With its dramatic terracotta rooftops and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, it is easy to see why you can fall in love with the Pearl of the Adriatic after spending even one day in Dubrovnik, Croatia. During your yacht charter, your captain will find the perfect spot to anchor your yacht to explore this breathtaking city. Not only is the city’s Old Town one of the most picturesque places in the whole world, but Dubrovnik is also home to beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and great restaurants. Your chief stewardess will make sure your breakfast is ready bright and early so your crew can bring you to the city by tender to start your day. Have one more cup of coffee at the Stradun, the most famous street in the Old Town, before you head over to the city walls.
Dubrovnik fortresses
Walking the city walls is a great way to observe Dubrovnik from the most spectacular angles, explore its iconic fortresses and take the best pictures of you, your loved ones and the city. Built from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century, the Dubrovnik city walls represent the finest example of fortification architecture. The views of both Dubrovnik and the surrounding Adriatic Sea are absolutely unparalleled from these vantage points and walking the walls is a truly unforgettable experience. Start from the Ploce Gate and don’t forget to climb the Minčeta Fortress while you are up there! Locally known as Tvrđava Minčeta, the fortress was named after the Mencetic family who owned the ground which the tower was built on in 1319. The legend is that with the general lack of stones in the Dubrovnik area, each visitor coming in through Gruž, today’s main port, or Pile, the western entrance to the town, was obliged to bring a piece of stone. As a symbol of being incapable of being conquered, the Croatian flag is flying atop the Minčeta tower. During the summer another flag is placed next to it, the so-called Libertas flag, as a symbol of the old Dubrovnik Republic, with ‘libertas‘ being the Latin word for freedom. Not only is this a reminder of the proud history of the flags used in the old Dubrovnik Republic, but it is also refers to the two renowned festivals taking place in the city, the Dubrovnik Summer festival in July and the Libertas film festival in April.
Best sightseeing points to visit during a day in Dubrovnik
The Rector’s Palace
Next, make your way over to the Luza square, where you will find one of the most significant monuments of profane architecture on the Croatian coast. The Rector’s Palace was the administrative center of the Dubrovnik Republic. Its style is basically Gothic, with Renaissance and Baroque reconstructions. The inscription ‘Obliti privatorum publica curate’, meaning ‘Forget your private business, concern yourselves with public affairs’, can still be seen above the well preserved entrance door. A bust of the wealthy sea captain and benefactor Miho Pracat welcomes you in the atrium. The western facade of the palace is dominated by an exceptionally decorative portal of the palace that is embellished with numerous intricate carved details of colonnade, columns and its capitals. The entire entrance is covered by a front loggia which creates an attractive atmosphere. Take a moment to sit in the shade of the palace and enjoy the views of the square and the surroundings. Apart from being exceptionally beautiful, the Rector’s Palace Atrium has excellent acoustics, and is often used as a concert venue.
The Clock Tower
On the corner of the Clock Tower, you will find the Small Onofrio’s fountain. This fountain was made by the sculptor Pietro di Martino from Milan. It is structured as an octagonal pool, embellished by reliefs of boys, pillars, dolphins and shells. The Clock Tower itself is an elegant 31 meters high timepiece, dating from the 15th century and a magnificent landmark of the Old Town.
The St Blaise Church
St Blaise Church, named after the city’s patron saint, is just across the square, boasting a statue of St Blaise with a miniature model of medieval Dubrovnik in his hands. St Blaise has been honored as the patron saint for saving the people of Dubrovnik in the 10th century, when the Venetians anchored their ships in Gruž and in front of the Island of Lokrum.
The Jesuit Stairs
Get your cameras ready! Designed by Roman architect Pietro Passalacqua, the Jesuit Stairs is yet another fine example of Baroque architecture in Dubrovnik. Bearing a striking resemblance to the well-known Spanish Steps in Rome, this grand staircase was built in 1738. If you walk up the stairs, you will end up in Uz Jezuite Street where the church of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuit College are located. This location is the perfect backdrop for some unique pictures! At the bottom of the stairs, in Gundulic Square, you will find a market selling fresh produce from the neighboring villages, and if you happen to be there when the tower clock strikes noon, you may be surprised by a somewhat bizarre flocking of pigeons gathering here to eat the grain offered to them each day at the same time.
The church of Richard the Lionheart
After all this sightseeing it is time for lunch and your chief stewardess has made a reservation for you at one of the excellent restaurants Dubrovnik has to offer. This is the perfect moment to discuss how you and your friends and family would like to spend the remainder of the day. Your captain can bring you to one of the beautiful beaches nearby or you can decide to spend some more time in the city and visit the cathedral. According to the local legend, Richard the Lionheart was returning from the Crusades in 1192 when he was shipwrecked in a storm, and cast aground on Lokrum Island in front of Dubrovnik. In order to thank God for his life, he vowed to build a great church on the spot where his life was saved. When he told his intentions to the Dubrovnik leaders, they convinced him it would be much better to build the church in Dubrovnik instead.
The most spectacular sunset in Dubrovnik
Whichever one you pick of these perfect ways to spend your afternoon, try to make is to the Buža café in the Old Town when the sun goes down. You will witness the most spectacular sunset on the Mediterranean while enjoying your favorite cocktail!
