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Dubrovnik
City
The motto of Dubrovnik declares
that “freedom is not for sale for all the money in the world .” The
city unusually aroused a passion in the renowned cynic George Bernard Shaw
who described the city as “a paradise on earth.”
Like a fiery flower the
"Pearl of the Adriatic" sits in a cerulean sea, protected by massive fortified
walls, with beautiful Italianate architecture. There was an outcry throughout
the world when the Serbs fired on Dubrovnik during the Balkan War because
everyone knew the collective heritage was irreplaceable. Today the war
damage has been extensively repaired thanks to the commitment of the local
people and international aid, and the city's life has returned to normal.
A settlement known as Epidau-rum
was established on the mainland by the Greeks. When the Slavs invaded in
614 and conquered the place the inhabitants fled to a rocky island off
the coast which today is the site of the old town of Dubrovnik. It speaks
volumes for the diplomatic skills of the inhabitants that a couple of centuries
later they formed a joint republic with their former enemies the Slavs
settled on the mainland under the sovereignty of Byzantium.
Traveling through Croatia,
Dalmatia or Dubrovnik Region offers immense and rich experiences to every
visitor. From the coastal to the continental parts, Croatia’s rich cultural
heritage, combined with its magnificent natural beauties, make it the perfect
place to spend your vacation at.
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The total land area of Croatia
amounts to 56.610 km.sq / 35.336 sq.mi., with a population of approximately
4.9 million. It features a total land border of 1.778 km (1.110 mi.) stretching
from the historic city of Dubrovnik in the South to the ancient Roman city
of Pula in the North, encompassing a 1.278 km (789 mi.) section of the
Adriatic Sea. Spread like pearls along the coast, Croatia’s 1.185 islands
provide a magical paradise to be experienced and explored.
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 Sr? 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 12th century, 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, Venetian, Macedonians, Serbs,
etc.), who wanted to conquer Dubrovnik. The today's name of Dubrovnik is
derived from the Croatian word Dubrava, which means oak woods as, in the
past, oak trees surrounded Dubrovnik. The Latin name Ragusa - Rausa, in
use until the 15th century, originated from the rock (lat. Lausa - meaning
rock) where the first settlement was established
All throughout the year there
are various cultural happenings in Dubrovnik, a little something for you
and your sweetheart but...
every summer 'The City of
Culture' welcomes the eager artists from around the globe into The City
to reopen the Dubrovnik Summer Festival.
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In a fabulous traditional
ceremony on Stradun in front of the Orlando statue artists perform a small
part of featured Dubrovnik Summer Festival performances in order to be
presented with the key of The City to do as they please, to entertain,
to dance to put up concerts and plays for amusement of the folk. And after
the key has been handed and the Liberty Hymn played while raising the Libertas
flag on top of the mast on Orlando statue, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival
is considered open.
Lyberty Hymn, verses from Dubravka,
written by Ivan Gundulic, Dubrovnik's 17th century writer, considered to
be one of the greatest Croatian writers. These immortal verses describe
true Dubrovnik spirit with high praise to value of freedom. Dubrovnik Summer
Festival, features many famous plays from local and foreign writers. The
works of Shakespeare, Molliere, Drzic staged on equally famous stage, Dubrovnik
this monumental and only authentic stage in the world giving a special
feel to these famous medieval plays. Plays like Hamlet performed on Fort
Lovrijenac, an unforgettable experience, something to talk on return home
and best shared with loved ones. |
Except plays Dubrovnik Summer
Festival features musical concerts, the works of immortal composers, like
Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi performed in the Atrium of the Rector's Palace,
one of the best ambients for classical and chamber music concerts or some
concerts performed in the open like Carl Orf's Carmina Burana in front
of the St. Ignatious church.
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
is the key cultural happening during the summer with hunderds of featured
artists, street artists, special workshops, various exhibitions of mainstream
and alternative art. Dubrovnik Summer Festival has a liitle something for
everyone.
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