High in the hills, about 30 km northwest of Dubrovnik’s bustling walls, lies the quiet village of Dubravica. Dubravica whispers a different story, a story of resilience etched against the backdrop of the Croatian countryside. Dubravica is a small village in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. In 2001, its population was 47, dwindling to 37 by the 2011 census. This intimate community, primarily composed of Croatian Catholics, has held onto its identity through tumultuous times. Dubravica was not spared the ravages of the Croatian War of Independence. Occupied by the JNA and various paramilitary groups, the village saw its homes plundered and burned. This period left deep scars on the community. Yet, from these ashes, Dubravica began to rebuild. The residents, traditionally reliant on farming and livestock, looked towards the future. The construction of the A1 highway, passing near Dubravica, offered a glimmer of hope for economic revitalization. Dubravica stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. It is a place where history’s echoes mingle with the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
Sv. Martin
“A church tucked away in a guardhouse?” you might ask. Yes, right here, before the grand Golden Gate of Diocletian’s