Shipyard, Arsenal Restaurant

Dubrovnik Arsenal and Restaurant is one of the most unique and historically important places in the city. Housed in Dubrovnik’s oldest shipyard, this site represents the city’s rich maritime history and has become a popular tourist attraction today.

The Arsenal was originally built in the 12th century and expanded in the late 15th century. It played a central role in Dubrovnik’s maritime history, being the city’s main shipyard. The Arsenal’s most prominent architectural features are the three huge arches, remarkable for their size and style of construction. Originally there was a fourth arch, but it was later walled in.

Today, the Arsenal has been redeveloped and houses the City Café and a cinema, making it a place for locals and tourists alike to hang out and be entertained. The interior design of Arsenal Restaurant is made as if it were an ancient shipyard, where the tables and seats are made of carved wood, and many tables are surrounded by ship skeletons. The davits and ropes located high up in the hall, which are installed through pulleys, are a reminder of the history of shipbuilding.

Dubrovnik’s shipbuilders were known for their skill, and the ships they built were prized for their durability and strength. In the middle of the 16th century, the Dubrovnik fleet consisted of over 180 large ships, making it one of the most influential fleets in the Mediterranean at the time.

Both the Arsenal and Porporela Breakwater have become popular promenades and tourist attractions, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy the historic atmosphere and wonderful sea views.

The Dubrovnik Arsenal and Restaurant are great examples of how historic sites can successfully adapt to modern use, while preserving their rich heritage and offering visitors a unique experience.

Photo: Bjoertvedt