Your Personal Guide & Driver In Dubrovnik
Experiences in/around Dubrovnik
MARKS OF IDENTITY
Although Dubrovnik is primarily known for ancient walls and what lies within them, its identity transcends the ramparts and reflects in the tradition preserved in its surroundings, too. Many centuries have passed, and the ravages of time have taken their toll, but we can still have an insight into how things worked in the past, thanks to individuals who put great effort into heritage preservation.
PRESENTATION OF FOLK COSTUMES IN KONAVLE
Cilipi Folklore
The small village of Cilipi, located in Konavle, a half-hour drive from Dubrovnik, is a proud keeper of the local tradition.
Every Sunday, from Easter to November, the folklore society 'Cilipi' organizes a folklore event in the village square in front of the parish church of St. Nicholas. The elegant national costumes of the Konavle region can be seen while traditional folk dances are performed; a village fair with locally made handicrafts is organized; the homeland museum featuring the ethnographic exhibits of the region is open for visits.
It is required to mention that this village, along with the rest of Konavle, was vandalized and set on fire during the aggression in the 1990s in order to understand the value and significance of what is introduced here. The cultural and historical heritage was on the verge of loss, but thanks to the community's passion and commitment, Cilipi rose from the ashes, so now the tradition continues.
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ANCIENT MILLS DEMONSTRATION IN KONAVLE
The Ljuta Mills
Konavle is a mainly rural region located east of Dubrovnik. It became a part of the Republic of Dubrovnik in the first half of the 15th century. The area was strategically important for the Republic for several reasons; the river Ljuta with its mills was one of them. There were several mills when Dubrovnikans got the territory. However, due to the increased need for flour, the Republic invested in the erection of additional mills, gave them as a concession and strictly regulated business and relations. In addition to those mills, fulling and olive oil production mills were built later.
Despite historical turmoil and frequent decay threats, we can still visit the mills on the river Ljuta and see them in function. Even though they do not operate for their original purpose, they still function as they used to centuries ago. The river Ljuta mills are a unique link to the distant past and testify to the knowledge of how to harness the energy of water to start ingenious machinery.
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PRESENTATION OF SILK PRODUCTION IN KONAVLE
Konavle Silk
Silk production in the Konavle region has never been a business; it is a history of Konavle's women, woven into their identity. As little girls, they acquired traditional knowledge and skills in their family circle and then passed them on to new generations. Silk was needed so the girls could, until their marriage, make all the embroidery that would decorate their national costumes in all their life situations. But to do so, they first had to breed silkworms themselves.
That was the way of life for centuries which changed in the second half of the twentieth century. Silk was less required since the clothing had modernized and become more practical. However, there were still those who remained faithful to the tradition.
At the time of the war destruction at the end of the 20th century, with the ruination of family homes, the production of silk was irretrievably annihilated. But even during those hopeless times, a genuine desire to preserve the identity still existed, which led to a very touching story about the return of the mulberry silkworm to Konavle.
Please send inquire if you are interested in a presentation on silk production.
A VISIT TO THE OLDEST ARBORETUM IN CROATIA
Trsteno Arboretum
The 15th and 16th centuries are known as Dubrovnik's golden age. That was the period of prosperity, intensified public construction and cultural development. It was also a time when wealthy citizens of Dubrovnik, wanting to distance themselves from the cramped spaces of the City, started to build their country estates mostly in attractive and isolated littoral locations. One such estate is the summer mansion of the Gucetic family, situated in Trsteno, 20 km west of Dubrovnik.
Although singular in its composition, it representatively shows an achieved harmony of architecture and environment, which is why this type of property outstands.
The special care the Gucetic family devoted to their property throughout the centuries has resulted in the property being defined as the oldest existing arboretum in this part of the world.
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OLDEST OPERATING SALTWORKS IN THE WORLD
Ston Saltworks
The continuity of salt production in Ston has lasted since the ancient Romans discovered favourable natural conditions for it more than 2,000 years ago. Thus, the Ston saltworks is the oldest in the world still in operation.
Dubrovnik's economy relied heavily on trade, and as the salt trade was very lucrative, Dubrovnikans recognized the strategic importance of the saltworks; hence they bought the Ston area together with the rest of the Peljesac peninsula in the 14th century. They invested in the saltworks and, for protection, built an impressive defensive system.
The appearance of the saltworks dates back to the time of the Republic of Dubrovnik, but the traditional production that relies on the sea, sun, wind and human hands has been preserved to this day since Roman times.
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