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Lovrjenac Fortress – an Impressive and Unique Setting for Exclusive Events

Imagine a grand gala dinner, a luxurious business banquet, or a boutique conference in a centuries-old fortress, perched on a steep and rocky cliff, overlooking the Old City of Dubrovnik... An indescribable experience! This is precisely what Lovrjenac Fortress offers event organizers – one of the main gems of Dubrovnik's event offerings, also known as one of the most beautiful stages for performances of Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Fort Lovrjenac is a part of the globally renowned Dubrovnik City Walls but stands as a formidable standalone fortress in the western suburbs of Pile. It's no wonder it's also referred to as the "Gibraltar of Dubrovnik." Built on a 37-metre-high cliff, triangular in shape with three levels, its purpose was to protect Dubrovnik from the sea on the western side. The fortress walls facing the sea are between 4 and up to 12 metres thick, while on the side facing the city, they are as thin as 60 centimetres. It was named after St. Lawrence, the patron saint whose church once stood within the fortress, and today, a chapel named after him resides within its structure.

A Turbulent History Woven into Centuries-Old Stone Walls

According to legend, the people of Dubrovnik constructed the fortress in just three months, outpacing the Venetians who had plans to build their tower on the same cliff to oversee Dubrovnik. At the entrance to the fortress, an inscription reads "Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro," which translates to "Freedom is not to be sold for all the gold in the world." Consequently, Lovrjenac became a symbol of resistance against Venice. Historical records indicate that the construction of the fortress began in the early 11^th century, with the earliest preserved mention in archival records dating back to 1301 when one of its many castellans was named.

After the fall of the Republic of Dubrovnik in the 19^th century, Austria converted this fortress into a barracks in 1886 with extensions and modifications. In 1907, it was leased to a hotel company with plans to convert it into a hotel. This decision sparked significant protests from the people of Dubrovnik, leading to the fortress being entrusted to the Society for the Advancement of Dubrovnik's Interests in 1908. In preparation for the PEN International Congress in 1933, which held some of its events within the Lovrjenac premises, the fortress was repaired and partially cleaned of additions. During World War II, it was turned into a prison, but after the war and in 1950, the modifications were removed, and restoration took place.

The fortress's layout is designed around a central courtyard on the ground floor, with spaces originally intended for the garrison and castellans' living quarters, storage for cannons and other weaponry, and communication with other levels. There is also the Chapel of St. Lawrence, and on the eastern mezzanine above the ground floor is the kitchen. Above the ground floor, there are three more levels, mostly consisting of open terraces and defensive platforms with parapets. In the north-western corner, on the second floor, there is a niche with a statue of St. Blaise, sculpted by French artist Jacob de Spinis from Orleans and Korčula native Vicko Lujov in 1559.

A World-Famous Scenic and Event Space

Today, Lovrjenac, or rather its open terraces, serve as a stage for numerous dramatic performances during the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. It gained worldwide recognition as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet, where it transforms into the Danish castle Elsinore. The fact that Lovrjenac is a perfect stage for dramatic performances is further evidenced by its role as the host of the Midsummer Scene Festival. It was also a significant filming location for the globally popular Game of Thrones series produced by HBO.

In addition to dramatic performances, when it can accommodate up to 500 seated guests, the spaces of Lovrjenac are used for organizing various special events such as weddings, cocktail parties, and formal dinners, mostly during the summer months. For such events, the fortress can accommodate up to 200 people, depending on how many levels of the fortress are utilized.

Event organizers can rent the space, and they are free to manage all aspects of setup, catering services, lighting, music, flowers, and more, with mandatory compliance with the City of Dubrovnik's Municipal Regulations.

