Washed by the gentle waves of the warm Adriatic Sea, the small picturesque island of Lokrum has long been considered a realm of pristine nature in Croatia. Everyone who arrives in Dubrovnik and nearby cities comes here at least for a day. Even though its area is less than one square kilometer, the island keeps many secrets, like the story of the ancient curse of the monks of the Benedictine monastery.

According to local legend, it all began at the beginning of the 11th century: a huge fire broke out on St. Benedict's Day, destroying most of all the wooden structures on the island. Fortunately, the fire was suppressed. In gratitude for the miraculous survival, the locals built a monastery and a church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Benedictine monks lived peacefully on the island for some time, side by side with the locals. They grew lemons and oranges, as well as yellow sour fruit called Acrumen, which, by the way, gave the name to the island of Lokrum. However, their happiness was short-lived. French Emperor Napoleon favored the island and ordered to demolish the monastery and build a powerful stone fort in its place. The monks humbly left the island, but cast a curse so that from that moment on "no one would dare to use the island for personal gain". Nevertheless, the fort was built (it still rises above the island). But everyone who took part in the eviction of the Benedictines became poor like "church mice" and then died.

Today, Lokrum belongs to the state. It is inhabited only by proud beautiful peacocks, who gladly take treats from all travelers.

In addition to the ancient ruins of a Benedictine monastery and the French Fort Royal Castle, there is a charming botanical garden founded by the future Emperor of Mexico, Maximilian I, during his stay on the island in the middle of the 19th century.

Besides, Lokrum is famous for its equipped pebble beaches and crystal clear inshore waters.