DUBROVNIK

It is among the first cities in Europe to get gratitude prize " European gold medal" for the protection of cultural monuments, given by decision of independent international Kuratorij in 1976.
Dubrovnik is situated at the east coast of the Adriatic sea, so its geographical position is approximately 42,28 degrees of north width ( a little above Rome and Barcelona ) and 18,7 degrees of east length ( approximately on the meridian of Stockholm ). Nowadays, the area of the Dubrovnik county includes basically the area of the Dubrovnik Republic, coastal area from Neum on the west to Prevlaka on the east, the largest part of Peljesac peninsula and all other islands along the coast, (Mljet, Sipan, Kolocep, Lokrum and some of the uninhabited islands ). Dubrovnik and its surroundings has its own modified mediterranean climate of dry and warm summers, but wet and gentle winters. The average yearly temperature is 17 degrees Celsius; 10 degrees Celsius in winter and 26 in summer. Main attraction of this area is crystal-clear sea with the average temperature of 21 degrees. Gentle subtropical climate results in rich vegetation, special sorts of coniferous forests, aromatic plants, vineyards, olives, carobs, almonds, figs and citrus fruit. There is a question that puzzles science, but legends and chronicles are stating that Dubrovnik was established by refugees from Epidaurus ( today 's Cavtat ), escaping from invasion of the Avar tribes, and Slavs. These refugees finally stopped on the rocky islands of Laus, were name of city Ragusa ( Roman name ) originates from. Opposite the island of Laus, new settlement developed, and after the rich thick forest on it ( Dubrava ), the city of Dubrovnik was named. By join and developing these two inhabited areas, foundation of new town, county and republic was laid. After the last excavations in the Dubrovnik cathedral, experts have come to conclusion that Dubrovnik was a minor settlement seven centuries ago. Right from its beginning, Dubrovnik gave priority to countries of big power accordingly: Byzantium; Venice; Austrian-Hungarian empire and Turkey. On the basis of its skilled and clever policy. Dubrovnik managed to keep its own internal freedom, and to develop into one of the biggest trading, cultural and sea trade centers, especially in the 15th and the 16th century. Caused by the crisis of mediterranean sea trading business, Dubrovnik found itself in difficult economic situation. Earthquake that followed shortly after, on April the 6th in 1667. was another disaster for this city. Economically weak and ruined, Dubrovnik is facing another trouble to come - Napoleon wars. In 1806 the French entered the city and in 1808 marshal Marmont changed the status of present government, and Dubrovnik as a republic does not exist any more. In1809 Dubrovnik county become a constituent part of Illyrian provinces. Aristocracy of the city are trying to get Dubrovnik nominated as a republic again, but in 1815 at the Vienna Congress the plea for such a status was rejected, and instead of that, Dubrovnik was under the Austrian government up till 1918. From then on, the city has been a constituent part of the Yugoslav state, invaded and divided by enemy during the 2nd World war. Freedom instinct of this nation came to its full extent in a fight with Serbs and Montenegro's for independent Croatian republic in 1991, which Dubrovnik had dignifying position.
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