A brief overview of Dubrovnik’s historical development
Dubrovnik’s past spans more than thirteen centuries, shaped by its position on the Adriatic and its ability to balance powerful neighbors through careful diplomacy. From a small early-medieval settlement, the city developed into the independent Republic of Ragusa, a maritime state known for skilled negotiation, extensive trade and a well-organised legal system. Its greatest prosperity came between the 15th and 16th centuries, followed by challenges such as shifting trade routes, the 1667 earthquake and eventual abolition of the Republic in 1808. The city’s more recent history includes major political changes in the 19th and 20th centuries, the wartime siege of 1991 and the thorough restoration of the UNESCO-listed Old Town that visitors see today.
The establishment of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik traces its origins to the first half of the 7th century, when refugees from the Roman city of Epidaurum (today's Cavtat) fled invasions and founded a new settlement on a rocky island known as Laus. On the mainland below Mount Srđ, Slavic communities developed their own settlement called Dubrovnik, a name linked to the Croatian word “dubrava”, meaning oak woods.
For centuries the two settlements were divided by a narrow sea channel. In the 12th century this channel was filled in to create today’s Placa or Stradun, uniting island and mainland into a single fortified city. Around this time Dubrovnik’s defensive walls were strengthened to protect the growing port from regional powers and frequent attackers arriving from land and sea.
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The government of the Dubrovnik Republic
The Republic of Dubrovnik was governed by a strictly aristocratic system. Society was divided into three classes, nobility, citizens and artisans or plebeians, with real political power held exclusively by the noble families. Citizens could hold only lower administrative posts, while plebeians had no formal role in government. Marriage between classes was not permitted.
The main governing bodies were the Grand Council, the Small Council and, from the mid-13th century, the Senate. The Grand Council (Veliko vijeće) served as the Republic’s supreme authority; every male member of the nobility gained his seat at the age of 18. The Small Council (Malo vijeće), initially with 11 members and later 7 after 1667, acted as the executive body and supervised daily administration. The Senate (Vijeće umoljenih), established around 1253, consisted of 45 senior members over the age of 40 and advised on diplomacy, trade and major political decisions.
The head of state was the Rector (Knez), a position held for only one month to prevent any concentration of power. While Dubrovnik was under Venetian influence, the Rector was Venetian, but from 1358 onward the role was held exclusively by Ragusan nobles. The Rector lived and worked in the Rector’s Palace, but his family continued to reside in their own home to maintain impartiality.
The Republic’s government was known for its emphasis on legality, justice and early humanitarian measures. Notably, slave trading was abolished in 1418, a rare decision for this period in European history. The Republic’s political institutions were closely tied to local religious traditions, especially the veneration of Saint Blaise, the city’s patron; learn more about his role as the protector of Dubrovnik.
The history of Dubrovnik from the end of the Republic until today
After the abolition of the Dubrovnik Republic in 1808, the city became part of Napoleon’s Illyrian Provinces. Following the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Dubrovnik was incorporated into the Austrian Empire (later Austria-Hungary), where it remained until the end of the First World War. In 1918 it entered the newly formed Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. By 1929 this kingdom was reorganized into the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and divided into administrative districts; Dubrovnik first belonged to the Zetska Banovina and later, from 1939, to the Banovina of Croatia.
During the Second World War Dubrovnik experienced several occupations. At the beginning of the war it became part of the Independent State of Croatia, before being occupied by the Italian army from 1941 to 1943 and subsequently by German forces. Partisan units liberated the city in October 1944. After the war Dubrovnik was included in the Federative People’s Republic of Yugoslavia, which in 1963 was renamed the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Dubrovnik belonged to the Socialist Republic of Croatia within this federation.
In the early 1990s, as Yugoslavia disintegrated, Croatia declared independence. On 1 October 1991 Dubrovnik was attacked and besieged by the Yugoslav (Serbo-Montenegrin) forces. The siege lasted seven months, causing heavy damage to the historic center and surrounding areas. In May 1992 the Croatian Army liberated Dubrovnik, although sporadic attacks continued for several years.
Today Dubrovnik is a restored, safe and internationally recognized heritage city. Its Old Town is fully repaired, protected by UNESCO and visited by travelers year-round. The city’s long and complex past continues to shape local culture, festivals and public life. To explore how these traditions live on, see our overview of culture in Dubrovnik.
The history of the Dubrovnik Republic
From its early development, Dubrovnik was under the protection of the Byzantine Empire, which assisted the city in several conflicts, including wars against the Saracens (886–887), Bulgaro-Macedonians (988) and Serbs (1184). After the Crusades, Dubrovnik came under Venetian rule from 1205 to 1358. The Peace Treaty of Zadar (1358) ended Venetian sovereignty, and Dubrovnik became part of the Hungarian-Croatian Kingdom, retaining the right to manage its own internal affairs and maritime activities.
With broad self-governance secured, the city began its rise as an independent maritime republic. By paying an annual tribute and offering naval support to the Hungarian-Croatian king, Dubrovnik operated effectively as a free state. Its political stability, strong diplomacy and efficient administration helped the Republic reach its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries.
