Venue

Numerous remnants of the ancient settlements of Illyrian, Greek and Roman origin are still living all around the town and its surroundings. Founded in the 6th century B.C.as a Greek settlement called Epidauros it later became known as the Roman colony Epidaurum.

In the 7th c. A.D., after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the invasion of Avars and Slavs Epidaurum was destroyed. The majority of its citizens fled northwest and founded a new town of Ragusa (today's Dubrovnik).

In the 15th century Cavtat became part of the Dubrovnik Republic, sharing its glorious history. The prosperity and independence of the Dubrovnik Republic over the centuries relied on its wealth and skilled diplomacy which ensured its free maritime trade throughout the Ottoman Empire and elsewhere as a rival to Venice. The economic wealth of the Republic enabled Dubrovnik to become the cradle of Croatian literature and a leading Croatian cultural and scientific center of the time.

Today, Dubrovnik is one of the most attractive and famous cities of the Mediterranean. Apart from well-preserved cultural and historical heritage it also attracts many visitors all around the world due to its natural beauties, cultural and artistic life that make it attractive place all over the year.   

The prosperity of the Dubrovnik Republic was also reflected in the economic and cultural development of Cavtat. It is the home town of Baltazar Bogišić (Doctor of law, 19/ 20 c.), a passionate collector and a member of the Yugoslav Academy of Sciences and Arts (today, the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts) from the time of its foundation as well as a member of several European Academies.

His collection comprises over 35 000 items, including valuable rare books, incunabulas, manuscripts, maps, antique medals and coins kept in the Rector's Palace. Cavtat is also the home town of the famous Croatian painter Vlaho Bukovac (born in 1855) whose house is today a museum and art gallery.

The Račić family mausoleum at the cemetery of St. Rocco on the hill overlooking the town is a masterpiece by the famous Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Sandy beaches, clear blue sea and lush Mediterranean vegetation give special charm to Cavtat. The vicinity of Dubrovnik and the beautiful hinterland of Konavle make it an even more attractive place.