Only a few cities in the world can be compared to Dubrovnik. Thick stone walls have managed to preserve the city\'s independence for over seven centuries. The wide, paved street Stradun, filled with bars, stores, churches and palaces combine entertainment, commerce and religion in one pulsing beat. Famous sculptures and architectural masterpieces reveal art treasures as public display. The way that the city walls rise and blend with the sky, hills and the sea proves that the human presence can have an enriching effect to the environment. It is difficult to name all the sights in Dubrovnik, let alone to set some apart.
The city grew and persevered through the turbulent centuries of conquests and destruction of the Middle Ages. Its most important treasure was its freedom that was preserved with wise diplomacy, even when the larger part of the Balkans was under the Turkish rule. Dubrovnik paid for its freedom in gold, but it always profited from it. For centuries, Dubrovnik was an independent republic with a mighty merchant fleet that sailed all over the Mediterranean. Such an environment has been a fertile ground for numerous artists and architects whose artwork benefited the city to such and extensive degree.
Strong walls with its towers protected the priceless treasures of cultural heritage such as Onofrio\'s fountain, Orlando\'s column, Stradun, the Duke\'s palace, Palace Sponza, Cathedral, Dominican and Franciscan monastery and numerous other monuments.