About Dubrovnik, Croatia
Population: 45,000
Dubrovnik is located in the Southern tip of Croatia on the Dalmation coast and was described by Lord Byron as “The Pearl of the Adriatic". This beautiful city is filled with old-world charm was founded in the 7th century on a site called Ragusium by the Romans (you may also recognize Dubrovnik under its previous Latin name, Ragusa).
It was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire between 867 and 1205, of Venice until 1358, of Hungary until 1526, and of the Ottoman Empire until 1806, but remained largely self-governing as an independent republic.
In the course of several centuries Dubrovnik grew into one of the most powerful economic centres on the eastern coast of the Adriatic, trading both in the Orient and the Occident and had developed one of the greatest merchant and war fleets in the Mediterranean. It remained the chief cultural centre for the South Slavs until the 19th century. Napoleon abolished the city-republic of Dubrovnik in 1808, and the Congress of Vienna ceded the town to Austria in 1815. By the terms of the Treaty of Rapallo (1920) following World War I, the town became part of the newly created Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). During World War II Dubrovnik was occupied by Italian and German forces. In 1991, when Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia, Yugoslavian forces laid siege to and bombarded the town, destroying many sites of historical importance which is a focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by UNESCO. Much of the city has now been fully restored to its former glory.
Due to its rich culture and history, Dubrovnik’s old city is on the UNESCO World Heritage site list. The old city which was built in the 13th century remains almost untouched to the present day though the city was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667. Architectually wise, Dubrovnik was able to preserve its beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. Architecture, nature, a pleasant climate and the scenic views of the old city with the pristine Adriatic blue sea makes this a popular and beautiful destination.
Dubrovnik has its own airport and ferry terminal making it easily accessible from many European cities.
We trust you will enjoy the EASL Special Conference in Dubrovnik and its scenic surroundings.
