnik is introducing a new tourist product - tourist card ...
that will be available to tourists and visitors from 1st of August.
The daily card with exceptionally convenient prices will allow visiting the town walls of Dubrovnik, as well as museums and major attractions of our tourist destination.
Dear guests, the new Dubrovnik tourist card offers the best of the best with a great discount, which is our contribution to these uncertain recession times. Dubrovnik, the ideal destination for awakening your optimism, by this gesture expresses a warm welcome to all its visitors.

The card allows tourists to have all the attractions and cultural sights available by purchasing one tourist card only. The new Dubrovnik Tourist Card includes admission to museums, galleries, and visit to the town walls and the fortress of Lovrijenac. The daily and the weekly tourist cards are introduced. A daily card will cost 100 Croatian Kuna, and it includes entrances to: Old Town walls, Rector's Palace, Rupe Museum, Maritime Museum, Revelin Fortress, Art Gallery and Marin Držić House. The full price of tickets for all these placesd is 215,00 kn, therefore by purchasing a daily tourist card the user saves more than 50%.
The tourist card project will be developing in the future in such a way as to introduce also a weekly tourist card that will include even more attractions, for example, the Jewish Municipality (by visiting the synagogue), the Catholic Church (the museums), the virtual museum of St.. Clare, Institute for Marine and Coastal Research of the University in Dubrovnik (Aquarium), the Museum of the Croatian Independence War, Reservation on the Island of Lokrum, JP (Public Transport Company) Libertas, public toilet ....The Tourist Cards can be obtained in following information offices of Dubrovnik Tourist Board: Tourist Information Office Grad  Široka 1 ( Old Town )
 

PAST HISTORY OF DUBROVNIK
The words «Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro» - «Freedom is not to be sold, not for all the gold of the world» were inscribed long ago during the times of the Dubrovnik Republic ...
above the gates on Fort Lawrence, an impenetrable fortress. Throughout its turbulent history, many sovereign and maritime powers came into conflict in this region: Byzantine, Saracen, Croat, Norman, Venetian, small principalities and kingdoms, even the Hungarian-Croat state, followed by the Roman-German empire, and the Ottoman, Habsburg and Napoleon empires. On such a boundary line, the small city of Dubrovnik succeeded in achieving a completely independent form of self-government based on political ingenuity, so that the Dubrovnik Republic remained a neutral, independent state for centuries.
The successful development of Dubrovnik in the past was conditioned primarily by its favorable geographical position, and by an economy based on maritime and merchant activities.
 
When entering the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik is the first island-protected port on the maritime route going from east to west, with quick access to the hinterland by way of the Neretva Valley. Latest archaeological research has shown that a settlement dating to the 6th century or probably even earlier existed under today’s city. It expanded with the arrival of the Croats in the 7th century, following the abandonment of ancient Epidaurus (today’s Cavtat).

The intensification of traffic between the East and West both during and after the Crusades resulted in the development of maritime and mercantile centers throughout the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea in the 12th and 13th centuries. Dubrovnik was one of them. The Zadar Treaty in 1358 liberated Dubrovnik from Venetian rule, and it was crucial to the successful furthering of its development. The remaining Dalmatian towns failed to achieve this, so that they definitely fell under Venetian rule in the year 1420. Already during the 14th and 15th centuries, Dubrovnik was the most significant maritime and mercantile center of the Adriatic, alongside Venice and Ancona. Dubrovnik expanded its territory by using contracts and by purchasing land from Klek in the north to Sutorina at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, including the islands of Mljet, Lastovo, Elaphite and Lokrum.

The legal status of the Dubrovnik Republic was completely achieved by the 15th century. This meant the independent election of a rector and councilors, the minting of currency, a state flag with an image of St. Blaise, independent legislature, and the right to establish consulates abroad. According to the aristocratic constitution, the state authority was based on the Great Council, which was made up of Dubrovnik aristocratic families. They, in turn, appointed the members of the Senate and the Small Council, which was the executive body of the Great Council. The Rector was appointed on a monthly basis as a nominal symbol of authority.

Already in the 15th century, Dubrovnik had a well-organized transit trade route with the Balkan hinterland. In 1525, due to the stronger Turkish expansionist policies in the Balkans, the Dubrovnik Republic decided to accept Turkish tutelage and the payment of tribute. However, in return, they obtained the right to free trade throughout the Turkish Empire, with a custom’s duty of only 2%. This small state, which had no army of its own, brought its defensive mechanism to perfection using skilful diplomacy and broad consular activities. It managed to preserve its independency by maintaining neutrality in international conflicts, and by using the tutelage of powerful countries, especially that of Spain and the Vatican. The Venetian Republic was its only permanent rival and enemy.

