Benedictine Monastery

Overview

Nestled just a short ferry ride from the bustling Old Town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, lies Lokrum Island, a serene oasis home to the captivating ruins of a Benedictine Monastery. This historic site offers a unique blend of natural beauty and centuries-old heritage, making it an essential visit for any curious traveler. The monastery complex, encompassing remnants of a Romanesque-Gothic basilica and a Gothic-Renaissance cloister, tells a story of devotion, upheaval, and aristocratic indulgence. Today, visitors can explore these atmospheric ruins, which now house a small museum and even a popular 'Game of Thrones' exhibit featuring the iconic Iron Throne. The island itself is a nature reserve, teeming with free-roaming peacocks and a lush botanical garden, providing a tranquil escape from the city crowds.

History & Cultural Background

The history of the Benedictine Monastery on Lokrum Island dates back to at least 1023 AD, when Benedictine monks established an abbey and monastery there, though some records suggest their presence as early as 915 AD. Legend has it that the monastery's founding was a vow made by the citizens of Dubrovnik to Saint Benedict, promising to build a monastery if their city was spared from a devastating fire around 1023 AD. Miraculously, the fire was extinguished, leading to the construction of the monastery dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The monastery flourished, experiencing a significant rise in the 12th century with the erection of a new three-nave church. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it underwent a resurgence, with monks constructing an impressive new Renaissance cloister, an architectural complex of national importance. However, a catastrophic earthquake on April 6, 1667, severely damaged the church and the medieval buildings of the monastery.

By 1798, facing difficulties and a dwindling number of monks, and with the Republic of Dubrovnik seeking to divest itself of the property, Pope Pius VI approved the abolition of the monastery, leading to the departure of the Benedictines. The island later found a new owner in Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg, brother of the Austrian Emperor, who purchased it in 1859. Maximilian transformed the monastic ruins into a luxurious summer residence, enhancing the island's horticultural legacy by expanding its exotic plant collections and creating elaborate gardens.

What Makes It Special

The Benedictine Monastery is a living testament to Lokrum's layered past. What makes it truly special is the captivating interplay between its ancient, atmospheric ruins and the natural splendor of the island. Visitors can wander through the remains of the Romanesque-Gothic basilica from the 12th-13th centuries and the better-preserved Gothic-Renaissance cloister from the 15th-16th centuries. These architectural fragments offer a glimpse into centuries of monastic life, juxtaposed with the elegant, later additions made by Archduke Maximilian.

Beyond its historical architecture, the monastery complex is integrated into the vibrant Lokrum Nature Reserve. The island is renowned for its lush botanical garden, initiated by the Benedictines and later expanded by Maximilian, featuring diverse plant species, from towering eucalyptus to cacti. The most charming inhabitants, perhaps, are the numerous peacocks, brought to the island by Maximilian from the Canary Islands, which roam freely, adding an exotic touch to the ancient grounds. Furthermore, for many modern travelers, the monastery holds a special allure as a filming location for HBO's 'Game of Thrones,' serving as parts of the fictional city of Qarth. An official replica of the Iron Throne is housed within the monastery, inviting fans to immerse themselves in the fantasy world.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Perhaps the most famous and intriguing tale associated with the Benedictine Monastery is the 'Lokrum Curse'. According to legend, when the monks were forced to abandon the island in the late 18th or early 19th century, they performed a solemn ritual, circling the island three times by candlelight, dripping wax, and pronouncing a curse on anyone who would claim Lokrum for their personal pleasure. This curse is said to have brought misfortune and untimely deaths to many subsequent owners, including Archduke Maximilian himself, who was executed in Mexico. Even some of the Dubrovnik noble families involved in the monks' expulsion allegedly met tragic ends.

Another fascinating legend connects the island to England's King Richard the Lionheart. It is said that in 1192, returning from the Third Crusade, his ship was caught in a storm, and he was shipwrecked on Lokrum. In gratitude for his survival, he vowed to build a church on the island. However, the wise citizens of Dubrovnik persuaded him to instead fund the construction of their magnificent cathedral in the city.

Beyond these captivating stories, a delightful detail for visitors is the island's population of peacocks, descendants of those brought by Maximilian of Habsburg. These elegant birds roam the monastery grounds and the entire island, adding a unique, almost regal, presence to the landscape. The monastery's original motto, 'Pray and Work,' reflects the Benedictine ethos that shaped the island for centuries, influencing its early botanical efforts and self-sufficiency.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Benedictine Monastery on Lokrum Island offers a wonderfully immersive experience. The journey itself is part of the charm, with regular ferry services departing every half hour from Dubrovnik's Old Port, taking a mere 10-15 minutes to reach the island. Once on Lokrum, the monastery complex serves as a central point of exploration. You can wander through the ancient stone pathways, feel the weight of history in the cloister garden, and imagine monastic life unfolding centuries ago.

Inside the monastery, a small museum provides deeper insights into the island's rich past. For fans of 'Game of Thrones,' the opportunity to sit on a replica of the Iron Throne is a memorable highlight. Beyond the monastery, Lokrum offers a wealth of activities: explore the vibrant Botanical Garden, take a refreshing dip in the unique saltwater lake known as the Dead Sea, or climb to Fort Royal for panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the Adriatic. It is important to remember that Lokrum is a protected nature reserve, meaning no overnight stays are permitted, encouraging visitors to savor its beauty during the day before returning to Dubrovnik. The combined ferry and island entrance ticket makes for a convenient and enriching day trip.