Cavtat

Cavtat is a small coastal town located in the Dubrovnik-Neretya country of Croatia. Situated several kilometers south of Dubrovnik, the town traces its roots to a colony founded by the Greeks in 228 BC. Though small in size, there are plenty of attractions and activities awaiting visitors who wish to spend their vacations in relatively quiet atmosphere.

Sights & Activities

Visitors can take leisurely strolls along the streets of this quiet town and take in the sights of sea and of the houses that were mostly built in the 18th and 19th century. Such is the house where the painter Vlaho Bukovac was born. Bukovac have gained national recognition for his artworks and his house was designated a cultural monument in 1969. Though the exterior of the house bear no unique features, visitors can still tour the artist’s living quarters and catch glimpses of his personal memorabilia.

Another interesting destination is the St. Roko cemetery located atop a hill. The cemetery affords spectacular views of the harbor and beyond. One interesting structure in the cemetery is the Racic Family Mausoleum, which was constructed out of Brac stone and built in 1921. Designed by sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, the mausoleum bear fine detailing symbolizing birth, life, and death. The family used to be one of the wealthy ship owners in the area. Around the cemetery are several cafes that provide respite from the Mediterranean sun and offers scenic views all around.

Cavtat is the proud hometown of scientist and lawyer Baltazar Bogisic, who gained recognition all over Europe. A building along Knezev dvor showcases collections of artifacts he had amassed during his travels. There are also a huge collection of personal documents and mementos on display, including a numismatic collection composed of more than 2,000 items. The building also houses an extensive library that is considered one of the most valuable and important in the whole country. In front of the building is a monument dedicated to this person, depicting him in a seated position.

Across the building is the Rector’s Palace, which houses archaeological artifacts collected from the areas around the town. The structure itself is of Renaissance style.

A prominent religious structure in town is the St. Nicholas Church, a Baroque building that boasts of a beautiful interior.

Cavtat is also the location of a Franciscan monastery, located on the Rat peninsula. Built in the 14th and the 15th centuries, it is of combined Gothic and Renaissance styles. The complex includes a church that was dedicated to the Our Lady of the Snows and contains a polyptych made by Vicko Lovrin. Inside the monastery is an art collection that visitors can view and examine.

Cavtat also boasts of a tree-lined promenade that affords spectacular views of the harbor. A lot of shops and cafes have been established along the promenade, making this area ideal for strolling and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze.

Eating Out

Along the promenade are several restaurants that specialize on serving seafood. Examples of which would be the Konoba Galija, which insists on using only the freshest ingredient, and the Konoba Toranj. Located in the center of the town is the Leut restaurant, famous for its lobster dish. For light snacks and coffee, there’s the Café Bellevue which is situated on a hill overlooking the rest of the town and the harbor.