Things You Most Likely Want To Know About Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik was really well known during the Middle Ages but its popularity eventually dropped. It is only now that the city keeps popping up on different traveling bucket lists. This is mainly because of its influence on Game Of Thrones but it is also because of the numerous incredible local attractions that people can enjoy.

If you think you know a lot about Dubrovnik, keep reading about the facts mentioned below. There are even locals that are not aware of them. Withlocals put together this list of things that you most likely do not know about Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik And Richard The Lionheart’s Life

The beautiful Dubrovnik Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary only appeared because Richard the Lionheart made a huge donation for it. This happened because of an 1192 incident. The king was coming home from its Third Crusade and ended up faced with a huge storm.

According to legend, Richard promised God that he will build a large cathedral where he reaches land alive. He ended up landing on Lokrum, which is an island opposite Dubrovnik. It was the locals that managed to convince Richard the Lionheart to build the cathedral where it stands now. The basilica built then was mostly destroyed in the 1667 earthquake but it was rebuilt in the year 1713.

Dubrovnik’s Thick City Walls Were Never Breached

A huge part of the appeal of the city is its stone boundary. The walls that you see right now were built between the twelve and the seventeenth centuries. They have a thickness of up to 6 meters and were never breached by any army. You definitely want to stroll these walls if you get a chance to visit.

Another interesting thing should be said that as the Minceta Tower was built in the year 1464, local building materials were not enough. Due to this, the authorities launched a directive so that all people coming to the city from Ploce Gate or Gruz Harbor needed to bring stones with them.

Dubrovnik Was Involved In A Recent War

The city was affected by a fresh conflict in Europe. It was besieged for 8 months in 1991 and 1992 by the Yogoslav People’s Army. 194 soldiers and 88 civilians died as the opposing army attacked from a hilltop. This is where a museum of war is now visible and accessible through a cable car.

During the conflict, around 11,500 buildings were damaged. However, thanks to the work of the locals, this is no longer seen these days as restorations were spot on. There is a map on city walls now that show how buildings fared then. Also, the dead people are now remembered in a Memorial Room.

Dubrovnik Did Not Appear Just In Game Of Thrones

Most travelers see Dubrovnik as Game of Thrones’ capital of Westeros, King’s Landing. What many do not know is that numerous other movies were filmed in the city, like scenes from Star Wars: Episode VIII. In 2017 we also saw parts of Robin Hood: Origins filmed, which is a movie that was produced by Leonardo di Caprio. In fact, this might very well be turned into a trilogy.

The Oldest Pharmacy In The World

Inside the Franciscan Monastery, you can find the oldest operating pharmacy in the entire world. It was actually founded in the year 1317. Monks started to make medicines here and then sold them to locals. In the beginning, most of them were herb-based cures and were aimed to deal with everyday disturbances, like insomnia, headaches and indigestion. Nowadays, it is the Dubrovnik Pharmacies Organization that manages it and you can buy numerous modern pharmaceuticals. Even so, there are still many herbal teas and face creams that are prepared based on the recipes of the old monks.

Dubrovnik’s Fight Against Slavery

In the year 1416, slavery was banned in the Republic of Dubrovnik. Out of the people that had the deciding vote, 75 voted for and just 3 were against the ban. The Republic’s Grand Chamber practically condemned slavery and said it was “shameful, wrong and disgusting, and against all humanity.” Those that disobeyed this law were sentenced to jail and were fined. Other countries only started to ban slavery centuries after the Republic of Dubrovnik did.

 

Feature photo: Dubrovnik by Edwardwexler at English Wikipedia