Discover Jewish Dubrovnik: A Hidden Gem on the Adriatic Coast

Dubrovnik, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is not only known for its stunning coastal beauty and medieval architecture but also for its rich Jewish history. Nestled along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a sanctuary for Jewish life for centuries, offering a unique and enduring example of coexistence and culture.

Beneath the surface of Dubrovnik’s iconic red rooftops and sunlit squares lies a powerful, centuries-old story of resilience, faith, and cultural contribution: the enduring legacy of its Jewish community. From one of the oldest Sephardic synagogues still in use to stories of exile, survival, and renewal, Dubrovnik offers travelers a meaningful exploration of Jewish life woven into the fabric of this Adriatic gem.

“Golden hour in Dubrovnik: A city where Jewish history and Adriatic beauty converge under the setting sun.” — New York Jewish Travel Guide

Jewish Presence in Dubrovnik: A History of Resilience and Contribution

Jewish life in Dubrovnik dates back to the 14th century. By 1326, records already mentioned Jewish physicians and merchants who had settled in the city, enriching its commercial and cultural fabric. In the 15th and 16th centuries, after the expulsion of Jews from Spain and Portugal, Sephardic Jews sought refuge in Dubrovnik. Then known as the Republic of Ragusa, the city welcomed these newcomers, offering them certain protections and allowing them to work in trade, medicine, and finance.

The Jewish community primarily established itself in the Old Town. In 1546, authorities officially designated a Jewish ghetto in a narrow alley now known as Ulica Žudioska (Jewish Street), just off the city’s main thoroughfare, Stradun. This street became the heart of Jewish life in Dubrovnik. Despite facing common restrictions of the time—such as curfews and limited property rights—Dubrovnik’s Jews built a vibrant and resilient community, creating institutions that endured for centuries.

The Dubrovnik Synagogue: A Testament to Endurance and Faith

Hidden along Ulica Žudioska in the Old Town stands a remarkable treasure—the Dubrovnik Synagogue. Believed to be the oldest Sephardic synagogue still in use today and the second oldest in Europe, it was founded in 1352 and has undergone several renovations over the centuries. The synagogue remains a powerful symbol of Dubrovnik’s enduring Jewish heritage.

During my visit, I had the privilege of touring the synagogue with Matija Singer, a native Croatian Jew and founder of Jewish Dubrovnik. With passion and deep historical insight, Matija shared stories that vividly brought the city’s Jewish past to life. “This synagogue tells the story not only of Jewish survival,” he said, “but also of the Jewish contribution to Dubrovnik’s culture, economy, and soul.”

A Hidden Sanctuary: The Synagogue and Museum of Jewish Dubrovnik – New York Jewish Travel Guide

Tucked away on the second floor of a stone residential building, the Dubrovnik Synagogue remains both discreet and deeply sacred. Matija pointed out subtle yet meaningful details—a small menorah etched above the entrance and a recessed space that once likely held a mezuzah.

Above the entrance, the Hebrew phrase “Baruch Ata Bevoecha”—“Blessed are you in your coming”—greets visitors. Directly across the narrow street, the corresponding phrase “Baruch Ata Betzetecha”—“Blessed are you in your going”—is inscribed on the facing building, creating a spiritual threshold through which generations have passed.

Though discreet in appearance, the synagogue stands as a powerful testament to the endurance of Jewish life in Dubrovnik—modest in size, yet monumental in memory.

The synagogue continues to host occasional services, while the floor below houses the Jewish Museum of Dubrovnik. Curated by the local community, the museum preserves centuries of Jewish heritage through a rare and moving collection: 13th- and 14th-century Torah scrolls, silver ritual objects, and documents in Ladino, Hebrew, and Italian—all bearing witness to a once-thriving community. One especially poignant exhibit features a Torah scroll brought by Jews fleeing Spain in 1492. Its elegant script remains intact—a powerful testament to endurance across centuries. On one wall, a memorial honors 27 Jewish victims of the Holocaust from Dubrovnik, including Rabbi Baruch Salomon. “The Holocaust left a deep scar,” Matija said, “but even in the darkest days, people hid families and preserved memory. That’s why this synagogue still stands.”

