Not to miss

Rector's Palace

This elegant 15th-century building was erected on the site of an old fort in order to house the rector, Dubrovnik's ruler. Though predominantly Gothic, it also contains Renaissance elements, particularly in the lavishly sculptured capitals on the exterior porch.

Despite the mixture of styles, it retains a striking compositional unity. The interior atrium features a splendid baroque staircase and a statue of Miho Pracat, who bequeathed one tonne of gold to the Republic and was the only commoner in the 1000 years of its existence to be honoured with a statue (1638). The rest of the palace contains the rector's office and private chambers, as well as public halls and administrative offices. Interestingly, the elected rector was not permitted to leave the building during his one-month term without the permission of the senate. The palace is now a museum, with artfully restored rooms, portraits, coats of arms and coins, all of which evoke the glorious history of Dubrovnik.

City Walls

Taking in the great views on a leisurely walk around some of the finest, most intact ancient walls in the world is a highlight of any Dubrovnik visit. Gradually fortified between the 13th and 16th centuries, the walls were built up to contain the entire town within a 6m (20ft)-thick (land side), 2km (1.2mi)-long, 25m (82ft)-high curtain of stone.

Franciscan Monastery and Museum

This vast monastery, which stretches from Placa to the Minčeta Tower, is one of Dubrovnik's most cherished sights. It was begun in the 14th century, Dubrovnik's 'Golden Age', but most of it was destroyed in the 1667 earthquake. Much of what you see dates from the 17th-century reconstruction.

Inside the monastery complex is the mid-14th-century cloister, one of the most important late-Romanesque structures in Dalmatia. The rows of double arches create a hypnotically beautiful effect. Further inside you'll find the third-oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe. In business since 1391, it may have been the first pharmacy in Europe to open to the general public. Before leaving, visit the monastery museum , with its collection of relics, liturgical objects, paintings, gold work and pharmacy items such as laboratory gear and medical books.