Konavle region and Cavtat tourist INFO

Konavle region and Cavtat tourist INFO

 History and position Konavle region is located on the southern part of Croatia, it has been bought by the Dubrovnikans in the 15th century. Konavle are specific for its two faces, the underside is a rugged and beautiful Adriatic Sea, and on top Konavle hills, beautiful nature and landscape, tradition preserved in people who recognize the folklore, costumes, and specific embroidery known for its beauty.

The name derives from the name Konavle canalis, which means the channel that brought water to Epidaurus (Cavtat). Cavtat is the only town in Konavle, located on peninsulas Rat and Sustjepan, and together form one bay. Epidaurus was a Roman colony, and at the time of fall of the Western Roman Empire, its inhabitants are fleeing in Dubrovnik today. In the past, Cavtat was the second most important port in the region, trade and port. Cavtat is a small town, rich in history and culture, with excellent tourist attractions, beaches, and of course beautiful and clean sea.

Given that it is in close proximity of Dubrovnik and Konavle, I think that every tourist can fill his time in Cavtat and that his holidays are truly unforgettable. Cilipi Airport, located at 5 kilometers from Cavtat, which is another advantage to avio tourists to visit our beautiful town on the southern Croatia.

 Accommodation in Cavtat and Konavle:

Various from hotels, camps and private accommodation:
Hotels: Hotel Croatia - www.hotelcroatia.hr, Hotel Supetar - www.hotelsupetar.com, Hotel Iberostar Albatros - www.iberostar.com, Hotel Iberostar Epidaurus - www.iberostar.com, Hotel Cavtat - www.hotel-cavtat.hr, Hotel Villa Pattiera - www.villa-pattiera.hr, Hotel Major - www.hrmajor.hr, Hotel Casttelleto - www.dubrovnikexperience.com.

Kamps: Auto Kamp Monika - www.camp-monika.hr, Auto kamp Marineno - www.apartments-vidak.netfirms.com, Auto camp adriatic 1 and Auto camp Adriatic 2.

 Private accommodation: Super-Apartments

Tourist Events in Cavtat and Konavle:

Cavtat Summer - an event that takes place during the period from late June to early September. Lots of interesting concerts at the summer open-air stage. I think every tourist will find something for himself. From classical music to traditional dances, dancers, etc. All events are free for tourists.
Epidaurus Festival - which includes mostly dramatic content, quality content, concert performances by famous artists from around the world, also those who are less known, young artists, which gives the opportunity to demonstrate their quality.
Konavle festival, music and words - is interesting because the program is running in more places of Konavle, and because it is so much closer to the cultural expression of all the people in this region. However carnivals that are running in Cavtat are definitely the oldest and most famous events in this region. It is believed that the carnival runs for almost 100 years ago, during the lifetime of Bukovac. Summer carnival in Cavtat offers plenty of fun for everyone. The whole waterfront becomes one big stage, where everyone can find definitely is a good time.

Recreational tourism in Cavtat In addition to the cultural content, Cavtat and Konavle offers recreational entertainment. It is recommended for those tourists who want an active vacation, scuba diving, given that the Adriatic Sea is wonderful for research, it makes it a very popular destination for divers. Very interestingly, the most well-known in the Adriatic, is near the islands of Cavtat. You can see the sunken ships, walls, amphorae and other beauty that dates back to ancient times.

Konavle is also the perfect place to explore by bike, so if you come on vacation in Cavtat and love to ride a bicycle, i advise you to rent and enjoy driving bicikle trough Konavle. You have a couple of possible routes that are perfect for the rideand is just up to you to choose which suits you best. Short tour of Cavtat to Čilipi, nearly 10 km, and longer is the Cilipi Pridvorje approximately 25 km. I believe you will like and that you will enjoy the beautiful landscape of perfect Konavle.

Besides biking and light hiking course, we would recommend a tourist who likes challenges and adventure to try free climbing. For more information look www.adventuredalmatia.com Recommendations for tourists what they should visit during their stay in Cavtat: V. Bukovac birth house, the most famous Croatian painter, house was built in the typical style of local construction. Mausoleum, family Račić, an interesting type of mausoleum construction in Brački stone. Rector's Palace, Franciscan Monastery. The beaches in Cavtat are mainly rocky, the sea is crystaly clear and the climate is mild Mediterranean.

Enjoy your holiday in Cavtat.

St. Blaise - Protector of Dubrovnik

Sveti Vlaho – St. Blasius protector of Dubrovnik

 

An inevitable caracter of Dubrovnik history is certainly St. Blaise. How deeply is it rooted in the tradition of Dubrovnik, you would probably find out if you mention it to any inhabitant of the city. Whether you are coming from land or sea, his statue is welcoming you at the entrance of the town. Statue of St. Blaise is located above the main gate to the main entrances on the east and west, and those which are entering the harbor at Fort Minčeta, Fort of St. Lawrence and St. John and on many other fronts of monumental buildings.