Jewish Museum in Dubrovnik — Torah scrolls from the 13th and 14th centuries—New York Jewish Travel Guide

Living Side by Side: A United Jewish Community

The museum also explores a remarkable aspect of Dubrovnik’s Jewish history: the peaceful coexistence of Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews. In many cities, the two traditions remained separate—but not here.

“We prayed together, lived together, and shared one destiny,” Matija reflects. “There was only one synagogue. One community.”

Among the museum’s artifacts are yellow stars worn during World War II, deportation records, and a letter dated 1883 from Sir Moses Montefiore, thanking Dubrovnik’s Jews for their blessings on his 99th birthday. These items, both humble and historic, offer intimate windows into Jewish life across generations.

Survival and Silence: The WWII Era and Beyond

During World War II, the Jewish community of Dubrovnik—like many others across Europe—faced devastation. Under the fascist Ustaša regime of the Independent State of Croatia, Jews were subjected to discriminatory laws, arrests, deportations, and the collapse of communal life. Many were sent to the Jasenovac concentration camp, one of the most brutal in Europe. Others fled to the Italian-occupied zones along the Adriatic coast, where conditions were relatively safer until Italy’s surrender in 1943. Despite the horrors, a number of Jews from Dubrovnik survived the war, thanks in part to the protection offered by local partisans and sympathetic neighbors.

In a final act of defiance and devotion, Dubrovnik’s Jewish community leaders took extraordinary measures to protect their most sacred possessions from the ravages of war. Vital records—birth registries, donation logs, and communal documents—were secretly buried in a nearby village. Torah scrolls were hidden in clay jugs, entrusted to the earth in hopes of preservation. Tragically, the five individuals who knew the precise locations of these hidden treasures were murdered during the Holocaust. To this day, the buried archives remain lost, a silent testament to a shattered yet enduring legacy.

Yet the story has not vanished. Through the meticulous work of Croatian historian Dr. Vesna Miović, much of Dubrovnik’s Jewish past has been pieced back together. Drawing from municipal archives and historical records, her research has helped illuminate centuries of Jewish presence and resilience in the city—ensuring that the voices of this small but steadfast community are not forgotten.

Entrance to the Dubrovnik Synagogue and Jewish Museum — New York Jewish Travel Guide

Today, Dubrovnik’s Jewish heritage remains a vital thread in the fabric of the city’s identity. Visiting the historic synagogue, walking the narrow streets of the old ghetto, and exploring the Jewish Museum offer profound insights into a community that has faced unimaginable hardship—and continues to endure.

For over seven centuries, Jewish life in Dubrovnik remained largely undisturbed, with only two documented cases of antisemitism—one in 1502 and another in 1622. This long-standing tradition of tolerance underscores the city’s unique history within Europe. Today, Croatia is widely regarded as one of Israel’s strongest allies in Europe, with a government and public that express consistent support for the Jewish state. Yad Vashem has recognized approximately 130 individuals from Croatia as Righteous Among the Nations for their courageous efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust. Among them is Mr. Rudimir Roter, who was honored in Dubrovnik in 2006 for sheltering his Jewish friend Abo Koen and his family during the war; the exact number of honorees from Dubrovnik is not publicly detailed.

A Living Legacy: Jewish Life and Cultural Tourism in Modern Dubrovnik

Although Dubrovnik’s Jewish population today is small—just a handful of residents—their presence continues to preserve centuries of rich tradition, history, and memory. “Today, at least 3,000 people in this town have Jewish surnames, even though they no longer practice Judaism. The largest family is the Levys—there are 68 of them—but none are Jewish anymore, as they’ve since converted.”

Old Town of Dubrovnik — The “Pearl of the Adriatic.” —New York Jewish Travel Guide

Jewish heritage tourism has become an increasingly important part of the city’s identity, attracting Jewish and non-Jewish travelers alike who seek to explore this unique and often overlooked chapter of European history.The synagogue and museum welcome visitors, offering guided tours that shed light on the customs, struggles, and lasting contributions of Dubrovnik’s Jewish community throughout the centuries. Whether lighting candles in the centuries-old sanctuary, tracing names in the historic cemetery, or simply walking through the narrow Jewish Street, visitors are invited into a deeply human story of survival, coexistence, and cultural richness.

