Welcome to the historic heart of Dubrovnik! On this two-hour tour, we will explore together the secrets and wonders of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will begin at the Pile Gate with an introduction to the Republic of Ragusa and how the people of Ragusa were able to maintain their independence for so many years.

At this point, I will explain the city walls and fortresses that the people of Ragusa built to defend the city, and the reasons behind them. We will not be going up onto the walls.

As we enter the Old Town, we will come across some very famous examples of architecture. One of them is the Franciscan Monastery of Dubrovnik, an outstanding example of Franciscan architecture in the city. Founded in the 14th century, the monastery is known for its sober elegance and its Gothic-Renaissance cloister. We will also highlight the fascinating history behind the construction of Dubrovnik’s aqueduct system.

As we walk along one of the most famous streets in Europe, we will learn a great deal about the earthquakes that affected Dubrovnik in the past and how the architecture of the buildings responded to these events. In addition, I will explain the history of Dubrovnik’s Jewish ghetto.

The Church of St. Blaise is an iconic symbol of Dubrovnik, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. Its Baroque architecture and impressive façade are outstanding examples of the city’s cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Sponza Palace is a magnificent Renaissance building that once served as the customs house and treasury. Its elegant design and its history as an administrative center make it an architectural gem that should not be missed during a visit to Dubrovnik.

In front of the beautiful Rector’s Palace, we will learn how the government of the Republic of Ragusa functioned.

The Church of St. Ignatius is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture in Dubrovnik. As for the famous Jesuit Steps, they are a symbol of Dubrovnik’s Baroque style and are also well known for having been a filming location for the series Game of Thrones.

Our final stop will be Dubrovnik’s Old Port, where I will explain our relationship with the Ottomans and the fortresses located in this part of the city.