We have mentioned the beautiful Croatian island of Lokrum, located just off the coast of Dubrovnik, many times before. However, given the time of year, we thought it was about time that we mentioned the Curse of Lokrum and, if you're someone interested in the spookier side of things, it's just one more reason to plan a day trip to the island once you have found a holiday rental in Dubrovnik.
Legend has it that, in 1023, a great fire broke out in Dubrovnik and the inhabitants of the city decided to make a vow to Saint Benedict, promising that they would construct a monastery in his name if only he might intervene and help save them. Miraculously, the fire was extinguished instantly and, true to their word, the people built a Benedictine monastery and church on Lokrum, which they dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Legend has it that, in 1023, a great fire broke out in Dubrovnik and the inhabitants of the city decided to make a vow to Saint Benedict, promising that they would construct a monastery in his name if only he might intervene and help save them. Miraculously, the fire was extinguished instantly and, true to their word, the people built a Benedictine monastery and church on Lokrum, which they dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
However, later a French army general ordered the closure of the monastery and the expulsion of the Benedictines. The monks, horrified by this, walked the perimeter of the island three times in a long and solemn, single-file procession with their lighted candles upside-down towards the earth, leaving a trail of melted wax and cursed those who aimed to take the island from them: “Whosoever claims Lokrum for his own personal pleasure shall be damned!” Afterwards, they were removed from the island and never did return.
Their curse, meanwhile, lingered. One of the four Dubrovnik aristocrats who had been charged with taking over the island jumped out windows, another drowned on the journey there and a third was murdered by a servant.
That is not where things ended so, to hear more of the cursed tales of this island, be sure to click through to the second part in this story.
Their curse, meanwhile, lingered. One of the four Dubrovnik aristocrats who had been charged with taking over the island jumped out windows, another drowned on the journey there and a third was murdered by a servant.
That is not where things ended so, to hear more of the cursed tales of this island, be sure to click through to the second part in this story.
