Jewel in the Crown of the Adriatic...
Dubrovnik has been called the most perfectly preserved medieval city in the world. It is a cultural monument under UNESCOs special protection. The churches, monasteries, palaces, wide marble-paved squares, fortresses, steep cobble-stepped narrow streets and houses have remained unchanged for centuries.

"Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro" - Liberty should not be sold even at the price of gold.
Latest archaeological research in south Dalmatia has shown that a settlement dating to the 6th century existed under today’s city. It expanded with the arrival of the Croats in the 7th century, following the abandonment of ancient Epidaurus – today’s Cavtat. The name of Dubrovnik is derived from the Croatian word Dubrava, which means oak woods as, in the past, oak trees surrounded Dubrovnik.
The legal status of the Dubrovnik Republic was finalized by the 16th century. This meant the independent election of a rector and councilors, the minting of currency, a state flag with an image of St. Blaise, independent legislature, and the right to establish consulates abroad. The Republic of Dubrovnik was very inventive regarding laws and institutions that were developed very early: medical service was introduced in 1301, the first pharmacy ( still working ) was opened in 1317, a refuge for old people was opened in 1347, the first quarantine hospital ( Lazarete ) was opened in 1377, slave trading was abolished in 1418, the orphanage was opened in 1432, the water supply system (20 kilometers) was constructed in 1436.
It was also one of the centers of the development of the Croatian language and literature, home to many notable poets, playwrights, painters, mathematicians, physicists and other scholars.
Sights of interest include the city walls, the Pile Gate, the Onofrio's Large and Small Fountain, the city’s main street – Stradun, the Orlando Column, the Prince's Palace, the church of St Vlaho, a 12 th-century cathedral; an arsenal built in the 13 th century, a corn depot house that dates back to the 16 th century, the Custom's Office and the City Hall, a Franciscan monastery with Europe's oldest pharmacy ( still working )...
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