Did you know that the first quarantine station in the world was made in Dubrovnik and that it still stands to this day? Each sailor coming to the Dubrovnik Republic (also known as the Republic of Ragusa) needed to spend some time in quarantine before he was allowed to enter the city. That building was called Lazareti Dubrovnik, and you can still see it nowadays near the Ploče Gate. Living in the times ofthe Dubrovnik Republic was turbulent because of all the events and plagues that were happening in Europe in that period.
For a long time, the local islands were used as quarantine sites before the Lazareti were built on the edge of the city. They were built in the 17th century and soon became one of the most unique landmarks of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik was a large trading hub at that time, and many visitors from all around the world visited it. Can you imagine what it was like to walk the Dubrovnik streets in that medieval period? In this article, we will uncover the most important facts about the Dubrovnik Lazareti – the first quarantine complex in the world.
A Brief History of Lazareti Lazareti (known as Lazzarettos of Dubrovnik) was constructed in stages between 1590 and 1642 by the Republic of Ragusa (modern-day Dubrovnik). A growing threat of plague and infectious diseases in that period made it necessary to protect the citizens of Dubrovnik, which was a thriving trade hub. Many travelers and merchants were coming to Dubrovnik, and some of them were infected with contagious diseases.
Anybody who was coming from a disease-stricken land needed to spend a month in the Dubrovnik quarantine before they were able to enter the city. There were severe punishments for anyone disobeying this order, too. The decision to build the first wooden quarantines and later the Lazareti Dubrovnik was made after the city was struck with the plague epidemics that killed a few thousand people back in 1348.
Dubrovnik Lazareti was part of a broader network of quarantine buildings on the Adriatic.
It’s believed that the term “Lazaret” is derived from Lazarus , the patron saint of lepers, or from the name of the hospital of St. Lazarus in Rome in which the people of that time were treated.
Travelers arriving in Dubrovnik were required to spend 30 days in quarantine before they were able to enter the city.
This quarantine system in Dubrovnik helped in maintaining trade and economic success while keeping epidemics and diseases in control. Soon enough, many other cities across Europe started to implement this model and built their own quarantines.
Architecture and Layout The Dubrovnik Lazareti complex is made up of ten interconnected stone halls and five courtyards . All of them are enclosed by thick fortress-like walls. Dubrovnik quarantine had a strategic location just outside the city walls, which gave it direct access to the harbor so the sailors from these ships were able to observe the unloading of the goods they brought. The original Lazareti were damaged by fire in the late 19th century and some additions were made during their rebuilding process.
Today, Lazareti retains much of its original layout, and has preserved vaulted ceilings, arched passageways , and stone courtyards that reflect Dubrovnik’s Renaissance and Baroque heritage.
Lazareti Dubrovnik Today: A Cultural and Creative Hub Lazareti Dubrovnik today is far from its quarantine and medical origins. They are a multifunctional cultural center hosting a variety of events, such as:
Art exhibitions Live music performances and concerts Theatre and dance shows Workshops and community events Electronic music nights and DJ sets Weddings
Lazareti of Dubrovnik is also home to several local organizations (like Linđo Ansamble) and NGOs with a goal of heritage preservation, youth programs, and the arts .
Visiting Lazareti You can easily visit Lazareti nowadays, and they are located near the Ploče Gate, some 300 meters from the Old Town. You can also spot this Dubrovnik quarantine complex when walking in Dubrovnik’s Old Port. Also, make sure you descend down the stairs by the Lazareti and explore the Komarda Beach, one of the best viewpoints in Dubrovnik .
Here’s how to reach this unique quarantine complex and what to expect:
Location: In between Banje Beach and Ploče GateOpening Hours: Depending on events, cultural spaces are open during exhibitions or performancesEntry Fee: Free to enter the complex, but some events may have a ticket. Also, you can’t explore much since most of the rooms are used by different organizations. Still, you might enter the open spaces or lađa’s how they are called in CroatianBest Time to Visit: Evening hours if you’re looking for nightlife or during the day for different cultural events
Tips for Travelers Here are some final tips when it comes to visiting Lazareti:
Make sure you check the event calendar – there’s often something happening, from different kinds of concerts to dance workshops.
Visit the art galleries and small studios that are located inside the complex.
It’s also a peaceful place for a break from the crowds-especially in the shaded courtyards and cafes.
Before you venture to explore the Dubrovnik quarantine Lazareti has a huge historical importance in the development of Dubrovnik . Who knows what the city would look like today if this quarantine complex hadn’t been built at all. By building them, Dubrovnik once more proved how it was ahead of its time, and many other cities started to build their quarantines following the Dubrovnik case. So if you’re looking for an extra location to visit, we suggest walking to the Lazareti, drinking a cup of coffee in a relatively peaceful environment, and visiting the Komarda Beach located just below this quarantine.
Enjoy your stay in Dubrovnik!