The Dubrovnik Republic entered its golden age in the 16th century, at a time when the power and glory of the Venetian Empire was on the wane. Its prosperity was based on maritime trade. In the 16th century, the Dubrovnik merchant navy matched world levels with its quality fleet of 180 to 200 ships. Increasingly larger types of ships were being built, such as galleys, coasters and navas. These ships were taking on increasingly longer and more dangerous journeys throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea, as well as ocean journeys to northern ports in England and Germany, even as far as India and the Americas. Dubrovnik became world-renowned and sought after for the transport of cargo, which included very diverse maritime and trade affairs.

Material prosperity, and the feeling of security and freedom, helped shape a humanist culture that further inspired ardent creativity. Dubrovnik reached magnificent levels of achievement in its urban and architectural development that has been maintained to the present day, in its literature and poetry (Marin Držić, Ivan Gundulić), sciences (Ruđer Bošković), and in many other fields of art and culture.

In the 17th century, the general crisis in Mediterranean maritime affairs also affected Dubrovnik maritime trade. The catastrophic earthquake of 1667 brought the Dubrovnik Republic into a critical period, where it fought for its survival and political independence. The 18th century gave Dubrovnik an opportunity for the economic revival of maritime trade under a neutral flag. This was the state of affairs when Napoleon dissolved the Dubrovnik Republic in 1808.

At the Vienna Congress in 1815, the Dubrovnik region was joined to the other parts of Dalmatia and Croatia. Since then, they have shared a common political fate. Following the Republic of Croatia’s declaration of independence and subsequent Serbian aggression on Croatian territory, Dubrovnik was attacked in October of 1991. The Serbians and the Montenegrins aimed to conquer and destroy the region, attacking with a destructive force that had never been seen so far. The Dubrovnik region was occupied and significantly devastated. In the 8-month siege, the city itself was repeatedly bombarded. The most brutal destruction occurred on December 06th, 1991.

Today, the war-devastated cultural heritage of Dubrovnik has been repaired for the most part. The renovated hotels, the important assets of the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, as well as other cultural events are crucial prerequisites for the development of modern tourism.

UNESCO HERITAGE 
The walls of Dubrovnik girdle a perfectly preserved complex of public and private, sacral and secular buildings representing all periods of the City's history, beginning with its founding in the 7th century.
 
Since 1979 Dubrovnik is in the register of UNESCO as a protected World heritage.

Particular mention should be made of the city's main street in the old historical center - Stradun, Rector's Palace, St. Blaise’s Church, Cathedral, three large monasteries, tCustom's Office and the City Hall.
The Republic of Dubrovnik was the centre of a separate political and territorial entity, and was proud of its culture, its achievements in commerce and especially of its freedom, preserved in the course of the stormy centuries.