First Croatian hybrid ship Lacroma

Visit the historical gardens of Dubrovnik with the first Croatian hybrid ship Lacroma

Exploring the beautiful and enchanting gardens of Dubrovnik, including the renowned Trsteno Arboretum and the Lokrum Reserve, by sailing on the first Croatian hybrid ship adds an ideal dimension to a sustainable travel program or incentive trip. It also presents an excellent opportunity for a social program or excursion for participants in professional congresses and business conferences, with a sustainability focus. This is a new tourism product in Dubrovnik that presents these protected natural heritage sites in a special way, with a long-term goal of contributing to sustainable socio-economic development at the local and regional levels.

Dubrovnik is the first Croatian city to incorporate sustainability principles into its tourism management, successfully applying them through the "Respect the City" strategic project and others. These initiatives aim to improve living conditions for the local population and tourists alike. One such project is the promotion of sustainable development of natural heritage called the "Historical Gardens of the Dubrovnik Area," a collaboration between the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts and project partners, including the Public Institution Lokrum Reserve, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, and the Dubrovnik ART Association without borders. As part of this project, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, the Lacroma ship was constructed, introducing this new tourist offering.

An opportunity for a sustainable incentive program or excursion for conference participants

The hybrid catamaran Lacroma is 15 metres long, with a capacity of 50 passengers plus crew, a maximum speed of up to 18 knots, and accessibility for people with disabilities. It's the first hybrid ship for commercial passenger navigation in the Adriatic Sea, built in the Croatian shipyard Dalmont in Kraljevica. The combination of traditional propulsion with modern electric systems reduces emissions of harmful gases while providing comfort, particularly important for sensitive coastal areas.

The Lacroma ship operates regularly three days a week—Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—with prior reservations required. Special tours for groups can also be arranged. The boat trip includes departure from the Gruž harbour to Trsteno Arboretum, the oldest garden architecture monument in Croatia, and a significant architectural and landscape entity from earlier historical periods. It is the only arboretum in Croatia located on the Adriatic coast, known for its historical gardens, ancient olive groves, and an impressive collection of Mediterranean and exotic plants. It gained worldwide fame after being featured in the HBO series Game of Thrones, serving as the backdrop for the lush garden of the powerful Tyrell family.

From Trsteno, Lacroma sails along the beautiful Dubrovnik coastline to the island of Lokrum, a special reserve of forest vegetation included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list as an integral part of the Historic Core of Dubrovnik with its city walls and forts. The island's uniqueness lies in the fact that 90% of its surface is covered by forests, and its botanical garden is home to 800 different plant species. Participants can enjoy a leisurely walk through this beautiful nature, and they may even encounter a peacock strutting through the meadows.

At both locations, participants can independently explore the beauty of the gardens while using interpretive totems. Essential to the experience is a walk along the educational and thematic paths of the historical olive grove at Trsteno Arboretum. The "Historical Gardens of the Dubrovnik Area" project includes expert guidance and educational workshops developed for various target groups, featuring different themes and levels of familiarity with the specificities of these areas, both at Trsteno Arboretum and the Lokrum Reserve.

After touring the historical gardens of Dubrovnik, Lacroma returns its passengers to the Gruž harbour.

Take a culinary journey through Dubrovnik at the Good Food Festival 2023.

As summer gracefully yields to autumn, Dubrovnik comes alive with captivating events. October is reserved for gastronomic delights as the traditional Good Food Festival once again brings treats to foodies. From the 9th to the 22nd of October Dubrovnik will be a culinary extravaganza for all food enthusiasts as the tenth edition of the Good Food Festival, organized by the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, brings a delicious host of event. This jubilee event promises a delectable experience, featuring a diverse array of events that showcase exquisite cuisine and exceptional wines. Also, it is a perfect opportunity to spice up your social event accompanying your meeting, congress, or conference or even to organize a delicious incentive or teambuilding on the city streets.

The festival's rich itinerary comprises an enticing line-up of activities. These include a hands-on workshop on making traditional sweets from the Dubrovnik region and a workshop on the preparation of traditional Dubrovnik dishes. Additionally, the program boasts themed dinners that offer a thematic culinary exploration and learning of the history of dishes. A highlight of the event is a dinner featuring Michelin Star Chef, ensuring a truly exceptional gastronomic experience.

