Archive for 'History in Croatia'

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.

The Moreška is a traditional sword dance that is hundreds of years old and was once performed all over the Mediterranean but is now only demonstrated in the town of Korčula, on the Croatian island of the same name in the Adriatic. Common throughout the Mediterranean in 12th and 13th centuries, the dance is thought to have been imported to this charming island in 16th century from Italy and Dubrovnik. After the 19th century, Korčula was the only place where it remained. Said to have originated in Spain where the dance was linked with the conflict between the Moors and Christians, in Dalmatia, this was applied to their struggles against the Ottoman Empire.

Several countries have benefitted from increased tourist numbers as filming locations for Game of Thrones since the show blew up to be the huge cultural phenomenon that we know it to be today; Iceland and Ireland among them. However, one of the most distinct and popular locations has to be Dubrovnik in Croatia. The city is synonymous with the city of King's Landing from the television series and books and while it boasted plenty to see and do before, now there is a whole new layer of interest to be found when you visit. Just find a vacation rental in Dubrovnik and follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters.

There are several sites in the Old Town where Game of Thrones was filmed including the Pile and Ploče gate, St. Dominic street, along the city walls, the Bokar fortress and the Minčeta tower, as well as many other locations dotted around and just outside the city. Founded in the 7th Century by refugees from Epidaurus in Greece, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and picturesque gem that does make one feel as though they have stepped right into the Middle Ages or some grand fantasy novel.