Botanical Garden

Overview

Just a short ferry ride from the bustling streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, lies the tranquil oasis of Lokrum Island, home to a remarkable Botanical Garden. This unique garden, established in 1959, serves as a living laboratory dedicated to the introduction and acclimatization of subtropical plants from various climate regions similar to the Mediterranean. Spanning approximately 3.3 hectares, with a dedicated exhibition area of 1.45 hectares, it offers a distinct experience compared to a manicured park. Rather, it is a scientific garden where paths wind through dense vegetation, offering a glimpse into its vital research work. Visitors can explore diverse collections, prominently featuring Australian trees and shrubs like eucalyptuses, acacias, and callistemons, as well as a significant array of conifers and succulents, including an impressive collection of cacti.

History & Cultural Background

The tradition of cultivating exquisite gardens on Lokrum Island stretches back almost a millennium, predating the modern Botanical Garden. It began in the 11th century with the arrival of Benedictine monks, who established an abbey and meticulously tended to ornamental gardens within their cloisters, shaping the island's landscape for centuries. A pivotal transformation occurred in the 19th century when Archduke Maximilian of Habsburg, a passionate botanist and brother of Emperor Franz Joseph I, acquired Lokrum in 1859 for his summer residence. Maximilian envisioned the entire island as an experimental botanical park, introducing a vast number of exotic plants to observe their adaptation to the Adriatic climate. He created a network of paths and terraced gardens, continuing the island's horticultural legacy. The establishment of the current Botanical Garden in 1959, under the Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences, built upon these historical foundations, formalizing the scientific study of plant acclimatization.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets Lokrum's Botanical Garden apart is its dedicated scientific purpose and its somewhat untamed character, fostering a sense of discovery. It is not merely a display garden but an active research facility, focused on understanding how various foreign plant species adapt to the local environment. This commitment has resulted in some remarkable collections, including one of the largest assemblages of eucalyptus species outside of Australia, boasting over 70 varieties. The garden also prides itself on its extensive succulent collection, featuring approximately 400 species of cacti, often housed in a dedicated greenhouse. Beyond the cultivated sections, the entire island of Lokrum is a protected natural reserve, recognized as a Special Forest Vegetation Reserve under UNESCO since 1976. This harmonious blend of scientific endeavor and natural preservation makes the Botanical Garden an exceptional place, offering a serene counterpoint to Dubrovnik's historic city walls.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Lokrum Island is steeped in tales that add a layer of mystique to its natural beauty. One famous legend recounts that Richard the Lionheart, returning from the Third Crusade in 1192, was shipwrecked near Lokrum and sought refuge on its shores. In gratitude, he pledged to build a church on the island, though it was ultimately constructed in Dubrovnik. Another intriguing story involves the Benedictine monks, who, upon being forced to leave the island in 1808, are said to have placed a curse on anyone who would subsequently claim ownership of Lokrum. The island's name itself, 'Lokrum,' is believed to derive from the Latin word 'acrumen,' meaning 'sour fruit,' a nod to the ancient cultivation of exotic plants here. Adding to the island's charm are the numerous peacocks that roam freely, descendants of those brought by Archduke Maximilian over 150 years ago. For fans of a popular fantasy series, a replica of the Iron Throne is also located on the island, a fun photo opportunity.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Botanical Garden on Lokrum Island offers a refreshing escape and a connection with nature, just a ten-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik's Old City port. The ferry ticket, which can be purchased at the Old Port, includes admission to the entire island, meaning no separate entry fee for the garden. As you wander through its paths, you'll encounter a diverse array of plant life, often labeled, in a setting that feels more wild and natural than formally landscaped. It is an ideal destination for plant enthusiasts, photographers, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat from the summer crowds. While the terrain is generally manageable, some sections might present challenges for those with mobility issues. Remember the local lore: visitors are often advised not to take anything from the island, be it a stone or a peacock feather, respecting the old legends and contributing to the preservation of this natural treasure.