Name: Lokrum
Address: Lokrum, Croatia
Rating: 4.6

Island featuring a botanical garden & an old Benedictine monastery that now houses a restaurant.

Mostar Old Bridge

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Kravica Waterfall

Ostrog Orthodox Monastery

Dubrovnik Cable Car

Porto Montenegro

Lokrum

Lokrum, a small island just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, is more than just a scenic escape. It's a protected nature reserve, boasting a unique saltwater lake, known as Mrtvo More (Dead Sea), ideal for floating. Legend claims Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked here in 1192, vowing to build a church in gratitude, though Dubrovnik convinced him to build it within the city walls instead. The island's Benedictine monastery, abandoned in 1798, now houses a restaurant and a fascinating exhibit on the island's history, including its time under Habsburg rule. Look closely, and you might spot peacocks roaming freely, descendants of those introduced by Maximilian Ferdinand of Habsburg, who once owned the island. A lesser-known fact: Lokrum is said to be cursed, stemming from the Benedictine monks' departure after being expelled. Nighttime stays were once forbidden, adding to the island's mystique.

Introduction

Lokrum Island, a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik, is renowned not only for its natural beauty and historical significance but also as a unique peacock habitat. Introduced to the island in the 19th century by Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand, these vibrant birds have since flourished, becoming an integral part of Lokrum's identity. The island's diverse ecosystem, ranging from Mediterranean scrubland to pine forests and rocky shores, provides a varied environment that supports the peacock population. Specific areas, particularly around the former Benedictine monastery and botanical garden, offer ideal conditions for nesting and foraging. The peacocks of Lokrum are not confined to a specific enclosure; instead, they roam freely, interacting with visitors and contributing to the island's distinctive atmosphere. Their diet is supplemented by the natural vegetation and insects found on the island, as well as occasional feeding by tourists, though this is discouraged to maintain their natural foraging habits. The absence of natural predators on Lokrum allows the peacock population to thrive, although measures are in place to manage their numbers and ensure the ecological balance of the island. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining the integrity of their habitat and monitoring their health, ensuring that future generations can experience the spectacle of these magnificent birds against the backdrop of Lokrum's stunning landscape. The presence of peacocks significantly enhances the visitor experience, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife observation and photography within a historical and natural setting.

Peacock Habitat

Lokrum's history is deeply intertwined with the Benedictine order, a legacy that significantly shaped the island's identity for centuries. The Benedictines established a monastery and church on Lokrum as early as 1023, according to historical records, though some accounts suggest an even earlier presence. This monastic community profoundly influenced the island's development, cultivating its lands and establishing a self-sufficient ecosystem. The Benedictines introduced various agricultural practices, including the cultivation of olives, fruits, and herbs, transforming Lokrum into a productive and verdant retreat.

Legends shroud the Benedictine departure from Lokrum. One popular tale recounts their forced eviction in 1798, prompting the monks to curse the island as they departed. This curse, purportedly afflicting anyone who attempts to claim Lokrum as their own, has contributed to the island's mystique and preservation. While the veracity of the curse remains debated, it undeniably adds a layer of intrigue to Lokrum's Benedictine past.

The ruins of the Benedictine monastery still stand as a testament to their presence, offering visitors a tangible connection to this rich history. Archaeological excavations continue to unearth artifacts and remnants of the monastic life, providing further insights into the Benedictines' daily routines, spiritual practices, and contributions to Lokrum's cultural heritage. The island's botanical garden, established in the 20th century, subtly echoes the Benedictine monks' historical cultivation of medicinal herbs and plants, maintaining a connection to their legacy of environmental stewardship.

Benedictine Legacy

Lokrum, a small island just off the coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia, features a unique geological formation known locally as Mrtvo More, or the "Dead Sea," a saltwater lake connected to the Adriatic Sea. This enclosed body of water on Lokrum shares striking similarities with its namesake due to its high salt concentration, although the salinity levels are significantly lower than the actual Dead Sea. Mrtvo More on Lokrum offers visitors a buoyant swimming experience, allowing them to float effortlessly on the surface, a characteristic reminiscent of the Dead Sea's famous attribute.

The lake's high salinity is a result of seawater seeping into the enclosed basin and subsequent evaporation, concentrating the salt content. Unlike the Dead Sea, Mrtvo More on Lokrum supports some marine life, albeit limited to salt-tolerant species. The surrounding rocky landscape and pine trees provide a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the appeal of this natural attraction.

Historically, Mrtvo More on Lokrum has been a popular spot for therapeutic bathing, with locals and tourists alike believing in its beneficial effects on the skin and joints, mirroring the purported health benefits associated with the Dead Sea's mineral-rich waters. The lake's relatively shallow depth and calm waters make it a safe and enjoyable swimming location for all ages. Its accessibility and unique characteristics contribute to Lokrum's allure as a destination offering a distinctive swimming experience akin to a miniature Dead Sea in the Adriatic.

Lokrum

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