Plat

Has anyone ever heard of a place called Belenum? Probably not. But perhaps the names Belem, Bellem, Bieleni or Baleni ring a bell. These are just a few of the historical names for Plat, here in Dubrovnik. The name “Plat” itself appeared around 1400. Before that, it was often called Bijelo, the Croatian translation of Belenum. Plat is located near the end of Župa. Roads built by the Romans, the Republic of Dubrovnik, the French, and more recent constructions have all left their mark on this area. Plat boasts three small, charming churches. These are miniature sacred memorials created by local craftsmen. The Church of St. John, dating back to the Middle Ages, sits on a hill overlooking Plat. It was first mentioned in 1366. Next to the church, which stands guard over Plat, was an old graveyard. It now lies buried, with only a few headstones remaining. The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, destroyed during the Homeland War, once sheltered two enormous cypress trees. These trees, almost 21 meters high, were a natural treasure. This church, built in the 19th century, likely stood on the foundations of an older church. The site itself is ancient, as evidenced by the obelisks on the surrounding graves. These beautiful tiles or casks are often decorated with plant motifs and hunting scenes. One obelisk, richly decorated and possibly the most beautiful in the Dubrovnik area, stands out with its knightly form. It’s a valuable relic from the 14th and 15th centuries. The Church of St. Soul, located in the hamlet of Igrište, dates to the 16th century. Built in a Gothic-Renaissance style, it features a bell tower on the roof. The chapel, with its architecture and decorations, is an extremely valuable memorial. Plat holds a unique place in history. In June 1806, the people of Župa and Šumećani fought against the Montenegrins here. They repelled the attackers under the banner of the brotherhood of St. John. Plat also houses the largest industrial machine in the region, a hydroelectric plant built in 1965. Not far from the plant, you can find the summer residence of the Račić family. Today, Plat is a popular summer destination. It offers a variety of tourist attractions. Visitors can enjoy the clean sea, pebble beaches, excursions, luxury hotels, and diverse culinary experiences.