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

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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