DUBROVNIK-RAGUSA

The Republic

Dubrovnik is without a doubt the most famous of the Croatian coastal towns. It was founded at some point in the early Middle Ages, supposedly after the fall of Cavtat, further to the south (Epidaurum). From 1285 to 1358 it was ruled by Venice. With a peace treaty in Zadar in 1358 it was placed under the protection of the Croatian and Hungarian state, but left to rule itself. Through capable diplomacy it managed to hold its own against all potential enemies (feudal lords in the inland areas, Venetians, Turks). In 1808, French occupying forces brought down the Dubrovnik Republic. During the period of independence it developed into a powerful marketing center that traded all over the Mediterranean, in the East, West and among the Balkan countries. It is a most important cultural center, and innumerable excellent writers, artists and scholars in all fields come from there. Dubrovnik's power began to wane as trading conditions began to change in the world, especially after 1667, when the city was hit by a catastrophic earthquake. The city itself is full of antiquities and cultural points of interest: the unique city walls and towers, the Prince's palace, the Onafrija water fountain, Customs Hall, Sv. Spas church, and others. The Dubrovnik Historical Archive is renowned as well as the rich collections of manuscripts and books in a few of the local monasteries.