Tours and workshops on Dubrovnik’s culinary heritage

Moreover, the festival collaborates with Dubrovnik's finest restaurants to present special menus, allowing visitors to savour specially curated dishes. For those who seek a more immersive experience, gastronomic tours and workshops are available, providing insights into the city's culinary scene and heritage. Beyond these offerings, a myriad of captivating events is promised, making this edition of the Good Food Festival a must-attend for all who appreciate original, traditional, and contemporary gastronomy.

Year after year, the Good Food Festival has won over countless enthusiasts of culinary arts, drawing them with its blend of authentic, traditional, and innovative dishes. The event's legacy of delighting visitors continues, promising another unforgettable experience for all attendees. Don't miss out on experiencing all the flavours of Dubrovnik, and find a gastronomic experience tailored to your needs in the festival program.

An International Periodontological Congress to be held in Dubrovnik

An International Periodontological Congress to be held in Dubrovnik

This September, Dubrovnik will host another professional international meeting and gather world experts within its centuries-old walls. This time, to discuss advances in Periodontology - from comprehensive reconstructions to new discoveries. Namely, the 19th Biennial Joint Meeting of the International Academy of Periodontology (IAP) and the Croatian Society of Periodontology (HPD) is taking place on 28-30 September in Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.

The International Academy of Periodontology (IAP) organizes an international congress every two years. This year, it will be held for the first time in Croatia, offering a program with worldwide renowned speakers in the field of periodontology and implant dentistry. Dubrovnik has been recognized as an ideal new meeting destination thanks to its historical heritage, natural beauty, mild Mediterranean climate all year round, and direct flights from over 50 European destinations.

International exchange of knowledge for the advancement of periodontal health globally

The mission of IAP is to spread the research and clinical practice of periodontology across the globe and among other dental and medical fields. Through this mission, IAP creates and coordinates outstanding presentations during its biannual scientific meetings, bringing the experts together with the local and regional leaders and trainees of periodontology. IAP promotes international exchanges between nations to contribute to the advancement of periodontal health globally. The academy disseminates by means of publications and educational meetings theories and new scientific and clinical developments in periodontology.

World-class experts and relevant topics

This year’s IAP HPD Congress will be organized in the form of plenary lectures, oral presentations, satellite symposia, e-posters, and workshops. It will provide participants with state-of-the-art lectures focusing on the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases, non-surgical periodontal treatment concept, regenerative periodontal surgery, mucogingival periodontal surgery, prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases, bone regeneration, and implants will provide the participants with predictable, evidence-based treatment concepts for the management of periodontal and peri-implant conditions.

The Congress will also include pre-congress seminars and courses focusing on soft tissue regeneration, decontamination of infected implant surfaces, treatment of peri-implantitis, periodontal regeneration, use of hyaluronic acid in GBR, digital treatment planning in implantology and implants in patients with a history of periodontitis.

Among invited speakers are Darko Božić (Croatia), Raluca Cosgarea (Germany), Nikos Donos (UK), Magda Feres (USA), Ahmed Gamal (Egypt), Filippo Graziani (Italy), Niklaus Lang (Switzerland), Luigi Nibali (UK), Mariano Sanz (Spain), Lior Shapira (Israel), Jamil Shibli (Brazil), Andreas Stavropoulos (Sweden), Shogo Takashiba (Japan), Wim Teughels (Belgium) and other experts.

In addition to the professional and educational program, there will be an exhibition area where manufacturers of equipment, devices, and products as well as of other companies related to periodontology and implant dentistry will be presented.

Untouched Mediterranean Nature of Mljet

Where Green and Blue Conquer with Beauty: Discover the Untouched Mediterranean Nature of Mljet

One of the most secluded natural havens, one of the oldest marine parks in the Mediterranean, and, according to many, one of the most beautiful islands in the Adriatic – it's the perfect location for an unforgettable incentive. The island of Mljet is a natural oasis in the Adriatic Sea, just 20 nautical miles away from Dubrovnik. Located northwest of Dubrovnik, you can reach it by boat, passing by the stunning Elaphite Islands.

