Maritime Museum Dubrovnik
Explore Dubrovnik's rich seafaring past with fascinating exhibits on navigation, trade routes, and historic ships.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the midday crowds
Maritime Museum Dubrovnik
Best Time
Beat the midday crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Dubrovnik's rich seafaring past with fascinating exhibits on navigation, trade routes, and historic ships.
"A pleasant surprise with interesting exhibits and good value, especially if you're planning to check out other museums."
💰 Dubrovnik Pass Value
Included in the Dubrovnik Pass, offering great value if visiting other sites.
🚶♀️ Break from the Walls
Perfect spot to rest during your City Walls walk and learn about seafaring history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Navigational Tools Collection
First Floor
Explore a fascinating array of sextants and other antique navigational instruments, offering a glimpse into historical seafaring.
Ship Models
Upper Floor
Admire numerous detailed replicas of sailing ships, each with plaques detailing their history and use.
Historic Trading Routes Map
Upper Floor
Discover a simple yet detailed map showcasing Dubrovnik's vital role in historical Mediterranean trade.
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Planning Your Visit
Maximize Your Visit with the Dubrovnik Pass
A Break from the Walls
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Best museums included in Dubrovnik pass
💰 Dubrovnik Pass Value
Included in the Dubrovnik Pass, offering great value if visiting other sites.
🚶♀️ Break from the Walls
Perfect spot to rest during your City Walls walk and learn about seafaring history.
what to do in Dubrovnik on a rainy day?
📚 English Explanations
All exhibits have clear English explanations, making it accessible for international visitors.
⚓ Cannons & Anchor
Don't miss the cannons and large anchor outside the entrance overlooking the harbor.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Dubrovnik Pass Value
Included in the Dubrovnik Pass, offering great value if visiting other sites.
🚶♀️ Break from the Walls
Perfect spot to rest during your City Walls walk and learn about seafaring history.
📚 English Explanations
All exhibits have clear English explanations, making it accessible for international visitors.
⚓ Cannons & Anchor
Don't miss the cannons and large anchor outside the entrance overlooking the harbor.
🚢 Model Ship Enthusiast
Teenage son loved the model ships and felt a real connection to history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Maritime Museum a pleasant and informative stop, particularly for its insights into Dubrovnik's seafaring past and its inclusion in the Dubrovnik Pass. Many appreciate the well-presented exhibits, English explanations, and the historical context it provides, especially as a break from walking the City Walls. Some note it's smaller compared to other maritime museums, but still considered worthwhile for its value and specific displays like ship models and navigational tools.
"The Maritime Museum was a very interesting stop during our walk along the city walls. It’s a great place to pause, rest, and dive into Dubrovnik’s history, not just its seafaring achievements and merchant tales, but also the city’s broader past. The exhibits are well presented, and the location inside St. John’s Fortress adds even more atmosphere. Definitely worth visiting if you want both a break from the walls and a deeper understanding of Dubrovnik."
Zdravko Kolev
"There is so much to do and see in Dubrovnik and the area but if you have any interest in the history of the area or seafaring history you need to stop in this small museum.
We were in Dubrovnik for a day and so we didn't buy any pass or make specific plans. We came across the museum by accident and decided to go in and are glad we did.
There are just a few rooms but the exhibits are of good or excellent quality. All the exhibits have an explanation in English (unlike some places we went in Croatia). There are collections of artifacts grouped by type so you'll encounter several sextants and other navigational tools together.
The building itself is of interest build on the city walls. Outside the entrance you'll encounter some cannons pointing over the harbor and a very large anchor. Inside you'll be able to see the harbor through windows and port holes.
The first floor has small rooms with older artifacts and revealing the oldest knows aspects of the region. Upstairs are displays of more recent seafaring events and objects.
If you enjoy replicas of sailing ships you will enjoy the numerous models on the upper floor. There is a plaque that describes the ship, it's use and history.
One of the display maps I didn't expect to appreciate so much showed in simple yet detailed display the trading routes and the role Dubrovnik played in connecting the Mediterranean world and beyond."
Thomas Winslett
"This was included within the Dubrovnik Pass otherwise I would probably not seek it out to visit. It's quite small, one long room, however the Maritime museum in Split is actually far superior.
Whilst there is plenty of information to read about Dubrovnik's seafaring past, there aren't that many physical exhibits. A number of items are displayed recovered from shipwrecks under the sea. I did like the collection of old atlases and interesting to see the trade routes used for different commodities. Visit if you have a three or seven day Dubrovnik pass as it's included."
Miles Macdonald
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Maritime Museum is conveniently located within St. John's Fortress, directly on the Dubrovnik City Walls. You can access it as part of your walk along the walls, or by entering the fortress area. It's easily reachable on foot within the Old Town.
While primarily accessed via the City Walls, the museum's location within St. John's Fortress means it's integrated into the historic fortifications. You'll likely be walking the walls to reach it.
