Can you imagine living in a village so small, yet with such a rich history, that pirates once raided its shores? Orašac, nestled along the coast of Dubrovnik, was established back in the year 1040, long before the grand walls of Dubrovnik were even dreamt of. In Orašac, life was once a constant struggle against invaders. The houses were built close together, offering a small measure of defence against the unwelcome Neretva pirates. Times have changed, but the spirit of resilience remains. Orašac is a quiet place, yet its history speaks volumes. It holds stories of the ancient past, a testament to the Croatian people’s unwavering will. The old churches, like the St Nicholas church built in 1250, whisper tales of faith and survival.
Orašac is not only about historical remnants. In the centre of the village sits a charming votive church dedicated to the miraculous Virgin Mary of Orašac, a tribute to the enduring faith of the villagers. Further inland lies the Arapovo Palace, also know as Soderini, a magnificent palace built at the start of the 16th century. It was here that the chief magistrate of Florence, the gonfaloniere Piero Soderini, found temporary refuge in 1512. Just imagine the stories these walls could tell! Although many of the original buildings have succumbed to the ravages of time and war, Orašac has an allure that draws visitors in. It is more than just a village; it is a window into the past.
Sv. Martin
“A church tucked away in a guardhouse?” you might ask. Yes, right here, before the grand Golden Gate of Diocletian’s