A mere 600 meters from Dubrovnik's historic harbor lies Lokrum Island, a place of stunning natural beauty that carries a centuries-old curse haunting Croatia's most infamous isle.

The Origins of Lokrum Island and Its Monastery

Ancient history runs deep through Lokrum's lush landscapes, with prehistoric traces still visible today. Dubrovnik Museums found that there was evidence of prehistoric burial remains, though the island's documented story starts with its monks.

The founding of the Benedictine monastery

The year 1023 marks the first written record of Lokrum, when a Benedictine abbey and monastery took root. Some records hint that monks might have settled there earlier, around 915 AD. The island's first residents were hermits who lived by St. Basil's rule.

Dubrovnik Archbishop Vital and the city prior played key roles in establishing the monastery. They asked Benedictine Peter Gučetić from St. Mary Abbey in Italy's Apulia region to build a monastic community. A local Dubrovnik man, Leon, became the first abbot. The Lokrum monastery managed to keep strong ties with Montecassino, the famous Benedictine motherhouse.

The vow made by Dubrovnik citizens

One of the most fascinating stories linked to Lokrum’s history is its connection to Richard the Lionheart, King of England. In 1192, while returning from the Third Crusade in Palestine, Richard’s fleet was caught in a fierce storm in the Adriatic Sea. Fearing for his life, he vowed to build two churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary if he survived, one at the place where he first set foot on land and another in his homeland.

When news spread that the English king had found refuge near Dubrovnik, the city’s leaders saw an opportunity. They persuaded Richard to fund the construction of a grand church in Dubrovnik, promising that they themselves would build a smaller one on Lokrum Island. The agreement was honored, Richard contributed to the building of Dubrovnik’s cathedral, while locals erected the Church of the Annunciation on Lokrum, fulfilling both parts of the king’s vow.

Early religious and cultural significance

The monastery grew into a spiritual and cultural hub during medieval times. It served the community as both a hospital and almshouse until the mid-15th century. A major milestone came in 1149 when the Roman Curia gave the miter to the Lokrum Abbot, making the abbey's leaders the first prelates of the Dubrovnik Church after the archbishop.

The monks owned all of the island and proved themselves skilled farmers. They fostered vineyards, orchards, olive groves, and ornamental gardens. The monastery expanded greatly in the 12th century with a new three-nave and three-apse church.

Sea Heart of Dubrovnik's Panoramic Cruise gives you a chance to explore these ancient ruins today. The boat tour reveals unique views of the monastery complex you can't see from land, so you can truly appreciate this remarkable site while exploring the island's hidden caves and rugged coastline.

The Curse That Changed Everything

Lokrum's paradise turned into darkness in 1798 when Napoleon's forces reached the Adriatic. The Dubrovnik Republic struggled with economic troubles, and a French army general demanded the monastery's immediate closure and the Benedictine monks' expulsion. The task of delivering this devastating news fell to three noble families - Gozze, Pozza, and Sorgo.

The expulsion of the Benedictines

The monks had lived peacefully on Lokrum island for nearly 800 years before facing this impossible situation. They desperately asked to stay in their island sanctuary, but both the Dubrovnik Republic and Pope Pius VI had made their final decision. The monks had built their lives on this paradise island, which made their forced departure in the winter of 1798-1799 heart-wrenching.

The candle ritual and the curse

The Benedictines performed a ritual on their final night that would shape Lokrum's destiny forever. They gathered in the Church of St. Mary for one last solemn mass. The monks put on their hooded black cloaks and formed a mournful procession.

The events that followed became legendary. The monks walked slowly around the island's edge, one by one, holding upside-down candles. Hot wax dripped along their path throughout the night as they walked around Lokrum three complete times. This haunting ritual lasted until dawn broke over the Adriatic.

The chilling words of the monks

The monks chanted no prayers during their night procession. Instead, they repeated a curse with each step: "Whosoever claims Lokrum for his own personal pleasure shall be damned!". They boarded boats at daybreak, exhausted from their night-long ritual, and left forever without looking back at their beloved island.

The curse's effects reportedly struck immediately. The three nobles who had promoted the monks' removal met terrible ends - one drowned at sea, another jumped to death from a window, and a servant murdered the third.

Visitors can now experience this chilling history through Sea Heart of Dubrovnik's Panoramic Cruise, which circles these cursed shores where the monks took their fateful walk.

Tragic Legends of Lokrum’s Owners

According to local legend, the Benedictine monks cast a curse upon leaving Lokrum Island, warning that anyone who tried to claim the island for personal pleasure would be doomed. Over time, stories of misfortune among its later owners gave strength to this belief, and the so-called “Lokrum curse” became a lasting part of Dubrovnik’s folklore.