If you're not staying in the Old Town, you can take a local bus or a taxi to one of the gates leading into the Old Town, then walk to the museum. Parking within the Old Town is restricted.
The museum is part of the St. John's Fortress complex, which is accessible from the City Walls. Look for signs directing you to the Maritime Museum once you are on the walls.
The museum is included with the Dubrovnik Pass, which also grants access to the City Walls. If you don't have the pass, you may need to purchase a separate ticket for the walls to access the museum, or inquire about direct entry if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Maritime Museum is included with the Dubrovnik Pass. If purchased separately, the cost was around €10 for adults and €7 for children during a recent visit, which also granted access to nine other museums.
Yes, the Maritime Museum is one of the attractions covered by the Dubrovnik Pass, making it a great value if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dubrovnik Museums website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information, especially outside peak tourist season.
Tickets for the Dubrovnik Pass can be purchased online in advance. For individual museum entry, it's often possible to buy tickets at the museum itself, though checking online options is recommended.
Discounts may be available, particularly if you have a Dubrovnik Pass which often has different tiers. It's advisable to check the Dubrovnik Museums website or inquire at the ticket counter for specific discount policies.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features exhibits on Dubrovnik's seafaring history, including navigational tools, ship models, artifacts from shipwrecks, old atlases, and displays on historical trading routes.
Yes, there's an upstairs area with a children's play section, and the model ships and historical displays can be engaging for younger visitors. However, one reviewer noted a safety concern with an open window near the play area.
The museum is relatively small, with a few rooms spread over two levels. Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes exploring the exhibits.
Yes, all exhibits have explanations in English, making it easy for international visitors to understand the historical context and significance of the artifacts.
The museum highlights Dubrovnik's crucial role as a maritime power and trading hub in the Mediterranean, showcasing its rich seafaring heritage and connections to the wider world.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities directly within the Maritime Museum itself. However, numerous restaurants, cafes, and konobas (traditional taverns) are available within the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
You'll find a wide variety of dining options just a short walk from the museum within the Old Town. Explore the side streets for charming local eateries offering fresh seafood and traditional Croatian dishes.
It's generally not recommended to bring food and drinks into museum exhibits to protect the artifacts. There are plenty of places to eat before or after your visit.
Yes, several cafes are located within the Old Town, offering a perfect spot for a coffee break before or after your museum visit.
Expect a mix of Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, olive oil, local vegetables, and wines. You'll also find international options.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use inside the Maritime Museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific 'no photo' signs on certain exhibits. Flash photography is usually prohibited to protect artifacts.
Capture the detailed ship models, the antique navigational tools, and the views of the harbor through the museum's windows and portholes. The exterior cannons and anchor also make for great shots.
Yes, the museum's location within St. John's Fortress offers unique vantage points to photograph sections of the City Walls and the surrounding harbor.
Drone usage is heavily restricted within Dubrovnik's Old Town and around its historic sites due to preservation concerns and local regulations. It's best to avoid flying drones in this area.
Mid-morning or late afternoon can offer softer light through the windows, potentially reducing glare on exhibits. However, the museum is quite well-lit internally.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum provides English explanations for its exhibits, making it accessible, parents should be aware of a reported safety concern regarding an open window near the children's play area. It's advisable to keep a close eye on children, especially in that section. The museum's inclusion in the Dubrovnik Pass also makes it a cost-effective addition to a family's itinerary if they plan to visit other attractions.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're only interested in the Maritime Museum and perhaps a few other specific sites, ensure the pass still offers the best deal compared to individual tickets. The museum itself is relatively small, so it's a quick visit that can be easily incorporated into a day of exploring the Old Town without a huge time commitment or additional expense if you already have the pass.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Dubrovnik's Maritime Heritage
The exhibits showcase the evolution of seafaring technology, from ancient navigational tools to detailed ship models. Visitors can explore the intricate network of trade routes that connected Dubrovnik to the East and West, understanding its pivotal role in the exchange of goods and culture. The museum's location within St. John's Fortress further immerses visitors in the historical context, offering views of the very harbor that once bustled with Ragusan ships.
Understanding Dubrovnik's maritime past is key to appreciating its resilience and influence. The museum provides a focused yet comprehensive look at this vital aspect of the city's history, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in naval history or the broader story of Dubrovnik's golden age.
Navigating the Museum and Its Exhibits
Ascending to the upper floor, the exhibits shift to more recent seafaring events and objects. This level is particularly captivating for its numerous replicas of sailing ships, meticulously crafted and accompanied by plaques detailing each vessel's use and history. A standout display is a map illustrating the trading routes that were so crucial to Dubrovnik's economy, clearly showing the city's role in connecting the Mediterranean world.
While the museum is not extensive, the quality and presentation of its exhibits are highly regarded. The inclusion of English explanations for all artifacts ensures that visitors can fully appreciate the historical context. For families, the upstairs area also includes a children's play section, though a note of caution was raised by a visitor regarding an open window near this area.
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