From 1526 onward Dubrovnik acknowledged Ottoman supremacy, paying a yearly tribute to the Sultan while maintaining full autonomy in internal matters. This arrangement allowed the Republic to continue trading across the Mediterranean and the Balkans, acting as a neutral intermediary between powers. You can read more about the Republic’s ships, trading routes and role as a regional intermediary in this guide to Dubrovnik Republic maritime affairs. For a closer look at this prosperous period, see this specialist overview of the Golden Age of Dubrovnik.
The prosperity of the Republic began to decline in the 17th century. A shift in Mediterranean trade routes reduced maritime income, and the catastrophic earthquake of 6 April 1667 devastated the city, killing more than 5,000 people, including the Rector, and destroying many public buildings. Although Dubrovnik managed to rebuild much of its infrastructure, the Republic never fully regained its former economic strength.
For a broader chronological overview of major events, see our detailed Chronology of Dubrovnik from 600 A.D until 1808.
After the 1667 earthquake the Republic continued to function but with reduced influence. In 1806, pressured by a months-long siege by Russian-Montenegrin forces, Dubrovnik admitted French troops to enter the city. Although this temporarily removed the immediate threat, it ultimately led to the end of the Republic. In 1808 Marshal Marmont, acting under Napoleon's authority, formally abolished the Dubrovnik Republic. For a detailed account of these final years, see this article on the fall of the Dubrovnik Republic 1806–1808.
The origin of the name Dubrovnik
The modern name Dubrovnik is generally linked to the Croatian word dubrava, meaning oak forest. In the early medieval period, dense oak woods covered the slopes above the settlement, and the name became associated with the community that developed there.
The historical Latin name Ragusa (later Rausa) remained in use until the 15th century. Most explanations trace the name to the rocky island on which the first settlement of Laus was established, derived from the Latin lausa, meaning rock or cliff. Over time the names Dubrovnik and Ragusa referred to the same city, reflecting its dual Slavic and Latin cultural heritage.
The Statute of the Republic of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik adopted its own Statute in 1272, one of the earliest municipal legal codes on the Adriatic. The document codified Roman legal practice together with local customs and set out regulations on urban planning, hygiene, public order and commercial activity. The Statute shaped the organisation of the Republic’s government and contributed to the city’s reputation for efficient administration and well-developed institutions.
Many of Dubrovnik’s social and civic services were established unusually early for the period. These included organised healthcare, quarantine measures and care for vulnerable groups. Several institutions introduced under the Statute or developed shortly after it became defining features of the Republic:
- medical service was introduced in 1301
- the first pharmacy (still operating today) opened in 1317
- a refuge for elderly people was founded in 1347
- the first quarantine hospital (Lazarete) opened in 1377
- slave trading was abolished in 1418
- an orphanage was opened in 1432
- a 20-kilometer water supply system was completed in 1436
The territory of the Dubrovnik Republic
Through careful diplomacy and stable relations with its neighbors, the Dubrovnik Republic secured the freedom to trade throughout the Adriatic, the Balkans and the Mediterranean. Agreements with various states and cities granted the Republic exemption from many local taxes and transit fees, allowing Dubrovnik’s merchants to operate efficiently across a wide network of ports and inland markets. Thanks to this system, the city developed into one of the most active commercial centers on the southern Adriatic and maintained a notable fleet of merchant and defensive ships, including more than 200 vessels known as argosies.
At the height of its influence, the territory of the Republic stretched from Klek–Neum in the north to Sutorina in the Bay of Kotor in the south, extending only a few kilometers inland. Offshore, the Republic administered several islands central to its economy and maritime routes: Šipan, Lopud and Koločep (after 1080), Mljet (1141) and Lastovo (1216). The mainland towns of Ston (1298) and the Pelješac Peninsula (1399) also became part of the Republic. The coastal territory without islands measured roughly 120 kilometers in length.
For a short period between 1414 and 1417, the Republic also administered the islands of Korčula, Brač and Hvar, but these were later relinquished to Venice. Despite fluctuations in territory, the Republic maintained consistent control over its core coastal strip and island possessions for centuries.
Key dates in Dubrovnik history
- 7th century - Refugees from Epidaurum establish a settlement on Laus; Slavic settlement develops on the mainland.
- 12th century - The sea channel between Laus and the mainland is filled in, forming today’s Stradun.
- 1272 - The Statute of Dubrovnik is adopted, shaping legal and urban life in the Republic.
- 1358 - Treaty of Zadar ends Venetian rule; Dubrovnik becomes a self-governing state under the Hungarian-Croatian crown.
- 15th-16th centuries – Peak of the Republic of Ragusa as a major maritime and diplomatic power.
- 1526 - Dubrovnik accepts Ottoman suzerainty while retaining internal autonomy.
- 1667 - A devastating earthquake destroys much of the city and causes significant loss of life.
- 1806–1808 - French forces enter Dubrovnik; the Republic of Ragusa is formally abolished.
- 1815 - Dubrovnik becomes part of the Austrian Empire.
