6 Historic Facts About Dubrovnik, Croatia

10/5/2019

Dubrovnik, Croatia, locted in the Mediterranean Sea, is an ancient city with a mystique and diverse history, making it a popular tourist destinations in southern Croatia. Long gone are the horrific shellings that occurred in the early 1990's and today the city has recovered from the war damage it suffered, with visitors returning again and again to this serene locality.

Here are six intriguing historic facts about Dubrovnik.

1. World Heritage Site

The city of Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in 1979.

2. Maritime History

Like other cities in Croatia that are located along the Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik became a prosperous city, notable for its wealth based on the maritime trade, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries.

3. Dubrovnik OR Ragusa

The city has carried both of these names throughout the centuries. Originally the capital of the maritime Republic of Ragusa, the area is recorded to have carried this name in various forms since at least the 10th century and it would remain the official name of the Republic of Ragusa until 1808, Dubrovnik, first recorded in the late 12th century, was in widespread use by the late 16th or early 17th century.

Additionally, Dubrovnik is believed to have come from Celtic origin (based on the word dubron meaning water) whereas Ragusa is believed to have been derived from Greek.

4. Yugoslavia to Independence in 20th Century

With the fall of Austria–Hungary in 1918, Dubrovnik was incorporated into the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which would later become the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Dubrovnik became one of the 33 oblasts of the Kingdom.
In 1929 Yugoslavia was then divided among 9 Banovina, and Dubrovnik became part of the Zeta Banovina.
Finally, In 1939 Dubrovnik became part of the newly created Banovina of Croatia until Croatia fought for its independence in 1991.

5. Signs of War Damage

Dubrovnik was heavily bombed during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1995. Almost all of the damage has been repaired; however, if you look closely around the old town, mortar damage in the cobblestone streets and bullet marks in the stone houses are visible.

6. Important City Festivals & Celebrations

There are several festivals throughout the year celebrated in Dubronik, so plan our trip accordingly to enjoy these cultural events!

Feast of St. Blaise - February 3rd - The patron saint of the city is Saint Blaise (Sveti Vlaho) whose statues are seen around the city. His importance to Dubrovnik can best be comparied to that of St. Mark the Evangelist to Venice. Every year in Dubrovnik the holiday is celebrated with Mass, parades, and festivities that last for several days.
The Annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival - A 45-day-long cultural event with live plays, concerts, and games.

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Tanya

Tanya is a free sprit who resides in Southern California with the only family that she has outside of NY (you can take a girl out of the city, but you’ll never take the city out of this girl). Her housemates include her mom, her 2 sisters, her brother, her sister’s boyfriend, her niece, her 2 kids and her ex! Yup...all under one roof! Her professional career and background was in film (writing, production and acting). Currently she is a stay at home mom - who is hardly ever at home, and who’s passions are: everything travel related, food (both cooking and eating), photography, skiing and of course, shopping!

Elisa

Elisa is co-founder of Travelin' Cousins travel blog along with her cousin "Travelin' Tanya." She lives on Long Island, New York with her two daughters and her dog Punkin. An entrepreneur whose professional career has included a variety of businesses in the toy, licensing and direct marketing businesses, she is now a blogger and freelance writer. Since her teen years, she has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia and continues to travel these days throughout the world with her daughters and cousin Tanya. Her other passions include cooking, dining, the theatre and shopping.