The first known mention of the Island Lokrum comesfrom 1023 AD, in a document certifying the foundation
of a Benedictine Abbey and a Monastery. Then a legend has it that in 1192, after a shipwreck in the vicinity of
Lokrum on his way back from the Third Crusade in Palestine, Richard the Lionheart found shelter on the
Island; as a sign of gratitude, he made a vow to build a church in the place where he came ashore. However,
upon a request by the people of Dubrovnik, he allocated the money to the continuation of the Cathedral in town.
Maximilian von Habsburg visited and bought the island in 1859. He had his summer residence built on the ruins
of the monastery, with a magnificent garden, walking paths and promenades. The tradition of gardening and
cultivation of exotic plants from the time of the
Benedictines via Maximilian von Habsburg continued in 1959, when the Botanical Garden was founded. On
almost two hectares of land, one can see 70 different species of eucalyptus, the largest collection of eucalyptus
outside Australia, and more than 853 exotic species of plants. Around 453 are trees and bushes and
about 400 are succulents. In 1964, Lokrum was declared a Protected Natural Reserve, and in 1976
it was proclaimed a Special Forest Vegetation Reserve under the protection of UNESCO. Out of its
total of 0.7 km2 of area, 0.6 km2 is covered with dense vegetation. Lokrum provides perfect ecological
conditions to diverse fauna, on land and in the sea. It is home to 156 bird species from 43 different
bird families. However, the pride of Lokrum have been the peacocks, brought by Maximillian of
Habsburg from the Canary Islands 150 years ago.

From its highest peak, the star-shaped Royal Fortress built by the French in 1806, offers a magnificent view of Dubrovnik, Cavtat and the islands.

GETTING THERE You can get to Lokrum by a lovely 10-minute boat ride with the “Skala” or “Zrinski” boats, which depart every half hour from the Old City Harbour. Tickets can be purchased at the pier, just before boarding. The first boat departs at 9 a.m. and the last shuttle leaves Lokrum at 7 or 8 p.m. (depending on the season). It is forbidden to stay on the island overnight. Boat transportation is available from April through October.

LAKES AND BEACHES A small lake on the island called Mrtvo More (Dead Sea), connected with the open sea underground, is suitable for children and non-swimmers. There are also plenty of beaches for every visitor to have a swim. Signs supply very clear orientation on your whereabouts all over the island. Beaches are equipped with fresh-water showers.

FOR THE BRAVE Another natural attraction of this islet is the Purple Cave, which gets its name from the purple seaweed that covers the rocks. This place is generally little known as it can be reached by boat or by the path that leads to the nudist beach. Back in 2011, after a short and productive dialogue with local authorities, the global television network HBO decided to choose Dubrovnik as location for the awarded TV series Game of Thrones. While Dubrovnik was King’s Landing, Island Lokrum turned into the City of Qarth near the Jade Sea, visited by Daenerys Targaryen in Season II. Some of the scenes were filmed in the Botanical Garden and within the remnants of the Benedictine Monastery.

GRUŽ-TRSTENO-LOKRUM WITH THE NEW SHIP "LACROMA"