Lokrum Island

Lokrum Island's history is deeply rooted in medieval legends and monastic traditions, with its first written mention dating back to 1023 when a Benedictine abbey and monastery were founded. According to local lore, the island provided sanctuary to King Richard the Lionheart in 1192 after he was shipwrecked on his return from the Crusades. In gratitude for his survival, the king vowed to build a church on the spot where his feet first touched dry land, though he was eventually persuaded to fund the construction of Dubrovnik's cathedral instead. For centuries, the Benedictine monks meticulously tended to the island, introducing various exotic plants and creating a peaceful sanctuary. However, the arrival of the French army in 1806 changed the island's fate as the monks were ordered to leave. Before their departure, they allegedly placed a curse on the island, trailing wax from inverted candles along the coastline as they circled it three times. In the mid-19th century, Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Habsburg purchased Lokrum, transforming the monastery into a summer residence and establishing the lush botanical gardens that remain a highlight for visitors today. Today, Lokrum serves as a protected Special Reserve of Forest Vegetation, maintained by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts. It remains uninhabited by law, preserving the ancient legend that forbids anyone from staying overnight. Visitors flock to the island not only for its historical ruins and botanical beauty but also for its connection to modern pop culture, as it served as a filming location for the city of Qarth in the television series Game of Thrones, housing an official replica of the Iron Throne in its visitor center.