Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in Europe:
The Mediterranean
Sights to see & things to do
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This jewel of a city by the sea is a favorite of cruise passengers fortunate enough to find it on their itinerary. Surrounded by medieval ramparts, its ancient streets, stone house, and historic buildings are rich in cultural heritage. Damaged heavily by Serbian shelling in 1991-92, Dubrovnik has been lovingly restored and is once again a favored port stop on the Adriatic.
Diversions
Cruise ships pass the oddly fjordlike coastline to dock about a ten-minute drive from the Old Town. Taxis usually meet ships’ arrivals and buses are available.
Walking through the Placa (known also as the Stradum) and exploring the Old Town’s ancient streets is a step back in time. The area is virtually unchanged since the 13th century and no motor vehicles are allowed within its environs. The city’s ramparts encircle many of its top attractions, the Dominican Monastery, the Franciscan Monastery, and the Rector’s Palace all combine imposing architecture with exquisite art and priceless religious relics. The 15th century Orlando Column is the symbol of Dubrovnik’s freedom. Located in the city center, a white flag inscribed with the word “libertas” has flown from it since 1990.
The Sponza Palace is without question one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Constructed in late Gothic and early Renaissance styles, it is adorned with impressive stone carvings. Inside the Roman baroque style Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin are numerous art objects and priceless Renaissance paintings.
Outside the city, popular tours include drives through the scenic Konavle region with stops to visit artists’ studios and sample the local cuisine. From the harbor, boat rides are available to the island of Lokrum, location of a botanical preserve and natural history museum.
Shopping
In addition to a number of art galleries scattered throughout the city, shops carry woodcarvings, carpets, ceramics, tapestries, leather goods, jewelry and highly prized embroidery and delicate lace. Shop early or late—most stores close for lunch. An excellent shopping center is a five-minute ride from the harbor, only a block from the Dubrovnik President Hotel.
Beaches
Also close to the Dubrovnik President Hotel is a gravelly nude beach. The beaches at Lapad and Sumratin are popular with swimmers.
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