“Did you know that Dubrovnik was once a refuge, a safe haven for coastal residents fleeing danger?” I ask, gesturing towards the bustling harbor of Luka. The name Luka itself speaks to its history, meaning “port” in Croatian. Luka, nestled at the foot of Mount Srđ, has witnessed the ebb and flow of empires, weathered storms both literal and political. Imagine, if you will, the year is 614 AD. Avaric and Slavic tribes are wreaking havoc across the Adriatic, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Among their victims is the ancient town of Epidaurus, south of here. Its terrified inhabitants, seeking safety, flee north, finding refuge on a rocky, difficult-to-reach island – the very spot where Luka stands today. This rugged terrain, offering natural protection, became a haven for these refugees, who named their new home Ragusa, laying the foundation for what would become the mighty Republic of Dubrovnik. Over the centuries, Luka Dubrovnik evolved from a humble refuge to a thriving commercial center. The sea, once a barrier against invaders, transformed into a bridge to the wider world. From this bustling harbor, ships laden with salt, spices, and silks embarked on voyages across the Mediterranean and beyond, establishing Dubrovnik’s reputation as a maritime power to rival even Venice.
Sv. Martin
“A church tucked away in a guardhouse?” you might ask. Yes, right here, before the grand Golden Gate of Diocletian’s