Five things you didn't know about Dubrovnik

Think you know the coastal city well? Check out these 5 facts and discover new things about the beautiful coastal city in Croatia!

Dubrovnik, located along the beautiful stretch of the Dalmatia Coast in Croatia has recently become a popular destination for backpackers and travellers alike, (thanks to the famous Game of Thrones series for sure) but also due to the cities outstanding beauty and coastal simplicity.

But, do you think you know Dubrovnik? Below are few facts that might make you see the coastal city in a whole new light!

1. Dubrovnik was once the capital of the adventurous Republic of Ragusa, a maritime republic that competed with the famous Venetian Republic. It even played a role in growing the trading power of the newly born United states, by accepting some of the earliest European trade deals with the US, importing hides from Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore. It became the first country to recognise the United States as a sovereign state in 1783. Not bad!

2. The city is surrounded by 2 kilometers of imposing ancient walls, built between the 12th and 17th centuries. There walls contain over 120 cannons, 17 towers, and can be up to 25 meters high. In some places the walls are up to six meters thick, and thanks to this, they have never been breached by a foreign army. Make sure that if you visit the city you take a walk along the walls! It's not a coincidence that some street scenes of Game of Thrones have been filmed in the scenic Dubrovnik, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.

3. In the summer the city holds the Annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival, a 45-day-long summer event, running from the 10th of July to the 25th of August, that includes cultural games, plays and concerts. What better time to visit the city than in the summer!?

4. Speaking of summer, Dubrovnik is a city where you can enjoy both city life and beach life, relaxing on the sands just outside the center. But did you know that the city itself stands only 3 meters above sea level? You’ll end up heading towards the beach here even if you don’t mean too!

5. The city is home to the world’s oldest and longest running pharmacy, located within the Dubrovnik’s Franciscan Monastery, founded centuries ago in 1317. From the founding of the monastery, monks began making herb-based medicines that they would then sell to local people to cure illness such as headaches and insomnia. Nowadays, the pharmacy is a modern business selling prescription medicines, but you can still find some face-creams and other herb-based products, made with the ancient monk recipes.

Feel inspired to walk along the city walls, lie on the beach, be immersed in culture and enjoy the wonderful weather in the city? Then take a look at our selection of cheap hostels in Dubrovnik!