THE PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC

SIX WAYS TO SPEND TWO DAYS IN DUBROVNIK

- JOHN AND SANDRA NOWLAN

When George Bernard Shaw first saw the ancient walled city on the Adriatic, he was smitten. “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik,” declared the famed Irish playwright. Founded in 7th century B.C. and rivaling Venice for sea power influence since the 13th century, this gorgeous and beguiling city of 45,000 has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.

The magnificent setting on the southern coast of Croatia, close to the border of Montenegro, is a magnet for Mediterranean cruisers and others who want a longer visit.

A major earthquake in 1667 flattened much of the community but it was rebuilt mainly in Baroque style. The compact Old Town, surrounded by a mile and a half of sturdy walls built during the 12th and 17th centuries, looks much the same as it was 350 years ago with limestone slab streets, red and orange tiled roofs, and numerous historic buildings in Baroque as well as Gothic and Renaissance styles. The city was heavily shelled by the Yugoslav People’s Army during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991, but restoration was swift and international tourism interest in Dubrovnik has blossomed.

The reward is 360-degree views of the medieval city, its rugged coastline, and splendid vistas of the turquoise Adriatic.

For View Seekers