Luxury villas to rent in Dubrovnik

Discover Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has a remarkable history. An independent, merchant republic for 700 years (abolished by Napoleon in 1806), it traded with Turkey and India in the East (with a consul in Goa, India) and had trade representatives in Africa (in the Cape Verde Islands). It even had diplomatic relations with the English court in the Middle Ages (There is a letter from Elizabeth I on display in the City Museum in Dubrovnik.

The old town was completed in the 13th century and remains virtually unchanged to the present day. Tall ramparts surround it and there are only two entrances to the old town which lead to the Stradun, the city's main promenade. One of the greatest pleasures for many visitors is to have a drink in one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by, whilst they themselves are being 'watched' by the city patron, St. Blaise, or Sveti Vlaho as the locals call him. In 1991/2, the Serbs shelled the city causing considerable damage, but thanks to local efforts and international aid, the old town has been restored to its former beauty.

Explore the old streets and buildings, including the Rector's and Sponza Palaces, the Cathedral, St. Blaise's Church, and Europe's oldest pharmacy housed within the Franciscan Monastery, Marin Drzic Theatre, museums and art galleries are all just a short walk away, as are Dubrovnik's finest restaurants, cafes, and the ferry to the beaches on romantic Lokrum Island, home to the stunning, historic villa to rent, Lopud.1483.