Enjoy a Croatian language course in Croatia
at our language school in the city of Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is the foremost Croatian tourist destination on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. For a long time the city existed as an independent republic and had exception success as a maritime trading post in the 15th and 16th centuries giving rise to some impressive pieces of architecture from the period. The city of Durbovnik is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is often referred to as “the pearl of the Adriatic”. The city is rather small and manageable with only about 47,000 residents but certainly swells with tourists drawn to the gorgeous relics of its history and its immense natural beauty.


Dubrovnik was always a port city and depended greatly on trade. During the Middle Ages, when it was known as the Republic of Ragusa, it was the main rival of Venice in the Adriatic. Brilliant diplomacy and its wealth as a major trading post allowed it the autonomy of a city-state and in many ways it was incredibly modern in its laws and infrastructure. In 1301 medical service was offered and the city has the third oldest pharmacy (1317) in Europe which is used to this day. An almshouse was created in 1347 and the trade of slaves was abolished in 1418. An orphanage was built in 1432 and in 1436 a twenty kilometre water supply was built for the city. With such impressive developments, Dubrovnik became one of the major hubs for the development of the Croatian language and literature and was home to some of the languages most eminent minds. The city was heavily bombed during the Croatian War of Independence but is nearly entirely repaired now.


The first stop in Dubrovnik is the historic Old Town which has many of the most impressive sites.Here is the Bell Tower with the Zelenci (The Green Ones), bronze statutes that strike the bell on the hour. In front of this is Roland’s Column, a flag staff named after the legendary knight. To the west of the Bell Tower is Sponza Palace one of the only buildings to have survived the earthquake of 1667 which destroyed much of the city. As a result of this the Placa Stradun (Old town) was rebuilt in the Baroque style and was the major commercial centre and remains so today. Fort Lovrijenac is the most impressive fort which rises 37m tall in rock on the side of the sea and was built for defence though it is now known for its play performances. Other forts can be visited within the immense city walls which are 2km long and afford amazing views of the city and the sea. Minceta Fort is perhaps the most beautiful built in the Renaissance style. There are also a number of historic churches and cathedrals one of which is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, Saint Blaise for whom every 3rd of February there is a feast.


There is plenty of natural beauty to experience in addition to the culture. The Arboretum Trsteno is the oldest arboretum in the world (1492) but the particular destinations are the beaches. Lapad beach is a long sanding beach and one of the most beautiful places in Dubrovnik. Nearer to the Old Town is the pebbly Banje beach. George Bernard Shaw once said that “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it”. Why not take his suggestion?


What we like about Croatian in Dubrovnik:

  • It is a city with remarkable historic buildings within picturesque surroundings.
  • Dubrovnik is safe and managable and with such tourism the locals are friendly to visitors.
  • It is a city that has been very influential and home to many Croatian luminaries so it is a wonderful place to explore Croatian history and culture.