Lazareti

“Five areas, five courtyards, all designed to keep Dubrovnik safe.” You might be wondering what these mysterious-sounding areas and courtyards are. Let me introduce you to the Lazareti, a fascinating piece of Dubrovnik’s history. Right here, just beyond the city walls, stands the Lazareti. This complex of interconnected buildings tells a tale of a city grappling with a very real threat: infectious diseases. The Lazareti were Dubrovnik’s answer to the outbreaks of plague and cholera that ravaged Europe between the 14th and 18th centuries. As a bustling maritime republic, Dubrovnik couldn’t afford to shut down completely. Instead, they devised a system of quarantine. Built between 1590 and 1642, the Lazareti became a mandatory stop for travelers and merchants arriving from areas suspected of infection. Here, they would spend 40 days in isolation before being granted entry into the walled city. The complex was meticulously designed with separate areas for goods and people. Imagine five courtyards, each with its own gate facing the sea, allowing for the unloading and storage of goods without direct contact between those in quarantine and the city inhabitants. Today, the Lazareti, thankfully no longer a quarantine zone, plays a different tune. It throbs with life, hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events. The echoing silence of isolation has been replaced with the lively chatter of visitors and the pulsating rhythm of music. From safeguarding a city to showcasing its vibrant culture, the Lazareti stands as a testament to Dubrovnik’s enduring spirit, a place where history and creativity intertwine.