Dubrovnik, Croatia, known historically as Ragusa, is a well-preserved walled medieval city on the Adriatic Sea. It has been an important port city since the 7th century and became a powerful maritime republic. Dubrovnik joined the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979 in recognition of its rich history and architecture, including Renaissance buildings that survived a devastating earthquake in 1667. The old city's impressive walls and fortifications help preserve its medieval character and attract many tourists today who walk the walls and explore sites like churches, monasteries, and palaces within.