The island was mentioned as early as the 4^th century BC in Greek writings, and numerous findings of Greek amphorae and sunken ships along the island's shores further confirm its ancient history. With such a long history, this island boasts an exceptionally rich cultural and historical heritage. Alongside the natural wonder of saltwater lakes, a medieval Benedictine monastery, and the magnificent nature of forests and sea, it's no wonder that the north-western part of the island was declared a National Park in 1960. Whether you are in Dubrovnik for business or pleasure, dedicate a day to explore Mljet – on your own or with a group.

You can reach Mljet by catamaran from Dubrovnik, private tours on smaller group speedboats, sailboats, or larger vessels, most of which dock in the harbours of Polače and Pomena. Depending on the size and characteristics of your group, the local DMC partner will gladly recommend the best option.

Colours and Scents of Nature on the Green Island

The National Park is located on the north-western side of the island and has three official entrances, with ticket prices varying by season. Among the natural beauties, the most prominent are the captivating saltwater lakes, Veliko and Malo jezero, (Big and Small Lake) which serve as a major magnet for visitors. They are significant geomorphological and oceanographic phenomena – bays submerged by the sea. You can swim in them, and Malo jezero retains a high sea temperature even in colder months, allowing for swimming even then.

Visitors are also enthralled by the stunning geomorphological site of Zakamenica on the park's southern coast, resembling an amphitheatre, formed by the action of waves on the cliffs. Within the National Park, you'll find the aforementioned villages of Polače and Pomena. Polače is a naturally sheltered bay with four islets, making it very popular among sailors.

Besides the National Park, the rest of the island is graced with exquisite natural beauty. There are natural beaches ideal for relaxation and leisure, offering an opportunity to refresh in the sea through swimming, weather permitting. For example, the bay of Saplunara on the eastern part of the island is renowned for its sandy beaches, Mala and Velika Saplunara. The tranquil sandy beach of Limuni, surrounded by Mediterranean pine trees and crystal-clear waters, is perfect for sunbathing.

Amidst the colours and scents of this island, historically known as the "green" one, you can enjoy numerous activities such as hiking along the lake trails, ascending to the peaks of Montokuc and Veliki Sladin Gradac, kayaking, cycling, or diving in its bays.

While exploring the island, you mustn't miss another natural attraction – Odysseus's Cave. It's a karstic depression with a collapsed ceiling, named after the legend that Odysseus stayed there with the nymph Calypso after his shipwreck, yearning for his home and wife Penelope. Under suitable weather conditions, you can enter the cave by boat from the sea.

Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage and Authentic Gastronomy

Mljet was visited and inhabited by the Illyrians, Greeks, and Romans, followed by Benedictines in the Middle Ages, and it eventually became a part of the Republic of Dubrovnik. Many small fortresses and tombstones from the Illyrian period are preserved, with the best-preserved ones located on the hill Veliki Gradac of Veliko jezero and Gradac of Vodice near Babino Polje.

The Roman palace, an impressive fortified structure located in Polače, dates back to the 5^th century and is the third-largest Roman monument on the Croatian Adriatic coast, after Diocletian's Palace in Split and the Arena in Pula. Nearby, you can also find the remains of Roman baths and an early Christian basilica.

The icing on the cake and an essential stop when visiting Mljet is its unofficial symbol – the islet of St. Mary and the 12^th century Benedictine monastery located on the southern side of Veliko jezero. The Benedictines owned this part of the island for centuries, carefully maintaining it through frequent reforestation and planting of vegetation.

In addition to natural beauty and historical sites, Mljet boasts excellent gastronomy featuring high-quality local ingredients and outstanding service. This culinary tradition has been nurtured since the Roman times and is presented today in the island's restaurants and taverns. The charm of authentic cuisine is undoubtedly enhanced by an abundance of quality fish, shellfish, and other seafood.

