Cavtat is a Croatian city with a long history. Founded by the Greeks in the fourth century BC under the name of Epidauros. The town changed its name to Epidaurum when it came under Roman rule in 228 BC. During the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey (49 BC), it lined up in favor of the former and was later besieged by Octavian, but was saved by the arrival of the consul. Later it became a Roman colonia and was occupied during the Gothic Wars by a fleet sent by the emperor Justinian (535-54 AD).
The city was sacked and destroyed by the Avars and Slavs in the 7th century. Refugees from Epidaurum fled to the nearby island, Laus (Ragusa) which over time evolved into the city of Dubrovnik.From that moment Cavtat was always under the control of powerful neighbour.
Some legends mention Cavtat as the darling of the gods, nature and people. Other legend connects the name of Cavtat with the old Croatian verb “captiti”, which means “to flourish” The modern Croatian name for the city reveals the ancient origin and the link with Dubrovnik: Cavtat is a derived from Civitas Vetus, the name by which the Dubrovnikans called their old city.
Today Cavtat, a small town by the sea, situated 18 km south from Dubrovnik. This is town of beautiful palaces, summer houses and apartments, mild climate, rich vegetation, gorgeous bays, the town of beautiful beaches (stony, rocky, concrete and sandy beaches)… Spending your holidays in Cavtat is great choice if you are looking for quiet oasis by the sea… You can enjoy walking, relaxing and enjoying your holidays in peace… special touch to the whole place gives a traditional life and preserved customs… Cavtat has 7 km long promenades through dense pine forest which will give you unforgettable moments of relaxation. Cavtat is a town that lives for tourism; therefore families as well as young people will find something for themselves here.
Every hour there is bus from Cavtat to Dubrovnik and also from Dubrovnik to Cavtat. It is bus number 10 and ticket price is about 3 euro. From Cavtat to Dubrovnik you can also go by boat which drives several times a day. This great connection is also the reason why Cavtat is so popular and gladly visited. Also, Cavtat is situated just 5 km from Dubrovnik airport.
There are more then 4 000 inhabitants and this number increases with tourists during the summer. There are many restaurants, bars, 3-4 markets, open market with fresh vegetables, post office, bank, tourist board, fitness centre, tennis courts, diving school, water sports and many other activities Cavtat can offer. It is favorable destination for families with children since it is offering nice beaches adapted for kids and it is very quiet and nice for kids there.
Also you can visit Mausoleum of the Racic family which holds many symbolisms of life, death and birth, as well as the three main stages of human destiny. It is a unique beauty that seems to sail above the sunny sea and pine, cypress and palm lines, like a white swan of eternity.
The birth House of Vlaho Bukovac, one of the most famous Croatian painters and the forefather of the Croatian modern painting. You can enjoy in beautiful architecture, garden space and the location in the very heart of the town.
Baltazar Bogisic Collection – Baltazar Bogisic was a jurist and a scientist of a European fame. In the Collection are deposited more than 35.000 different items.
St. Nicola’s Church Picture Gallery This valuable collection of paintings, sculptures and church liturgical pottery
In Cavtat you will also find well preserved Roman statues, such as the remnants of a theatre, old city walls, aqueduct, and a number of old palaces…
