Slipping through a fissure in Dubrovnik’s rugged terrain, you find yourself at the mouth of Ostaševica. Ostaševica is more than just a cave entrance. It’s a portal to another world, a world hidden beneath the sun-drenched stones of Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”. Ostaševica whispers tales of a time long past, a time when Dubrovnik, then known as Ragusa, was a maritime power, its ships sailing to India and the Americas. Imagine the sailors, hardened by the Adriatic winds, seeking refuge within this very cave, perhaps sharing stories of far-off lands. The knowledge we have about Dubrovnik doesn’t specifically mention Ostaševica, but we know the area is rich with history. Dubrovnik, founded in the 7th century, has always been a city of resilience, its mighty walls never breached by a hostile army. Perhaps smugglers once used Ostaševica, hiding their illicit goods within its depths, away from the watchful eyes of the Rector’s Palace guards. Or maybe, it was a sanctuary for lovers, seeking a moment of privacy amidst the bustling city. Close your eyes and listen. Can you hear the echoes of their whispers, the rustling of their clothes, the gentle lapping of waves against the rocks below? Ostaševica, a silent witness to Dubrovnik’s vibrant past, remains a mystery, inviting you to explore its secrets and create your own stories within its embrace.
Sv. Martin
“A church tucked away in a guardhouse?” you might ask. Yes, right here, before the grand Golden Gate of Diocletian’s