- 1979 - Dubrovnik’s Old Town is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- 1991-1992 - Siege of Dubrovnik during the Croatian War of Independence; post-war restoration begins.
For a more detailed year-by-year overview, see the complete Chronology of Dubrovnik.
Where to see Dubrovnik’s history today
Much of Dubrovnik’s long history is still visible in the streets and buildings of the Old Town. Walking along the city walls, crossing Stradun and passing through gates such as Pile and Ploče gives a clear sense of the medieval and early modern Republic that once governed this small but influential state.
Key historic buildings, churches and squares are described in more detail in our overview of Dubrovnik monuments, which is a good starting point for planning a self-guided walk. To understand how these places developed over time, consider visiting a few of the city’s museums, including the Cultural History Museum in the Rector’s Palace and the Maritime Museum, listed in our guide to museums in Dubrovnik.
For a look at more recent stories and contemporary interpretations, explore the exhibitions and smaller spaces featured in our overview of art galleries in Dubrovnik. Many visitors also combine historic sightseeing with broader experiences in and around the city; you can find ideas for combining history with walks, viewpoints and short trips in our guides to the best things to do in Dubrovnik and day trips from Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Old Town of Dubrovnik has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. Its compact historic center, medieval walls and preserved urban layout represent one of the best examples of a fortified Mediterranean city. UNESCO recognition also reflects the city’s legal and cultural tradition, shaped over centuries by the former Dubrovnik Republic.
During the 1991–1992 attacks, many historic buildings, roofs and public spaces were damaged. UNESCO placed Dubrovnik on the List of World Heritage in Danger, and a structured restoration program followed. Local experts, conservation teams and international partners worked to restore roofs, stonework and public buildings using traditional materials and methods.
Today, ongoing monitoring and protective measures help maintain the old town’s character. Visitors can see restored details throughout the center and on the city walls, which remain one of the most visible symbols of Dubrovnik’s heritage protection.
Key events that shaped Dubrovnik
The merging of Laus and the mainland settlement
The unification of the island settlement of Laus with the Slavic community on the mainland in the 12th century created the urban core of Dubrovnik and established the layout still visible today.
The Statute of 1272
The adoption of the Dubrovnik Statute formalized governance, urban planning and public health rules. It helped create a well-organised city-state whose legal framework remained stable for centuries.
The Treaty of Zadar (1358)
By ending Venetian rule, the treaty allowed Dubrovnik to operate as an autonomous state under the Hungarian-Croatian crown. This marked the beginning of the Republic’s long period of independence and diplomatic activity.
The Republic’s Golden Age (15th–16th centuries)
Successful maritime trade, skilled diplomacy and early social institutions made Dubrovnik one of the most prosperous and respected Adriatic city-states of its time.
The 1667 earthquake
The devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city, including key public buildings, and caused widespread loss of life. The reconstruction that followed shaped much of Dubrovnik’s Baroque appearance.
The fall of the Republic (1806–1808)
French forces entered the city during regional conflict and abolished the Republic in 1808, ending centuries of independence and bringing Dubrovnik under new administrative structures.
The 1991–1992 siege
Attacks during the Croatian War of Independence damaged the Old Town and surrounding areas. Post-war restoration work, carried out under UNESCO supervision, returned the city center to its historical appearance.
Dubrovnik history FAQ
When was Dubrovnik founded?
Dubrovnik is generally considered to have been founded in the 7th century, when refugees from the Roman city of Epidaurum established a new settlement on the rocky island of Laus and later merged with the nearby Slavic settlement on the mainland.
What was the Republic of Dubrovnik (Republic of Ragusa)?
The Republic of Dubrovnik, also known as the Republic of Ragusa, was an independent maritime city-state that existed for several centuries on the southern Adriatic. Ruled by a local aristocracy, it combined strict internal order with active diplomacy and trade, reaching its peak between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Why was Dubrovnik historically important?
Dubrovnik was an important trading and diplomatic center between East and West. Its merchants operated across the Mediterranean and the Balkans, while the Republic acted as a neutral mediator between larger powers. The city was also known for early legal, health and social institutions, including quarantine rules and the abolition of slavery.
When did the Dubrovnik Republic end?
The Dubrovnik Republic was formally abolished in 1808, when French forces under Marshal Marmont brought the long period of independence to an end and integrated its territory into Napoleon’s system of Adriatic provinces.
How did Dubrovnik maintain its independence for so long?
Dubrovnik protected its independence through skilled diplomacy, balanced relations with stronger neighbors and a focus on trade rather than military conquest. By paying limited tribute to powerful states and remaining officially neutral, the Republic avoided large conflicts while keeping control over its internal affairs.
What happened to Dubrovnik during the war in the 1990s?
In 1991 Dubrovnik was attacked and besieged during the Croatian War of Independence. Shelling damaged parts of the historic center and surrounding areas, but after the siege was lifted and the war ended, extensive restoration work returned the Old Town to its former appearance.
Is Dubrovnik Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Old Town of Dubrovnik has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979, recognized for its well-preserved medieval walls, historic public buildings and overall urban ensemble.