Dubrovnik info

Street Signs and Street Names
There are two of signs at each street corner in the old town. One of them is old traditional street name written on the white stone and other is modern street info made traditional way. If you don't want to walk each street you can inform yourself at the bottom of the street about different shops and secrets of that street. You can trust that info 80% because they are not so often updated. It can easy happen that you miss some interesting gallery or nice shop because old info at the bottom of the street.
Garbage Can
Dubrovnik has three different types of garbage cans. In the old town cans are positioned on each street corner. Use them. They are completely free to use. You must know that throwing your garbage especially gums on the main street is a bad luck and also barbaric habit that completely disappeared from Dubrovnik 2 centuries ago. Don't push your luck, USE THE CAN!
Dubrovnik Bus - Libertas
Don't try to cheat Dubrovnik bus driver! There is a rule for using Dubrovnik busses. You can buy a ticket outside the bus or in bus but only way to enter the bus is using first door and passing by the driver. Then you check your card while driver is watching you carefully. After you check the card don't wait for drivers smile just go and seat in the back of the bus. Keep the card because it lasts for one hour at any bus that drives in the city. Also there is possibility of card control. Busses are not good way of transportation in full season because of traffic jams so it can happen that your one hour card lasts just for one "10 minute" drive. Bus tickets can be obtained from: news stands, Libertas counters at Pile Gate, Bus Terminal and Moko?ica, as well as from hotel receptions and travel agencies.
MORE INFO:
One ticket costs 10 kuna (1.4 euro)in the bus or 8 kuna (1.1 euro) if you buy it at the newspaper stand.
Lines from 1 to 9 travel inside the town.
Direct line to Cavtat is line 10 and ticket costs 12 kuna.
City Map
This city map is located at pile, just outside the old town. If you are lost there is a spot that said YOU ARE HERE. If you already know where you are then good for you. You can take a look at the map and decide which other parts of Dubrovnik you want to explore.
Aquarium
If you see this sign you are definitely close to Dubrovnik aquarium. It is positioned in the old fort near Porporela. Dubrovnik Aquarium is not as big and impressive like most of the west Europe and USA aquariums. It is one cozy place where you can spend around 30 minutes viewing adriatic fishes, feeling happy because you escaped from the hot summer day. You should give a chance to aquarium?.
INFO:
Aquarium works from 9 - 19.
Ticket cost 20 kuna for adults and 10 kuna for children.
Old Port
Old port is a place where most of the interesting boat trips start from. There are diferent kinds of boat trips but most popular are: trip day to Lokrum and Back, trip to Cavtat and romantic night trip around the old town. Some of the prices are negotiable and some of them like tickets for Lokrum are not negotiable. The old port is one of the places where your summer adventure can start?.
INFO:
LOKRUM SINGLE RETURN TICKET COSTS 35 KUNA.
ORGANISED GROUPS AND EXCURSIONS 25 KUNA.
City Walls Entrance
There are three different entrances to city walls. It is unnecessary to say anything about city walls. Take a ride around old town and enjoy the unforgettable feeling.
ADDITIONAL FACT: There is a possibility to quit the city wall tour at each new entrance but we can't remember any reason why shouldn't you make a full tour. Your digital camera will be thankfull?
TIP: If you are not brave enough avoid city walls around noon. There are few refresh points but it won't help you when the temperature gets over 30 ºC.
Working time is from 09:00 - 18:30.
At each entrance you can rent an audio guide which leads you on 8 different languages different through the history of the city and its walls.
Map of Damages
This is a detailed map of the hits that old town received in bombing by Jugoslav army during the patriotic war. Looking at this map a person can't help to wonder how could that happen at the end of the 20th century in such progressive and modern continent as Europe has tendency to be.
TIP:. These maps are positioned near the each entrance to the old town. Find this map and look at it. Take the minute and think.
Info Office
Blue sign means you have finally found info office. At info office you will find your new best friends who will inform you anything you need and don't need to know.
TIP: Central info office is at main street - STRADUN. You can't miss it.
Exchange Rate
If you are foreign tourist on a fast break around the city you will probably have no local currency in your wallet. There are two ways to solve this problem. You can use one of many exchange offices or banks inside the city. Other way is to try to pay in EURO. Most of the shops and restaurants will take Euro but remember: They have their own exchange rate!
EXCHANGE RATE CHART
1. BANKS (normal exchange rate with 2% commission)
2. EXCHANGE OFFICES (no provision but still 5% lower rates than the bank)
3. SHOP AND RESTAURANT OWNERS (They will just make it simple for you. If 1 euro is 7, 5 Kuna they will give you 7 Kuna. If 1 euro is 7, 2 Kuna they will again give you 7 Kuna.) If you don’ t exchange big money this is not so bed version for you. You won’ t lose time in the bank and you can always exchange difference consider as a tip for a good service......
Theatre Marin Drzic
If you are planning to enrich yourself with one of the Dubrovnik's theatre plays, your only choice (except for the period of the duration the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, July 10- August 25) is to go to Marin Drzic’ s Theatre, which has been a professional theatre since 1944.
It received its name in commemoration of the 400 year-old death of the great Dubrovnik writer, Marin Drzic. The theater is rather small, but once you get in you will be thrilled by its beauty.
Before the play starts, do not forget to look up at the ceiling.
LINK: http://www.kazaliste-dubrovnik.hr/
Srd
The mount above Dubrovnik is called Srd. Fortunately there are ways to get on the top of it. From July 2010 also cable car is starting to run again for the first time after 1991. The upper lift station will have an amphitheater, cafe, souvenir shop and two terraces with the best panoramic views of Dubrovnik Old City.

One way is to pay the taxi service and admire the view, without having troubles with catching the breath and the pain in your legs.
The second way, as you may have guessed, is to climb up the steep serpentine pathway. This actually seems harder than it really is, because if you are used to climbing it may take you about 30 or 40 minutes to get to the top, and on the way you can benefit from the fresh air, beautiful nature and the breathtaking view the old town and its surroundings.
There is only one warning, when you get to the top, you may whish to take a walk further. Make sure that you walk only on the pathways and pay attention to the signs and warnings, because due to the war in Dubrovnik, there are still some parts of the hill that have not jet been inspected by the mine-clearance companies

DUBROVNIK FESTIVAL
www.dubrovnik-festival.hr

LIBERTAS FILM FESTIVAL
www.libertasfilmfestival.com

DUBROVNIK PARTY CLUBBING
http://www.clubpages.net
 
DUBROVNIK DIVING CENTAR
http://www.blueplanet-diving.com
 
WIKIPEDIA - DUBROVNIK
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubrovnik

DUBROVNIK AKVARIJ
www.imp-du.com

DUBROVNIK-HOUSE
gastro – wine – delicacie
souvenirs – gallery
www.dubrovacka-kuca.com
 

UNICEF OFFICE IN CROATIA
http://unicef.interactive1.hr/show.jsp
 

LINK EXCHANGE
http://www.reiseforum-kroatien.de
http://www.urlaub-omis.de
http://www.apartmania.com
http://www.worldaccomodation.com
ADRIATIC TRAVEL Inc.San Pedro, CA 90731, USA
www.adriatictours.com

We can also recomand you apartments in Villa Bili in a small village Komarna 80 km for Dubrovnik.
http://www.villa-bili.com