St. Blaise (Parco was mentioned especially after independence 1358. The sculptures were made by best artists, both foreign and domestic. The phenomenon of St. Blaise is also placed in statute of Dubrovnik dating from 1272, his figure is also found in other oldest handwritten books, charters, sailing permit, and he was standing on the national flag of the Republic of Dubrovnik, which was wavering on statue of Orlando's Column, on fodder of Dubrovnik sailling ships, stamps, coins.

Fiesta of St. Blaise:

The historical identity of Dubrovnik is certainly St. Blaise, an expression of divine power. Fiesta of St. Blaise, Dubrovnik's biggest festival, celebrated with a procession through the city streets, where there are thousands of Dubrovnik believers and those who are on a pilgrimage from other states. On St. Blasius day, relics are carried, a piece of the head in the form of Byzantine crown that is covered with golden plates, and which is thought to date back to 11th century.

St.. Blaise was not shown in his statues as a martyr, but proudly standing and holding onto Dubrovnik on the palm of his left hand. The statue of ST. Blaise of gilded silver, which is on the altar of the church of Sv. Blaise, is very interesting because it is the only metal item which was found after the previous church was burned into fire, which was destroyed by wildfires that occurred on 24.5.1706 and it is the truest representation of the town before the earthquake. It is believed that the statue and the models are not made at the same time. Given that the statue was placed temporarily in the church of Sv. Nicholas, where he had stood up to 1715 years, and was transferred at the time the new church of St. Blaise was built.

As a reminder to that significant story from history of Dubrovnik republic, it is written on altar:

D.O.M SIMULACRUM HOC ARGENTEUM D. BLASII MARTYRIS DEFLAGRATO EIUSVETERE TEMPLO A. MDCCVI E RUDERIBUS ET DINERE ERUTUM CAETERIS OMNIBUS SIGNIS ATQUE ORNAMENTIS EX AURO ARGENTO AERE OBTRITIS COLLIQUEFACTIS SENATUS RAGUSINI INCLYPTO PATRONO HANC AEDEM PRIORIBUS AMPLIATIS VESTIGIIS CUM AUGUSTIOREM EXCITASSET BURSUS IN ARA MAXIMA TANQUAM SUA IN SEDE STATUENDUM CENSUIT COLENDUMQUE A.S MDCCXV

Many books have been written about the honoring St. Blaise through a thousand years, with many legends about his life. It is believed that he was born in 3th century, at a very young age he became renowned physician and healer, and there is a legend about healing a child who was caught fish bone. After he was elected bishop, he had to hide from the persecution in the mountains. The Romans captured, tortured and finally beheaded him.

St. Blaise legend: 

There are no certain evidence under which circumstances St. Blaise has become protector of Dubrovnik, but historians believe that the Dubrovnik inhabitants have chosen him for the protector in between of 10th and 11th St. The legend says that Saint. Blaise have saved Dubrovnik from a Venetian warship that anchored off Dubrovnik. Legend says that St. Blaise turned to the priest, Stojko and told him that he is sent from the heaven in defense of this city.

In 1190 a custom called Liberty of St. Blase is accepted on council, according to which three days before and 3 days after the feast of St. Blaise, all debtors could freely stay in town, this would allow needed time to return their debts. A fiesta of St Blasé is of great importance for the city of Dubrovnik, inscribed on the UNESCO list of intangible assets of mankind. St.. Blaise has 972 years, passed from generation to posterity retains the distinctive qualities of linking material culture and spirituality of a people.

If you would like to come to Dubrovnik and find out more book your accommodation at www.super-apartments.com

Island Lokrum - Dubrovnik

Lokrum – Your piece of heaven near Dubrovnik

A beautiful green island, just outside the old city of Dubrovnik, definitely to recommend every tourist on vacation in Dubrovnik. Whether you're with children and want a perfect day with a picnic and swimming, or having a peaceful walk in a botanical garden, it is the perfect choice for you to visit Lokrum. Lokrum is easy to reach with boat-line from the harbor in old city of Dubrovnik. Boat goes very often, in the summer months every half hour.

 Lokrum also has a rich history, and here you can visit the abandoned Benedictine monastery, Fort Royal and the Dead Sea. Lokrum is a very popular also in naturism, so if you like to be naked and surrounded with beautiful nature and clean sea, you must visit Lokrum eastside. 

Legends of Lokrum:

Regarding Island of Lokrum, as a tourist you can be impressed with the legends that are being mentioned for years in the speech of old Dubrovnik people. One of them starts around year 1023. when the Dubrovnik after the fire, vowed to build a church or a monastery to St. Benedikt, if he saves Dubrovnik. The fire was extinguished with the help of the Holy Benedict, however, the French entered into the city, Napoleon was banished all Benedictines from Lokrum, however angry Benedictines have circled three times around the island with a candle and cursed him, let him be accursed every next owner of the island, then left for ever. Subsequent owners have ended tragically. It will always remain unexplained, all tragic accidents that happened to its subsequent owners.

For accommodation near Lokrum visit: Super Apartments.