Mljet, at any time of the year, will offer visitors a unique experience of unspoiled nature, a rich culture, authentic customs, as well as a mild Mediterranean climate and quality cuisine.

Hrvoje Ljubimir interview

Hrvoje Ljubimir: Dubrovnik Continuously Meets the Specific Needs of International Event Organizers and Evolves

Hrvoje Ljubimir, BSc in Economics, is a doyen of the Croatian meeting industry and the owner and commercial and operational advisor of the Dubrovnik PCO agency Adria Kongres. He began his career in tourism at Atlas, one of the largest Croatian travel agencies at the time, and continued at the company Kongresni servis Dubrovnik, specializing in conference technology. After more than 25 years of experience, he opened his own PCO and DMC agency, Adria Kongres, which has been successfully operating for over 13 years. His impressive experience in organizing all types of business events, both in Dubrovnik and throughout Croatia and the region, makes him an ideal interlocutor regarding event organization. So, we spoke with him about the secrets of successful organization and the advantages of Dubrovnik as a meeting destination.

• You have organized numerous international congresses in Dubrovnik during your long career. Can you mention some of the largest ones – how many participants did they gather, and where were they held?

The largest ones included EPC (European Poultry Congress), EABCT (European Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies), ICCN (International Congress on Cultural Heritage of Non-Material Culture), European Congress of Prosthodontics, Paediatric Congress, Endocrinology Congress, etc. They gathered up to 1,600 participants and were held at various hotels on the Dubrovnik Riviera. Initially, these were the Croatia, Rixos (formerly Libertas), and Excelsior hotels. Today, due to the growing demands of organizers, we can also accommodate them at Valamar hotels, Royal hotels, Dubrovnik Riviera led by the Sheraton Hotel, ALH hotels, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, as well as the Hilton Imperial Hotel, and Lafodia on Lopud.

This fact unquestionably indicates that Dubrovnik continuously strives to be an excellent host for international congresses by meeting the specific needs and preferences of organizers.

Participants of professional congresses are great promoters of Dubrovnik as a meeting and tourist destination.

• Dubrovnik is a desirable and renowned meeting and incentive destination. Who are your most frequent clients, and which of them mostly seek Dubrovnik – are they corporations, associations, domestic or international organizers?

Yes, it would be strange if Dubrovnik weren't a real magnet for meeting organizers. In this destination, we recognize a blend of centuries-old culture, natural beauty, favourable climate conditions, and, above all, the professional approach of tourism professionals and their associates in providing top-notch services. It's hard for me to single out any of the partners you mentioned as dominant. However, I would highlight domestic organizers, many of whom deserve great recognition for their effort and enthusiasm. With their reputation in the industry they come from, they have managed to bring numerous top experts to Croatia, who, upon returning to their home country, became significant promoters of our destination. They contribute not only to future meetings but also to tourists who want to come here for vacations.

• Dubrovnik abounds in hotels, as well as historical locations and venues for organizing conferences, congresses, receptions, and more. Which ones are your favourites, and why?

Apart from the hotel offering itself, Dubrovnik can offer an attractive program at beautiful locations such as the terrace (and indoor space) of Revelin Fortress, Lovrjenac Fortress, Sponza Palace, Rector's Palace, and others. Equally attractive are the Lokrum Island, Elaphite Islands, Cavtat, including Konavle and Konavoski Dvori, and the Pelješac Peninsula with its famous wines and wineries. Each of these locations can provide a uniquely interesting program, ensuring the active involvement of participants.

It's difficult to say which ones are my favourites. Our task is to recognize the group's character and objectively inform the organizer about the facts. Sometimes, the organizer prefers to be closer to the city centre, while in other cases, it's more convenient to be a bit farther away. Being in nature, near the sea, can also be a crucial detail. Therefore, the organizer's thinking as a client is a much more important factor than what we might personally prefer. We choose the venue that is most suitable for a particular event.

