Dubrovnik: The Pearl of the Adriatic

• HelloBok
  [bohk]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNe
  [neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim/ Nema na čemu
  [moh-leem/ ne-mah nah cheh-moo]
• Thank youHvala
  [hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprosti/Izvini
  [oh-proh-stee/eez-vee-nee]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [kah-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [doh-broh. ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govoriš li engleski?
  [goh-voh-reesh lee ehn-gleh-skee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti jelovnik, molim
  [moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee yeh-lohv-neek, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [neh yeh-dehm meh-soh]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [zhee-vee-yeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Upomoć!
  [oo-poh-mohtch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm sehh]
• I'm illBolesno mi je
  [boh-lehs-noh mee yeh]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [koh-lee-koh koh-shta]
• That's too expensiveTo je pre skupo
  [toh yeh preh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [poh-lah (deh-set)]
• MorningJutro
  [yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [veh-chehr]
• YesterdayJučer
  [yoo-chehr]
• TodayDanas
  [dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [dvah]
• 3Tri
  [tree]
• 4Četiri
  [cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [peht]
• 6Šest
  [shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [koh-ya yeh ah-deh-sra]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [kah-dah yeh slyeh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)
  [yehd-noo kahr-too (doh ....)]

Dubrovnik, originally known as Ragusa, was founded in the 7th century by refugees from Epidaurum, a Roman city that was destroyed by Slavs. The city was initially under the protection of the Byzantine Empire, which helped it grow into a significant maritime trading hub.

In 1358, Dubrovnik became a self-governing city-state under the Treaty of Zadar, marking the beginning of the Republic of Ragusa. This period saw the city flourish as a major maritime power, rivalling Venice in trade and commerce across the Mediterranean.

The 15th and 16th centuries are considered the Golden Age of Dubrovnik. During this time, the city-state achieved remarkable economic prosperity and cultural development. The construction of the iconic city walls and many of its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings took place during this era.

Dubrovnik was known for its skilled diplomacy and neutral stance, which allowed it to maintain independence and flourish as an important trade center. The city established extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean, the Ottoman Empire, and beyond, exporting goods such as salt, silver, and wool.

In 1667, Dubrovnik was struck by a catastrophic earthquake that nearly destroyed the entire city, killing over 5,000 residents. Despite the massive destruction, the resilient citizens rebuilt the city, preserving its historical architecture and continuing its legacy as a prominent trading hub.

The Republic of Ragusa met its end in 1808 when Napoleon's forces occupied Dubrovnik. The city was later incorporated into the Austrian Empire following the Congress of Vienna in 1815. This marked the end of over four centuries of the city-state's independence.

During World War II, Dubrovnik experienced occupation by Italian and German forces. After the war, it became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The city continued to be a significant cultural and tourist destination during the Yugoslav era.

One of the most tragic events in Dubrovnik's recent history occurred during the Croatian War of Independence from 1991 to 1992. The city was besieged by the Yugoslav People's Army, leading to significant damage and loss of life. The resilience of its citizens and subsequent restoration efforts have preserved Dubrovnik's historical and cultural heritage.

In 1979, Dubrovnik's Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance and architectural beauty. This status has helped protect and preserve the city's rich cultural heritage for future generations.

Dubrovnik is accessible via Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), located about 20 km from the city center. The airport is well-connected with major European cities. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Dubrovnik. There are also ferry services connecting Dubrovnik with other Croatian coastal cities and Italian ports, offering another scenic route into the city.

Dubrovnik is a walkable city, especially within the Old Town. For longer distances, you can use local buses which are efficient and run frequently. Taxis are available but can be pricey. Car rentals are an option, but parking can be challenging in the city center. For nearby islands, water taxis and ferries are available.

The official currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.

Dubrovnik is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any popular tourist destination, pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like the Old Town. Avoid isolated areas at night and always keep an eye on your belongings. There are no significant high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always wise.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Dubrovnik has several medical facilities, and pharmacies are available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The local police are friendly and helpful, so don't hesitate to approach them if needed.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing swimwear or very revealing clothing outside of the beach area. Religion: Do respect local customs, and if visiting a church, ensure shoulders and knees are covered. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day). A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like 'black risotto' and 'pasticada'. Don't refuse food or drink offerings as it is considered impolite.

To experience Dubrovnik like a local, visit the Gundulić Square Market in the morning for fresh produce and local specialties. Try to explore beyond the Old Town; visit the Lapad Peninsula for a more relaxed vibe. Take the time to engage with locals who are often willing to share insights about the city. Don't miss a walk along the city walls for breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.