During the tourist season, a temporary Chabad House operates in Dubrovnik as an extension of Rabbi Pinchas Zacklos’s Chabad center in Zagreb. It serves the growing number of Jewish travelers—now exceeding 250,000 annually. Currently, the Chabad House in Dubrovnik does not have a permanent address, as it rents a new location each year. While the city lacks a dedicated kosher restaurant, Matija noted that Dubrovnik’s strong tourism culture has led some local restaurants—familiar with kosher practices—to accommodate observant Jewish guests. “Some will go as far as wrapping fish separately,” he explained, “to help maintain kosher standards whenever possible.” Matija shared that efforts are underway to establish a permanent Chabad branch in Dubrovnik by 2026—or even sooner—to better support the expanding Jewish tourism with a kosher restaurant and accommodation. For inquiries, Rabbi Pinchas Zacklos can be reached at kosherzagreb@gmail.com.

Must-Visit Places in Dubrovnik – General and Jewish Highlights

Whether you’re exploring centuries-old fortifications or uncovering hidden stories of Dubrovnik’s past, these must-visit places will give you a deeper appreciation of this enchanting destination.

City Walls and Old Harbor—Walk along the ancient city walls for unparalleled views of the Old Town’s rooftops and the glistening coastline. The Old Harbor, once a bustling trade hub, is now a picturesque waterfront filled with boats and seaside charm.

City Walls and Old Harbor — Stunning views of Dubrovnik’s rooftops and coastline from the historic city walls. —New York Jewish Travel Guide

Mount Srđ Cable Car—Take a scenic ride to the top of Mount Srđ for a breathtaking panoramic view of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. This iconic lookout is especially magical at sunset.

Stradun (Placa)—The heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Stradun is a lively promenade lined with historic buildings, charming cafés, and boutique shops. A walk along this main street is the perfect way to experience the city’s energy and atmosphere.

Rupe Ethnographic Museum—A fascinating museum showcasing artifacts from Dubrovnik’s diverse cultural communities, including Jewish historical exhibits that highlight their role in the city’s social and economic life.

Onofrio’s Fountain—A historic fountain that once served as a vital water source for the city. The first mention of a Jewish fountain inside the city walls dates to the 16th century. Originally located under the Bell Tower near the Small Onofrio Fountain, it was used exclusively by the Jewish community. After the fall of the Republic, it was moved to Brsalje, where it remains today.

Maskeron (Dubrovnik Stone of Fortune)—A small stone protrusion on a building wall along Stradun. According to local legend, if you can balance on it with both feet while facing the wall and make a wish, your wish will come true! A fun and lighthearted challenge enjoyed by both visitors and locals.

Sponza Palace— Originally Dubrovnik’s customs house, this stunning Renaissance-Gothic palace played a crucial role in the city’s mercantile success. Jewish merchants were active here, and today, Sponza Palace preserves historical records, including those related to the Jewish presence in Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is more than a picturesque coastal destination—it is a living monument to resilience, tolerance, and shared cultural heritage. The Jewish experience in Dubrovnik, from its medieval origins to its revival through tourism and cultural preservation, reflects the broader story of Jewish survival and integration in Europe. As travelers continue to explore this remarkable city, they are not only witnessing its beauty but also honoring a legacy that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.

Plan Your Journey to Bosnia & Herzegovina and Croatia
Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Discover the rich Jewish heritage and vibrant cultural landscapes of the Balkans on a one-of-a-kind journey through Bosnia and Croatia.

🕍 Explore Jewish Legacy Sites
From Sarajevo’s historic synagogues to the hidden gems of Mostar and the coastal beauty of Dubrovnik, uncover centuries of Jewish history, resilience, and culture.

🎒 Travel with Experts
This unforgettable experience was graciously hosted by Fortuna Tours. Special thanks to Mili Bijavica Jr. and his outstanding team for curating such a meaningful and seamless itinerary.