History & Republic of Ragusa

Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century — when refugees from the destroyed Roman city of Epidaurum (today Cavtat) found refuge on the rocky peninsula of Lausa. The Latin settlement Ragusium grew rapidly: strategically located on the Adriatic coast, it became a trading hub between East and West.

The Republic of Ragusa (1358–1808)

In the 14th century, Ragusa freed itself from Venetian influence and became an independent republic — a city-state with its own senate, fleet, and currency. Ragusa was at its peak one of the most significant maritime republics of the Mediterranean:

• 1416: Ragusa was one of the first societies in the world to abolish the slave trade — more than 400 years before Britain.
• Diplomatic skill: Wedged between the Ottoman Empire and Venice, Ragusa survived through clever diplomacy: paying tribute to the Sultan, maintaining trade relations with Venice and the Pope, thus preserving its independence.
• Trading fleet: At its peak, Ragusa owned over 200 ships — the third-largest fleet in the Mediterranean. Trade extended from Constantinople to England.
• Freedom as the highest value: Above the Pile Gate, the motto of the Republic still stands: „Libertas" (Freedom). Ragusa defined itself by its independence — a legacy that still shapes Dubrovnik today.

The Earthquake of 1667

On April 6, 1667, a devastating earthquake destroyed large parts of the city. Over 5,000 people died — half the population. The subsequent fire destroyed what the quake had spared. Only the Sponza Palace and the city walls survived the catastrophe. The reconstruction in Baroque style — uniform, elegant, harmonious — still characterizes the cityscape today.

The darkest chapter of recent history: When Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Serbian-Montenegrin troops attacked Dubrovnik. The siege lasted from October 1991 to May 1992 and shocked the world: A UNESCO World Heritage city was systematically shelled.

The Siege

• December 6, 1991: The worst day — over 600 shells hit the old town in a single day. 19 people died, numerous buildings burned.
• In total, 68% of the buildings in the old town were damaged, 9 buildings completely destroyed.
• Electricity and water supplies were disrupted for months.
• The city walls, which had kept attackers at bay for 500 years, also provided protection in 1991 — but not against artillery.

Reconstruction

After the war, a meticulous reconstruction began, financed by the Croatian government and international donations (especially UNESCO). The damaged roof tiles were replaced with new ones — from the air, the bright new tiles can still be distinguished from the darker, original ones. The restoration took over a decade.

In the Sponza Palace on Luža Square, there is now a moving exhibition about the siege: photos, shrapnel, and the names of the fallen. A visit is a must to understand Dubrovnik beyond the postcard idyll.