Dubrovnik was once an independent city-state republic known as the Republic of Ragusa. It thrived as a maritime trade power in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
The city walls were constructed between the 12th and 17th centuries and are remarkably well-preserved, offering magnificent panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding area. The defensive walls are about 2 kilometers long and reach up to 25 meters in height.
The historic centre of the city, known as Stari Grad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.