Lokrum Island is 0,7 km southeast of Dubrovnik, Croatia, and is known as the ‘Island of Kings’. It is only 0.8 sq. km and, although the rivalry between the City (Dubrovnik) and Lokrum lasted for centuries today, it is uninhabited. But, when the Benedictine monks lived on the island from 1023, they started a tradition of bringing and cultivating exotic plants from all corners of the world. The island’s name was thus probably derived from ACRUMEN, which is Latin for ‘sour fruit’.
The island is a favourite excursion destination for the population of Dubrovnik and tourists. Regular boats from the Dubrovnik harbour for the 10-minute journey to Lokrum island. In spring and autumn, the boats run every hour, and during Summer every half an hour.
Short History
Lokrum Island was first mentioned in the 10th century when in 1023 Benedictine monks built an abbey and a monastery.
Crusades
Legend has it that in 1191 or 1192, en route from one of his 3rd Crusades, Richard the Lionheart found shelter from a storm on Lokrum Island. He pledged to build a church on the island indebted for salvation. But, because of a plea from Dubrovnik citizens, the church was not built on Lokrum, but in the city instead. It is the beautiful Romanesque cathedral inside the city walls.
Venetians
In 1466 Venetians attacked Lokrum Island in retaliation for the Lokrum monastery being annexed by Dubrovnik for the congregation of St Justa in Padova. Much of the island’s buildings were destroyed.
But, the people of Dubrovnik resisted and defeated the Venetians.
Then, suddenly, in 1798 the Benedictines abandon the island under mysterious circumstances. And to this day, no one knows why.
Napoleonic Wars
During the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon ruled the Dalmatian coast from 1806 to 1813. The French erected a star-shaped Forte Royale fortification, and these ruins can still be seen today.
The Habsburgs
In the mid-1800s, Archduke Maximillian Habsburg bought the island. He built a mansion in the shape of a tower on the ruins of the first monastery. And his garden laid out began the formation of the present-day botanical garden.
In 1867, Maximillian was captured and executed by the Mexicans, which ended this era in the island’s history.
Quarantine
When disease broke out in the 17th century, those infected were removed from the community for 40 days (hence the word ‘quarantine’). A quarantine area called Lazzaretti was built on Lokrum Island to house the ill – their ‘Lockdown’.
You can still see the remains of the old quarantine walls today.
The Curse of Lokrum Island
The locals enjoy scaring tourists with the legend of the Lokrum curse. The stories include people who went to the island at night and were never seen again. And stories of fishermen’s boats ‘swallowed’ by the sea. And because no one knows why the Benedictine monks left, the curse is believed to come from them as they withdrew.
Lokrum Island is a MUST-see if you visit Dubrovnik. You will not be disappointed!
