Archive for 'Curiosities in Croatia'

Croatia may not be the first destination that comes to mind when one thinks of an Autumn or Winter holiday but whether you are looking for a city break over a weekend or an extended vacation where you'll often still have warm weather later into the season and smaller crowds, it really is a great choice. There are lots of reasons to plan a trip: all of the events that take place during the harvest season and then in the run up to Christmas festivities, things are quieter and calmer, and prices are lower. So, why not plan a trip today?

Here are some great reasons to pencil in an Autumn/Winter break to Croatia.

In the past two posts in this series, we have been discussing the lovely island of Lokrum and its spooky history. A beautiful mass of land located just off the coast of Croatia by Dubrovnik, it is a must-see for anyone who has found a holiday rental in Dubrovnik. In addition to its various attractions, it has a rather creepy reason to visit, especially if you are someone who is interested in such things; the Curse of Lokrum. From its origins as the punishment left behind by exiled monks to the numerous lives lost and ruined by the curse, it is a fascinating tale and continued into the 19th century where our tale picks up...

This week, given that Hallowe'en is fast approaching, we are discussing the beautiful island of Lokrum, off the coast of Dubrovnik. Already a key day trip destination for those who have found a holiday rental in Dubrovnik for many reasons, one more spooky reason and one more fascinating thing about the place is the Lokrum Curse.

Rooted in the removal of monks from the monastery on the island, which had been built to honour a saint who had saved Dubrovnik from a great fire in the 11th century (read the first part here to find out all of the details), it immediately resulted in the deaths and misfortune of those who became involved with the place.

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.

If you have always wanted to float in the Dead Sea but can't quite make it to Israel or Jordan, then why not find a vacation rental in Dubrovnik and head to the pretty island of Lokrum?

“Why?” you may ask. Well, the answer is simple; they may not have the famous Dead Sea but they do have their own miniature Dead Sea called the Mrtvo more, which is similarly easy to swim in and, therefore, has become one of the most popular attractions on the island.