In the deep south of the Croatian coastline is the Dubrovnik region whose centre, the city of Dubrovnik, in Croatia and across the world bears the title of the "Pearl of the Adriatic". The harmony of the centuries-old buildings and the walls girdling the city are like a fairy tale apparition created for enjoyment. Why visit this part of Croatia? Because anyone who does not is poorer for a visit to a part of heaven on earth and the "second best place in the world" - since the first is always the place you hail from.
It is hard to say what makes the Dubrovnik area fascinating: its history marked by the centuries in which the city has flown a flag bearing the word "Libertas" (freedom) or its present day role of a tourist Mecca consisting of a series of picturesque places on the coast and the islands, telling their stories and legends to guests and the chance traveller, always ready to walk you through many centuries in just a few short steps. History in this area lives to this day in the beauty of the buildings and the magnificent artwork left to posterity by renowned sculptors, painters and builders. Just as much so in small places like Ston on the Pelješac peninsula, Korčula, Župa dubrovačka, Konavle or Trsteno as in Dubrovnik itself. In building summer residences and villas the hand of man and nature appear to have gone hand in hand combining the beauties of nature with those of architecture and horticulture. The end result is one of the today most impressive places on the Mediterranean.