Lokrum Island
Dubrovačko-neretvanska županija
Lokrum Island is a small Adriatic island located just 0.5 nautical miles southeast of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The island is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring a protected forest reserve and a botanical garden established in 1959 to study subtropical plants. Its highest point, Glavica, rises 96 meters above sea level. A notable natural feature is the saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea, located in the southern part of the island. Historically, Lokrum has been inhabited since at least the 6th century BC, with archaeological finds including a Roman stele fragment. The island was granted to Benedictine monks in 1023, who built a monastery that later became a summer residence under Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg in the 19th century. The star-shaped Royal Fortress, built by Napoleon's order in 1806, stands at the island's summit. Lokrum has been a favored retreat for locals and tourists alike, offering a blend of cultural heritage, rare Mediterranean flora, and tranquil natural landscapes.
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Consiglio: Visit Lokrum Island during spring or early autumn to enjoy mild weather and avoid peak crowds. Purchasing tickets in advance during summer months is recommended due to high visitor numbers. The island is accessible via regular boat services from Dubrovnik's Old Town harbor. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the botanical gardens, monastery ruins, and walking trails.
Fatti interessanti
- •Lokrum's name likely derives from the Latin word 'acrumen,' meaning sour fruit, due to the island's abundance of wild sour oranges.
- •The saltwater lake on Lokrum is known as the Dead Sea and is a rare karst phenomenon.
- •King Richard the Lionheart is said to have landed on Lokrum in 1192 and donated money for a church as a token of gratitude for surviving a storm.
- •The Royal Fortress on Lokrum was built in 1806 by order of Napoleon and later used by the Austrian army.
- •The botanical garden on Lokrum hosts the largest collection of eucalyptus species outside Australia.
Storia
Lokrum Island has a documented history dating back to the 6th and 5th centuries BC, with early archaeological evidence including a Roman stele from the 1st or 2nd century AD.
In 1023, the island was granted by Dubrovnik's archbishop and city officials to Benedictine monks who established a monastery.
The English King Richard the Lionheart is said to have landed on Lokrum in 1192 during his return from the Third Crusade.
In 1806, Napoleon ordered the construction of the Royal Fortress on the island's highest point.
Later, Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg acquired the island in 1859, transforming the monastery into a summer residence and creating extensive gardens.
The island was declared a special forest vegetation reserve in 1976, preserving its unique natural environment.
Guida del luogo
Royal Fortress1806
A star-shaped fortress built in 1806 on Lokrum's highest point by order of Napoleon. It was later expanded by Austrian forces and offers panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.
Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary1023
Founded in 1023, this monastery was the earliest and most significant Benedictine establishment in the Dubrovnik area. Later converted into a summer residence by Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg, it stands as a cultural and historical landmark on the island.
Botanical Garden1959
Established in 1959 and opened to the public in 1967, the botanical garden was created to study the adaptation of tropical and subtropical plants to the Mediterranean climate. It contains around 600 plant species, including the world's largest collection of eucalyptus outside Australia.
Dead Sea (Saltwater Lake)
A unique 10-meter deep saltwater lake located on the southern part of Lokrum. It is a rare karst phenomenon and a popular natural attraction for visitors.