Incentive groups seek innovation in offerings and are suitable for an individual approach to each guest.

• What kinds of incentive programs do you offer, and which ones are the most popular or the ones that most delight participants?

For incentive programs, it's crucial to know the group: the age of the participants, what activities interest them the most, the time of year when the program will take place, and so on. Only then do we create the program, never a template one that has been used in previous incentives. We organize them, for example, within the city walls, where participants get to know the city's landmarks and interesting locations in more detail through various tasks and games. We also offer an attractive recreational program where participants explore the broader Dubrovnik region. Boat trips are common, and cycling is not rare either. Incentive groups are smaller than congresses, but for us in the tourism industry, they are more challenging. They are suitable for an individual approach to each guest, which encourages us to satisfy all their wishes and prepare pleasant surprises.

• Do you participate in destination bids for international events, and how do you collaborate with the Dubrovnik Convention Bureau?

We actively follow Croatian organizers from the very beginning, while they are still just candidates to host an international meeting. Their victory means the victory of Croatia and Dubrovnik over other European and global destinations. For example, in the Norwegian city of Stavanger in 2014, I used my experience from my student days to greet participants of various congresses and incentives in Latin while dressed as a prince, in the spirit of the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Olympics. I welcomed the participants of the European Poultry Congress (EPC) with the aim of having them vote for Dubrovnik as the host of the next meeting in 2018. I can proudly say that our team, led by a professional organizer and representatives of our agency, succeeded in that project. Of course, we also collaborate with the Dubrovnik Tourist Board – Convention Bureau, whose support is highly commendable. They diligently monitor all our needs and are ready to help us in every possible way.

• In your experience, what is most important for international event organizers when choosing a destination for their events? Does Dubrovnik generally meet these requirements?

For organizers of international meetings, the most critical question is the venue, including accompanying spaces and equipment we offer. The professional program must be presented in the best possible way. The social program, as its complement and "decoration," understandably plays a secondary role – but that doesn't mean it's unimportant. In collaboration with the mentioned hotels, it's possible to meet the first and most crucial requirements. As for the relaxing moments of congress participants, we stretch our imagination to offer them a sufficiently attractive incentive program, preferably different from what they have experienced at previous meetings. Through the provided content, we aim to connect the participants as much as possible, bringing them closer on an individual level to ensure more efficient future cooperation. Organizers highly value this. All of this is facilitated by the excellent air connections to our city.

It is important to realistically assess all relevant circumstances for hosting a specific congress.

• The job of a professional event organizer is very stressful because there is always the possibility that something could go wrong. What would you say is most important for quality preparation, what is your recipe for minimizing stress, and ensuring high-quality collaboration with the organizer and suppliers?

I agree with your observation: this job is extremely stressful. In order to avoid unnecessary stressful situations, it is crucial to have a reliable and experienced team of colleagues - translators, guides, operators, drivers, technicians, hostesses, and all others.

Additionally, it is very important to realistically assess all relevant circumstances for hosting the congress, in each individual case. It happens that organizers, inspired by the enthusiasm of their colleagues from previous programs, forget which season their congress is planned for and come up with highly risky plans with unrealistic expectations. Similarly, many organizers think that the event's execution happens almost automatically, without realizing how detailed and often very demanding preparation contributes to a successful realization. The illusion of spontaneity, where everything runs smoothly without visible interventions, is proof of the success of the preparation. Sometimes, it's necessary to be persistent and define all the details with the organizer until the very end - for example, presenting the financial structure related to all their desires so they immediately know where they stand - whether there is coverage or if it needs to be sought, or whether they need to rethink everything again. As tiring as it may be for those who underestimate the organization's tasks, our insistence on details usually proves to be a prerequisite for them to feel comfortable and relaxed during the congress.

After that, expressions of gratitude regularly follow, along with smiles and later recommendations of our agency to colleagues and acquaintances for new events.


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