Konavle is located at the southern-most tip of Croatia, on the South-eastern part of today’s Dubrovnik Riviera. With the purchase of this area in the 15th century, the Dubrovnik Republic completed its territory. The name Konavle derives from the Latin word “canale”, “canalis”, referring to the water-supply system, which in the Roman era supplied Epidaurus, today’s Cavtat, with water.
Konavle is an area of special natural beauties and contrasts: hills and valleys, mountains and karst, blue and green, or as the Konavle locals would term it: Gornja and Donja banda (Upper and lower banda). Surrounded by hills to the north, the Adriatic Sea to the south, Konave reach to the gulf of Boka Kotorska and peninsula Prevlaka to the east, and to the mild coves of Cavtat and Obod to the west. The central part is the fruitful Konavle field. The preserved nature, unique and highly valuable rural architecture, numerous monuments of the thousand-year history of the region, ancient traditions preserved through folklore, the unique Konavle national costumes and embroidery, the harmony between man and nature—all of this makes Konavle unique and recognisable.
The centre of the municipality Konavle is the medieval town Cavtat, located 19 km south of Dubrovnik. The Ancient Epidaurum was an important Roman colony, which fell with the arrival of the Slaves and Avars. Its inhabitants fled to the neighbouring Laus Rave Ragusa, today’s Dubrovnik. The proximity of Dubrovnik, the rich historical and cultural heritage and the various tourist offering make Cavtat one of the most attractive destinations on the Adriatic.
Of the monuments that need to be seen, the following should be pointed out: the birthplace of Vlaho Bukovac, museum, studio and gallery of one of the most important and well-known Croatian painters, the mausoleum of the family Račić at the St Rok cemetery, a masterpiece of the sculptor Ivan Meštrović, the painting collection of the parochial church of St Nicolas harbouring a valuable sacral treasure and the Bogišić collection with valuable graphics, coins, rare books, paintings and furniture.
For Cilipe it could be said they are the cultural centre of Konavle, known for their folklore events at which tourists can get to know the Konavle tradition and national costumes with the characteristic silk embroidery. The Konavle costume and embroidery are well-known characteristics of this region, not only in Croatia, but in the entire world. The costume used to be an indicator of the social status of Konavle locals, especially with women. The Konavle embroidery is the fundamental decorative element of the women’s costume, which was embroidered on the vest and sleeves. Originally it was embroidered in silk obtained from the silkworm that was reared at home and the silk coloured with natural colours.
To tourists desiring active vacation, the Konavle area offers three bicycle trails, altogether 60 km long, and adventure-enthusiasts will also find something for their enjoyment. Namely, a free rock-climbing rock is located above the Konavle villages Mihanići and Pridvorje, and visitors can also enjoy the excursions Konavle Jeep Safari, ATV Safari and a recreational horseback riding program in Popovići.
More information
Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Association
www.tzdubrovnik.hr
Municipality of Konavle Tourist association
www.tzcavtat-konavle.hr
Municipality of Konavle
www.opcinakonavle.hr
Cultural Art Society Čilipi
www.cilipifolklor.hr