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Lokrum Island near Dubrovnik, Croatia. Photo by Bernard Gagnon on

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about the Island of Lokrum

Lokrum is an island in the Adriatic Sea which is six hundred (1,969 feet) away from the walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The island stretches from northwest to southeast of the city of Dubrovnik. It receives regular ferry services from the Old City port.

The island is mentioned/written in 1023 when the Benedictine abbey and monastery were founded. It might have existed way earlier before the first written mention. Lokrum comes from the Latin name acumen which means sour fruit.

It is derived from the tradition of cultivating exotic plants on the island, a tradition which is believed to have started in the time of the Benedictines. As per history, the last Benedictines left the island of Lokrum in 1808.

The Island of Lokrum is believed by the populace of Croatia to be cursed from way back by the monks. A legend stated that the Benedictine monks of the island were forced to leave by an individual of power who many thinks were the pope or a ruling nobility. The monks were given a set of time to leave the island.

On the actual night of the deadline to leave the island, the monks are said to have travelled off the island dripping a trail of candle wax. This is how they placed a curse on the island and anyone who tried to seek it for their own in the future. Another legend stated that Richard the Lionheart was shipwrecked in 1192 after returning home from the crusades.

He was cast safely ashore on Lokrum. Richard the Lionheart pledged to build a church on the island. However, at the plea of Dubrovnik citizens, the church was built on the mainland instead.

Below are the Top 10 Fascinating Facts about the Island of Lokrum:

1. The First Mention Inhabitants of the Island were Benedictine Monks

The history of the island and its existence is not that clear but there is the first written mention of Lokrum in 1023. During this time, the Benedictine abbey and monastery were founded.

It is believed that the Benedictine monks were the first inhabitants of this island. However, the last Benedictines left the island of Lokrum in 1808.

2. The Island is Believed to be Cursed

Coast of Lokrum Island. Photo by August Dominus on

Several legends have different stories about the island which made the populace of Croatia believe in them. The populace of Croatia believes that the Island of Lokrum is cursed.

This legend states that the Benedictine monks were forced to leave the island by an individual of power. The monks were given a time frame to ensure that they vacated the island.

On the deadline night for the exodus, the monks are said to have travelled the island dripping a trail of candles. During this event, they placed a curse on the island and anyone who tried to seek it for their own in the future.

3. Archduke Maximilian Built a Mansion on the Island

After the Benedictine monks left the island, the ownership of Lokrum was in question. The island was purchased by Maximilian’s wife Charlotte of Mexico with part of her marriage dowry.

Archduke Maximilian Ferdinand of Habsburg decided to build a mansion on the island in 18569. The mansion had a magnificent garden which was crisscrossed with pathways, full of amazing plants and botanical wonders.

The royals managed to retain ownership of Lokrum even after they became Emperor and Empress of Mexico. Emperor Maximilian was executed and the island was surrendered back to the Habsburg family.

4. the Island of Lokrum Sustained 50 Direct Hits by Serbian Artillery during the Croatian War

Ruins on Lokrum island. Photo by Augustus Dominus on

Several changes of ownership of Lokrum were witnessed over the years in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the Croatian war of Independence, the island was affected greatly.

The island of Lokrum sustained fifty direct hits by Serbian Artillery bombardment. This led to the damage of the botanical gardens and the historical Library and the records kept with it burning down.

5. The Benedictine Monastery Still Exists on the Island

A visit to the Island of Lokrum is always interesting and adventurous. There are several medieval monuments to visit on the island. The Benedictine Monastery is one of the most predominant places to visit in Lokrum.

It has been in existence since the 15th century and after the Benedictine monks were forced to leave the island. The Monastery is used for various purposes. A section of it has been converted into a restaurant and the other is a museum. There is a replica of The Iron Throne at the Benedictine Monastery.

6. Charlotte’s Well is on the Island of Lokrum

Lokrum island, Dubrovnik view. Photo by Druid3x on

Maximilian’s wife Charlotte of Mexico used to reside on the island with some of her facilities remaining there up to date. One of the most notable facilities of Charlotte that is on the island is Charlotte’s well.

Charlotte’s well is an oval retaining pond situated on the island. It dates from the era when Maximilian of Habsburg owned the island.

7. A Natural Harbour is Located on the Eastern Side of the Island

The island of Lokrum has natural features which connect it with the Adriatic Sea. With the island covering an area of 0.8 square kilometres, there are some nice points of entry and cliffs.

On the eastern parts of the island, there is some protection from the open sea of the Adriatic. There is a small natural harbour that is in use by tourists and some locals.

8. A Natural Botanical Garden is On Lokrum

Lokrum Island in the Adriatic Sea off Dubrovnik (3). Photo by Richard Mortel on

The island of Lokrum is covered with thick Mediterranean flora and woods. Some of these florae and woods include laurel, oak, pines, cypress and black pines.

There are also olives, agaves, cacti, magnolia and palms. A brilliant botanical garden is also on the island. This botanical garden dates back to the Maximilian era when he built his mansion.

The botanical garden was well preserved for several years with more than 200 species of plant being found there. However, in 2014, the European Rabbit was illegally introduced to the island and has been causing damage to the plants in the garden.

9. The Dead Sea on the Island

On the southern side of the island of Lokrum, there is a small salt lake known as the Dead Sea. This lake is fed from a series of caves and fractures on the island.

The caves and fractures can be observed and traversed from the surrounding Adriatic Sea. It is believed that the lake was formed by the collapse of a large cavern. The Dead Sea lake is a tourist attraction site which is regularly visited by tourists and scuba divers.

10. A Military Emplacement, Fort Royal is on the Island

Fort Royal on Lokrum island, Croatia. Photo by Pudelek (Marcin Szala) on

Another great monument found on the island is Fort Royal. The Fort is a military emplacement that is on the highest peak of the island that overlooks Dubrovnik.

The construction of this fortress began in 1806 under the French Empire. It was completed in 1835 by Austria.