Dubrovnik, Croatia

After decades trapped under communist rule, followed by years embroiled in an ugly battle for independence, the pristine medieval walled city of Dubrovnik has opened its gates wide to a new invasion of travelers from around the world. Keep clicking to see some scenes from this lovely city overlooking the Adriatic Sea, in the heart of Croatia's self-styled "Riviera."

Dubrovnik once was a city-state called Ragusa, which reached the height of its power and wealth as a trading port in the 16th century. A disastrous 1667 earthquake ended its glory days, but the city was soon rebuilt virtually as it stands today, down to the high stone battlements, marble-paved streets and vertigo-inducing flights of steps leading to alleys of modest baroque houses.

Most tourists kick off their visit to Dubrovnik by climbing to the top of the city walls for a walk around the perimeter. The city is tiny by modern standards; the whole tour takes about an hour at an ambling pace, with plenty of pauses to gape at the sea below and the hills beyond.

Despite is diminutive size, Dubrovnik is crammed with museums and historic churches. A Dominican monastery and a Franciscan monastery both offer small but fine collections of Renaissance religious art and artifacts. The city treasury, a synagogue, a Museum of Icons and a Maritime Museum also welcome visitors.

Outside the medieval walls, there is a modern city of Dubrovnik, population about 30,000. Most visitors stay in modern hotels clustered near beaches, the region's other major attraction. Many hotels have small rocky beaches with rough stone steps leading into the sea. Larger (but still rocky) public beaches dot the coast.

Despite its tourist-town ambiance, real life goes on, even within the old town. The churches that welcome visitors all week belong to the residents on Sundays. And all week long, Dubrovnik residents as well as visitors can be seen doing what people do in perfect Mediterranean climates --hanging out in cafes and chatting.

From the city's old port, small boats take visitors to several nearby islands and coastal towns, and even to Venice across the Adriatic.

One popular day trip takes visitors to the nearby village of Cavtat. This sleepy village began life in the third century B.C. as the Greek colony of Epidaurum.

Croatia, which hopes to join the European Union by 2009, has already benefited from its seaside location and the cheap air fares that make it easily accessible from the rest of Europe. Most young Croatians speak English, and cope cheerfully with visitors from Britain, France, Germany and, increasingly, Asia. Signs are posted in several languages.

Don't go to Croatia in search of na

Despite its growing reputation as a jet-set playground and an ominous number of construction projects, much of the charm of the Dalmatian coast lies in a certain sleepy, relaxed ambiance. Here's hoping they can hang onto that as the 21st century progresses.

If you're thinking of visiting Croatia, check out The Dubrovnik Tourist Board and Croatia's Tourist Board. More info on Croatia can be found in Wikipedia.