That curse of the island is still living there, a spirit recently appeared, and even allowed to be photographed in a restaurant on Lokrum. Maybe he was just hungry J. Also fascinating fact is that Lokrum during the war in Croatia, has never been hit by a rack flamed, although was attacked many times, but was preserved in all its beauty. There is also a legend that would certainly be most likely interested to the English tourist and this is the one about King Richard the Lion-heart, he was saved on Lokrum, with the last crusade, and in gratitude he gave money to build a church of St. Salvation, however, local convinces him to give money for the cathedral in Dubrovnik, because it sees the exact position of his salvation. It is also interesting that the Fort Royal was built by Napoleon, to General Marmont, when French entered Dubrovnik in deceit.

Oasis just outside Dubrovnik

I suggest to a tourist in Dubrovnik, visiting Lokrum, because it really provides a wonderful compound of green oases and pure sea . Untouched jewel of the Adriatic. You can refresh yourself with a cold lemonade on your arrival to the island on nearby caffe bar, and during the day enjoying the seafood specialties of local restaurants. The day will surely be completed. Enjoy and breathe the cleanest air your will find.

This vacation in Dubrovnik, surely you will never forget.

Dubrovnik tourist information

Dubrovnik

 

Beautiful city of Dubrovnik on the Croatian south, is proud of its beauty, rich history and cultural heritage. Recognized for its walls and towers, I believe that every tourist will remain stunned by its beauty and splendor after so many years. 

Dubrovnik and its surrounding area has close to 45 000 inhabitants and is the center of Dubrovnik-Neretva county. In the list of UNESCO Heritage is placed in 1979. Dubrovnik is in the Middle Ages was the Dubrovnik Republic, and was for many years an offset between the Ottoman empire and other Venetian republic. Dubrovnik inhabitants were very able merchants, at that time they managed to retain the freedom to trade throughout the Ottoman Empire, paying tribute to the Turks. 

Trade and shipping were the main development branch of the Dubrovnik Republic. 1667 years Dubrovnik was destroyed by a strong earthquake which brought great losses, and with discovery of America weakens its importance in trade. Dubrovnik has a very rich history and I believe that every tourist who is interested in a deeper story of Dubrovnik, by just walking Stradun or walls could feel the spirit of time still hidden under the stone.

Accommodation in Dubrovnik: 

Hotels from 2 to 5 stars, private accommodation, hostels or camps in Dubrovnik. You as a tourist have to make a choice.

Tourist sights in Dubrovnik:

Looking with the eyes of tourists, I would recommend the most interesting sights of this city. But first let me explain how to get to the Old town. When a tourist goes off the Cruiser in our port of Gruž and head towards the old town, first I advise you to either go by taxi or bus no.1. First Dubrovnik is a very small town, you will find it relatively easy to walk ll around the town, or if you prefer to hire a scooter, that could be an excellent solution for young people. Big problem of this city is a big traffic jams in mid-season. With the arrival on pile, the first bus stop near the main entrance to the old town, called Pile gate, take a walk to a nearby park in which there is a small beach just under the small bridge, from where you can see astonishing view to a beautiful tower Lovrijenac, someone might be interesting a fact that the scenes of the film series Game of thrones were taken exactly at that point.

Returning to the main street Stradun, I believe that you will enjoy nice ice cream on a hot summer day, and coffee in the shade of the popular cafe bars in Stradun.

How to fill time on your vacation in Dubrovnik?

 

So here are some guidelines. If you're one of those tourists who want to better know the history of Dubrovnik, the first course, we suggest the walls and its beautiful towers, Minčeta, Bokar, St. John Lawrence, Revelin. Next we recommend you to look Dubrovnik cathedral, church of St. Blaise, Franjevčki Monastery, Church of Friars Minor, the Dominican monastery, the Rector's Palace, Sponza. Night walk would surely be on Stradun or Porporela. On the main street you will definitely need to see two beautiful Onofrio fountains, and Orlando's Column. I think you would not be enough either 10 annual holidays to look all that Dubrovnik offers in its cultural treasures. Nightlife in Dubrovnik during few last years is certainly richer and more diverse. The evening begins in local bars, i do not want to reccomend any, let me just advice go and listen the music wich suits you best, Trubadur for example is very popular for its singing and playing on open, so it may amuze you a bit more. Later a nightclub on East West, opened type of night club, very modern and good music, it is located on famous beach Banje or Revelin disco bar (In fort Revelin).

With outings and hikes i believe that your vacation in Dubrovnik could only be complete with swimming and sunbathing on beautiful beaches, clear blue sea, which is ultimately the basis of recognition of Dubrovnik in the world. Apart from the nearest beach which is located just outside the old town (Banje), located some 10 minutes walk, tourist in Dubrovnik could wish to see something else than a typical rocky beach, in which case my recommendation is  going to a new part of Dubrovnik, Lapad center with a numerous of beaches and cafes, a perfect place to spend your afternoon.

In this short lines, your vacation in Dubrovnik either staying one or two weeks, we guarantee a good time and certainly great bronze tan. Enjoy the city of St. Blaise.

In the next blog read more about the magical and damned island of Lokrum just in front of old town of Dubrovnik.

For accommodation in Dubrovnik visit Super Apartments

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