History of Dubrovnik

The city lying under the high cliffs of Srđ Hill on the open blue sea has been described by many poets, travellers, and sailors as heaven on Earth, a place of complete spiritual rebirth.

Historical records claim that the city was built in the 7th century when the Slavs and Avars conquered this area, and with the downfall of then important city of Epidaurum (today’s Cavtat). New peoples inhabited the former Epidaurum and Ragusium (today’s Dubrovnik) and operated as separate governments. Individual development helped them establish friendly relations in the 12th century and they covered the sea area separating them. Today, that area is the main Dubrovnik street, Stradun.

The city started developing; walls, towers and forts were built up until the 14th century, when the famous Dubrovnik Republic was founded. Throughout the centuries it had become one of more powerful sea forces with a strong trade fleet, important consular missions and navy, and it established itself as an independent republic. Within the walls, the city lived, built and created in full force, making many friends, as well as many enemies with strong armies and sea forces, which it withstood bravely and deservedly acquired the status of an impregnable city.

There were things going on besides war in Dubrovnik – there was writing, acting, painting, singing...Numerous cultural eras weaved a piece of themselves into this city. Let us just mention the Renaissance period, which brought Dubrovnik an awakening of art, music, and culture, and gave birth to some of the more exceptional individuals, who marked the Croatian literature and language.

Dubrovnik enjoyed its freedom and independence until the 19th century, when Napoleon’s army conquered it and annexed it to the rest of Dalmatia.