What if villages could talk? Majkovi might tell tales of resilience. This village in Croatia is part of the Dubrovačko primorje municipality. Majkovi sits 30 km northwest of Dubrovnik. It’s nestled along the old Napoleonic road, Strada Marmont.
In 2021, Majkovi had a population of just 122 people. The village covers 28.9 square kilometers. That’s a density of about 4 people per square kilometer.
Carl Patsch conducted archaeological research here in the early 20th century. He explored Gradina above Slano. Patsch also studied numerous tumuli or necropolises in Majkovi. Illyrian tribes once called this area home. These tribes were the Ardiaei and the Plearaei.
Majkovi became part of the Dubrovnik Republic in 1399. The Republic bought the area from King Stjepan Ostoja of Bosnia. The price was 1500 ducats, a house in Dubrovnik, and Dubrovnik citizenship. Gredelj, the Duke of Majkovi, led a peasant revolt against the new rule. He was captured and imprisoned in Dubrovnik. From then on, Majkovi remained under Dubrovnik’s control until 1808.
Majkovi is often mentioned in Dubrovnik’s archives. It was the largest village in Primorje. The Majkovi statutes were written in 1560. Petrus Franciscus Parisius penned them. He was the chancellor of the Dubrovnik Republic. These statutes were for the brotherhoods of Donji and Gornji Majkovi.
Majkovi boasts several Roman Catholic churches and chapels. Among them are St. Stephen, St. Peter, and Our Lady of Health. Some are protected as cultural heritage sites.
In 1935, tragedy struck during the village festival. Žandari killed Luka Kraljević and wounded others.
During the Homeland War, Majkovi was occupied. The JNA and Montenegrin forces looted and burned many buildings. The archive of the Holy Trinity parish was destroyed.
Today, Majkovi is an economically underdeveloped village. Locals mainly engage in agriculture. They produce olive oil and wine. Sheep farming is also common. Majkovi is known for its sheep cheese. In 2013, a House of Honey opened. It showcases honey production.
The A1 highway is being built through Majkovi. This is expected to boost the local economy. There are also plans to build wind farms.
Majkovi now has a modern water supply system. This has created conditions for rural tourism.
Majkovi is home to a herpetological reserve. In 2022, the Lokve area in Majkovi became a special reserve. It is Croatia’s first protected area for amphibians and reptiles. The reserve hosts almost a third of Croatia’s amphibian and reptile species. The rare river turtle lives here. Near Majkovi is a habitat reserve of wild oleander. It is the only such site in Croatia.
Majkovi offers a taste of traditional Croatian life. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine. Majkovi invites you to discover its hidden charms.