Dubrovnik Attractions

Franciscan monastery © Judith Duk

Franciscan Monastery

The 14th-century Franciscan church and monastery enclosed in the walls of medieval Dubrovnik boasts one of the most beautiful Romanesque cloisters in Dalmatia. Within the monastery complex is a working pharmacy which has been in business since 1317. A museum houses relics from the original medieval pharmacy such as medical books, instruments and weight scales, as well as some ancient manuscripts and gilded church relics.

Address: Placa 2; Telephone: (0)20 426 345; Opening time: 9am to 6pm daily; Admission: 25 kn (adults), 12.50 kn (children)

Dubrovnik walls © Judith Duk

City Walls

The impressive walls enclosing the ancient city of Dubrovnik were laid out in the 13th century and became an ongoing work for almost two centuries. They are among the finest in the world and are the city's main attraction. The fortified walls are up to 10ft (3m) thick on the sea side, and at least twice as thick on the land side to guard against invasion by the Turks in the 15th century, and reach 82ft (25m) in height. Visitors can access the walls via a steep stone stairway where they will be rewarded with superb views over the old city and out to sea. A walk around the old city from this fascinating vantage point is a must for visitors to Dubrovnik. The detached Lovrjenac Fort to the west of the old city stood guard against both land and sea invasion and is also worth a visit for its superb views.

Opening time: Opening times vary according to the season, but generally 9am to 7.30pm (summer), 10am to 3pm (winter); Admission: 50 kn (adults); 20 kn (children)

Marin Drzic’s House

Croatia’s literary genius, Marin Drzic, has been immortalised by turning his Dubrovnik home into a museum which introduces visitors to the writer with a 40-minute presentation on his life and work. The presentation is also a good introduction for visitors to the history and culture of Dubrovnik itself.

Address: Siroka ulica 7; Telephone: (0)20 420 490; Website: www.mdc.hr/dubrovnik; Opening time: 9am to 6pm, closed Sundays. The presentation is shown to groups of 15 at a time; Admission: 20 kn (adults); 10 kn (students and children)

Dubrovnik cathedral © Judith Duk

Cathedral Treasury

Dubrovnik has had three cathedrals on the same site during its long history. The first was a Byzantine building dating from the 7th century; the second a Romanesque Cathedral which was destroyed by the great earthquake of the 17th century; and the present beautiful Baroque structure which was designed by Italian architect Buffalini from Urbino and was completed in 1713. The treasury of the cathedral is rich in religious relics, icons, paintings and other items of value. It is also possible to view the archaeological excavations that continue on the cathedral site.

Address: Kneza Damjana Jude 1; Telephone: (0)20 323 459; Opening time: Weekdays 8am to 8pm; Admission: 10 kn

War Photo Limited

War Photo Limited

Located in the historical centre of Dubrovnik, the exhibition space features temporary, changing exhibitions of photographic works relating to war and conflict. The photographs aim to showcase war as it really is, the horror and brutality that is experienced by innocents and combatants alike. War Photo Limited exhibitions are intended to be educational and showcase the work of world-renowned photojournalists.

Address: Antuninska 6; Telephone: (0)20 322 166; E-mail: info@warphotoltd.com; Website: www.warphotoltd.com; Opening time: Open daily 9am to 9pm (June to September); Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm (May and October); closed from November to April; Admission: 30 kn