Our full day at the spectacular city of Dubrovnik, Croatia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, began with a walking tour guided by Dubrovnik natives, Vlaho and Marijana. One of the great maritime republics of the Middle Ages, the city—formerly the Republic of Ragusa—was a leading center in the arts and sciences. From the delicate stonework of the Customs House to the curious columns of the Franciscan monastery, home of the oldest still-functioning pharmacy in Europe (opened 1317), the city’s splendid architecture attests to its former wealth. As we strolled along the city’s substantial walls, we peered into secluded courtyards dotted with pomegranate, plum, fig, and fragrant lemon trees.
After a leisurely afternoon, either further exploring this fascinating city or relaxing aboard Sea Cloud, our guide Marijana provided an introduction to the history of Croatia, focusing on the tumultuous 20th century. Particularly touching was her personal account of growing up in the midst of the war in the 1990s, during which the city endured heavy bombardment and sustained significant damage.
The highlight of our visit to Dubrovnik, however, was a private evening performance of Klapa music, held in the serene courtyard of the Dominican cloister. In this secluded space, silent but for the pleasant chirping of birds, one of Croatia’s beloved Klapa groups entertained us with a capella singing and traditional instruments. Later that night, prior to bidding our farewells to Dubrovnik and Croatia, photographic instructor Linda Burback led a night-photography course in the beautifully illuminated city.
