IMPROVE Project Final Workshop
Background History
Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the northwest to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the east; its central region is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and its southern parts extend to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The mainland covers 56,542 km2, and the surface of the territorial sea is 31,067 km2. The coastline of Croatia is 5,835 km long in total of which 4,058 km belongs to islands, solitary rocks and reefs. Hence, Croatia is often also referred to as “the country of thousand islands.” For detailed travel information (maps, etc.) and other general information about the Republic of Croatia (e.g. Croatia’s traditional cuisine and wine), including a number of photos, please visit following website: http://www.croatia.hr.
The city of Dubrovnik is situated in Southern Dalmatia, the most beautiful part of the Adriatic coast. Rich vegetation, beautiful lakes, rare islands, white pebble beaches and the crystal clean sea, all make this region to an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Tourism as a tradition dates back to over one hundred years ago, with Hotel Imperial being one of the oldest hotels in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is now the administrative seat of Dubrovnik-Neretva county and while traveling through this region visitors must take time to explore the harmony between man and nature that is part of everyday life here. Dubrovnik region consists of numerous small "jewels" that are worth visiting, small authentic villages, untouched islands and, of course, the Old Town of Dubrovnik, the crown jewel of them all.
Short history of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik was founded in the first half of the 7th century by a group of refugees from Epidaurum (today's Cavtat). They established their settlement at the island and named it Laus. Opposite of that location, at the foot of Srđ Mountain, Slavs developed their own settlement under the name of Dubrovnik (named by “Dub” - type of wood). The settlements were separated by a channel which was filled in the 12th century, the present Placa or Stradun, and since than the two settlements have been united. At that time the city walls started to be built as a protection from different enemies (Arabs, Venetians, Macedonians, Serbs, etc.) all of whom wanted to conquer Dubrovnik.
From its establishment the town was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire that helped Dubrovnik in the wars against Saracens (886-887 AD), Bulgaro-Macedonians (988), and Serbs (1184). After the Crusades, Dubrovnik came under the sovereignty of Venice (1205-1358), and by the Peace Treaty of Zadar in 1358 it became part of the Hungarian-Croatian Kingdom. Having been granted complete self-government, bound to pay only a tribute to the king and providing assistance with its fleet, Dubrovnik started its life as a free state that reached its peak during the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1526 Dubrovnik acknowledged the supremacy of the Turkish Sultan (annual tribute was paid to the Sultan). A crisis of Mediterranean shipping, and especially a catastrophic earthquake on the 6th of April 1667 that killed over 5 000 citizens, including the Rector, leveling most of the public buildings, ruined the well-being of the Republic.
With great effort the Republic recovered to a certain degree, but still remained a shadow of the former Republic. In 1806 Dubrovnik surrendered to French forces, as that was the only way to cut a month's long siege by the Russian-Montenegrin fleets (during which 3,000 cannon balls fell on the city). The French lifted the Russian-Montenegrin fleets and saved Dubrovnik for the time being. The French army, led by Napoleon, entered Dubrovnik in 1806. In 1808 Marshal Marmont abolished the Dubrovnik Republic.
In 1809 Dubrovnik became part of the Illyrian Provinces. In 1815, by the resolution of the Vienna Congress, Dubrovnik was annexed by Austria (later Austria-Hungary), and remained annexed until 1918 when it became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes. At the very beginning of World War II, Dubrovnik was first part of the Independent State of Croatia. From April 1941 until September 1943 Dubrovnik was occupied by Italian army followed by Germans forces. In October 1944 Partisans liberated Dubrovnik from the Germans. In 1945 Dubrovnik became part of the Federative People's Republic of Yugoslavia, who changed its name to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) in 1963, consisting of six republics. Dubrovnik was part of the Socialistic Republic of Croatia.
In 1990 SFRY dissoluted resulting with the independence of its previous constituent republics, including the Republic of Croatia. On October 1, 1991 Dubrovnik was brutally attacked by the former Yugoslav National Army, aided by paramilitary forces. The military assault lasted for seven months, and in May 1992 the Croatian Army liberated Dubrovnik and its surroundings, but the danger of renewed and sudden attacks lasted for another three years. Today, Dubrovnik is a free and safe town, globally known, and the most popular tourist destination in Croatia.
Places of interest
The particularity and uniqueness of Dubrovnik is its permanent live connection to its rich past and its cultural heritage, while it keeps vibrantly in pace with contemporary life, echoing its spiritual identity and its presence in the European cultural environment. Since 1979 the Old City is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The most recognizable feature which defines the history of Dubrovnik and gives it its characteristic are its intact city walls which run uninterrupted for 1940 meters encircling the city. This complex structure, one of the most beautiful and strongest fort systems in Europe, is the main attraction for the city's visitors. Five fortresses, St. Lawrence and Revelin together with another three incorporated in the city walls, Minčeta Tower, Fort Bokar and St. John's Fortress provide its visitors with unforgettable views of the city. Weddings are held in the small St. Lawrence's chapel or on Minčeta Tower. Performances and concerts are organized on Fort Revelin, St. Lawrence and St. John's fortresses during the Summer Festival.
The State Archives in the Sponza Palace, which contains documents from the 12th century on, attracts those who would like to know more about the political, economical and cultural relations between the Dubrovnik Republic and other European countries in the past.
The Franciscan monastery with the museum that contains the Old Pharmacy's inventory dates back to 1317 and is a curiosity to its visitors. The Dominican monastery, which contains a collection of the Dubrovnik School of Art from the 15th and 16th centuries, the Treasure of the Cathedral with the reliquary and the Rector's Palace are major attractions as well.
There are five museums in Dubrovnik today. The Archeological and the Modern History Museum still do not have permanent premises in which to display their collections. The Etnographic Museum is situated in the former granary at Rupe (Hole) location. The Cultural-Historical Museum is situated in the Rector's Palace. The collection of the Maritime Museum found its place in the St. John's Fortress.