Archduke Maximilian and the Mexican Empire

One of the most famous figures connected to Lokrum Island was Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Habsburg. Historical records confirm that he purchased the island in 1859 and built a beautiful summer residence surrounded by exotic plants and a botanical garden.

Local tales link his later tragedy to the Lokrum curse. In 1864, Maximilian accepted the Mexican crown, only to be captured and executed by republican forces three years late-a fate that many believe fulfilled the monks’ warning.

The Mayerling Tragedy of Crown Prince Rudolf

Legends also associate the curse with another member of the Habsburg family - Crown Prince Rudolf, son of Emperor Franz Joseph I. While there’s no solid proof he owned Lokrum Island, local stories insist he had ties to it. His life ended tragically in 1889 during the infamous Mayerling incident, a murder-suicide that shocked Europe and further fueled the myth of Lokrum’s dark past.

Even today, visitors can hear these tales while exploring the island by sea. Sea Heart of Dubrovnik’s Panoramic Cruise offers the chance to visit hidden caves around Lokrum and learn more about the legends that still echo along its mysterious shores.

Modern Legends and How to Explore Them

The curse of Lokrum runs deep in local consciousness today and shapes how people interact with this mysterious isle.

Why locals avoid staying overnight

No one can stay overnight on Lokrum - it's strictly forbidden. While park authorities point to conservation needs, locals say the curse is the real reason. The last evening ferry takes away all hotel staff and restaurant workers. A waiter's response shows real worry: "Everyone must leave before night. Nobody stays on the island. It's forbidden".

Superstitions about taking items from the island

The island's superstitions are strong. Taking anything from Lokrum - even a tiny pebble - brings terrible luck. Tales abound of fishermen who vanished near Lokrum's shores and visitors who never returned from their nighttime adventures.

Game of Thrones filming and the Iron Throne

HBO's Game of Thrones turned Lokrum into the magical city of Qarth. The island's former Benedictine monastery now houses a special exhibition. Visitors can see an interactive map of Croatian filming locations and the original Iron Throne - a gift to Croatia after filming wrapped up.

Explore caves with a local on a boat tour

During your Dubrovnik boat tour, you can visit two remarkable sea caves that are accessible only by boat. The first stop is Betina Cave, a hidden gem carved into the rocks beneath Dubrovnik's cliffs. Known as a favorite spot for local kayakers, this cave features a small pebble beach and stunningly clear Adriatic waters.

A short ride away lies Pigeons Cave on Lokrum Island, where the sound of the sea echoes inside the rocks while flocks of birds circle above the cliffs. The cave's wild beauty and mysterious atmosphere make it one of Lokrum's most intriguing natural sights.

Exploring these caves by sea gives you a completely different perspective of Dubrovnik's coastline - and joining a local guided boat tour is the best way to experience their hidden beauty up close.

Sea Heart of Dubrovnik's Panoramic Cruise and Sunset Boat Tour

Sea Heart of Dubrovnik takes visitors around Lokrum's haunted shores. Their 45-minute Panoramic Cruise shows off the island's sea caves and marine life. The Sunset Boat Tour lets you see breathtaking views as golden light falls on "Dubrovnik's 'green oasis'".

Visit Lokrum Island with Sea Heart of Dubrovnik and explore caves with a local to learn the island's hidden stories from the sea.

Explore island Lokrum

Lokrum Island is a paradoxical paradise - a place of stunning natural beauty with a dark past. The Benedictine monks' curse still looms over the centuries and affects everyone from local fishermen to European royalty. Notwithstanding that, this mysterious island draws curious travelers who want to find its secrets firsthand.

Sea Heart of Dubrovnik's guided tours let you safely explore this fascinating mix of history, legend, and natural wonder. Their Panoramic Cruise gives you a unique viewpoint of Lokrum's rugged coastline and hidden caves in daylight, while the Sunset Boat Tour shows off the island bathed in golden evening light. Each tour pairs you with a local guide who shares spellbinding stories about the island's mysterious past.

The boat tours reveal parts of Lokrum you can't reach on foot and offer exclusive views of the ancient monastery where the infamous curse began. You'll also see the striking contrast between Dubrovnik's lively Old Town and this eerily empty isle just minutes away.

Lokrum Island promises an unforgettable experience, whether you believe in ancient curses or just love stunning Mediterranean landscapes. Join Sea Heart of Dubrovnik to explore caves with a local and uncover the island's hidden stories from the sea.