Half Day Jewish Tour Of Dubrovnik

Half Day Jewish Tour Of Dubrovnik Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Explore Dubrovnik and visit the city's most interesting Jewish sites.

George Bernard Shaw once wrote "Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik." Visitors today will find this city a place to renew themselves and their faith in human nature. Stroll the picturesque streets, investigate some of the historic sights, and then relax at a sidewalk cafe.

Did you know that the first Jewish presence in Dubrovnik was recorded way back in the 14th century? However it wasn't until after 1492 that the community really began to flourish with the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese refugees.

Interestingly enough, fewer than 40 Jews live in Dubrovnik today. Learn why that is during this fascinating excursion, where you'll hear all about the history of the Jewish presence.

We'll start off with a lovely drive along a gorgeous panoramic road with spectacular views of the Dubrovnik coastline and Riviera. Upon arrival at Pile Gate, we'll enter the walled city, also known as Old Town. We'll walk down the city's main pedestrian-only street called the "Stradun." It runs straight across Old Town and its limestone surface has been buffed down to a slippery polish due to the countless feet that have walked on it! From the mid-16th century on, a cramped Jewish ghetto was actually set up here.

You might find this part of the city somewhat uniform in the design and color of the houses. This is because of strict construction regulations after the major earthquake in 1667.

We'll leave the Stradun and veer north up a steep street and staircase to Dubrovnik's only synagogue on Zidovska Ulica. This is Europe's second-oldest Judaic house of worship. The synagogue is on the second floor of a townhouse given to Jews: first, those who fled persecution in Spain during the late 15th century; and later, in the early 16th century, Jews from Italy.

We'll also stop at the small museum that chronicles the Jewish community in Dubrovnik and other religious articles, including an ancient Torah brought to Dubrovnik by the city's first Jewish residents.

We'll visit Dubrovnik's fascinating Jewish cemetery in the Boninovo Disctrict just outside of town. It was founded in the late 19th century and has about 200 tombstones, including some 30 centuries-old stones transferred there from an even earlier cemetery.

During the walk, we'll see and hear about Onofrio's Big Fountain of 1444 and the small St. Savior's Church, a simple Renaissance structure that influenced other church designs. From the church, we'll take a narrow passageway to the Franciscan Monastery complex with its attached museum.

Throughout the tour, your guide will share stories of what the city was like during the war of 1991-1992, as you'll find little that reminds you of that difficult time. The citizenry has worked hard to repair and replace the damage from that time.

- The price of this tour includes all transportation, a great guide, and entrance to the Franciscan Monastery.
- The tour price does not include any food, beverages, or gratuities.

- ShoreTrips and our partners do our best to ensure that every stop described is available for your visit. There are some times when a site or building is closed at the last moment with little to no warning. We assume that those in charge make those decisions based on external information and for the visitors’ safety and we apologize when this causes inconvenience and disappointment.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 09:00 AM, duration: 4 hours
• 01:00 PM, duration: 4 hours