Dubrovnik

Not even an audience of millions can detract from the city's grandeur... There are many reasons why the former Republic of Ragusa has lost none of its radiance, today attracting one and a half million tourists per year. One reason might be the inscription to be found upon the Lovrijenac fortress: "Freedom should never be sold, not for all the gold in the world." Another might be the fact that slavery was abolished here in the year 1400. Back then, in their aristocratic republic, the "Lords of Dubrovnik" were far-sighted people, humanists who understood how to protect themselves from the overwhelming powers of Venice and the Ottomans — behind 25 metre high walls that were up to 6 metres thick. They struck deals in order to allow free passage for Dubrovnik's impressive merchant fleet. War was not to their liking. For no less than 500 years, they managed to keep the Ottomans at bay, either by diplomacy or by gifts. Their historical wealth can be felt even now. These cosmopolitans of ancient times allowed great beauty to arise in their city. Although Dubrovnik has been ravaged by earthquakes and by the last war, the humanist spirit that once pervaded its narrow streets has arisen once again.