Lopud Island
Lopud Island
Nestled in the Elaphiti archipelago near Dubrovnik, Lopud Island is a serene, car-free haven with a history dating back to ancient Greeks and Romans. Once a maritime powerhouse during the Republic of Ragusa’s Golden Age, its legacy includes monasteries, old Slavonic churches, and a thriving culture of shipbuilding and trade. Today, Lopud is home to around 270 residents, surrounded by lush pine forests, olive groves, and citrus orchards, basking in over 2,500 hours of sunshine each year. The island is also home to Šunj Beach, famed for its soft sand and vibrant pine surroundings, offering one of the most peaceful beach experiences in the Dubrovnik region.
Grand Hotel
Since the 19th century, Lopud has been a sought-after retreat, blending natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. The Grand Hotel, designed by architect Nikola Dobrović, marked the start of Lopud’s modern tourism era. Though awaiting full renovation, its gardens, recently revitalized by Ponta Lopud, have become a centerpiece for the island’s cultural renaissance. Towering palm trees and vibrant greenery provide the perfect backdrop for the Ponta Lopud Jazz Concerts, reestablishing this iconic landmark as a venue for creativity and connection.
RMH Lopud Lafodia, Resort & Wellness
On the northern side of the island, RMH Lopud Lafodia Resort & Wellness boasts a stunning pebble beach and provides an intimate setting for open-air film screenings by the sea, merging cinematic magic with the tranquility of Lopud’s coastal beauty.
The Franciscan Monastery – Lopud 1483
Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza, a world-renowned art collector and philanthropist, spent over 20 years restoring a 15th-century Franciscan Monastery on Lopud that had lain empty and decaying for 200 years. Today, the monastery is home to artworks from three generations of the Thyssen family, spanning the Renaissance to the present day, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts. This historic site continues to host Ponta Lopud events, blending artistic legacy with contemporary cultural exchanges.
Your Black Horizon Art Pavilion
The ‘Your Black Horizon Art Pavilion,’ created by artist Olafur Eliasson and architect David Adjaye, was commissioned by Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary and debuted at the 51st Venice Biennale in 2005. Since 2007, it has been situated on Lopud Island, offering visitors a unique experience blending art, architecture, and nature. The pavilion also serves as a venue for Ponta Lopud masterclasses, connecting participants to this extraordinary creative space.
Lopud Artist Retreat
Organized by the Lopud Art Foundation, founded by architects Steven Harris and Lucien Rees Roberts, the Lopud Artist Retreat offers a month-long, all-expenses-covered residency for selected artists. Held twice a year in restored 15th- and 16th-century villas, it provides a space for reflection and creation. Past Ponta Lopud Festival Fellows have been among the invited, continuing the festival’s mission of nurturing emerging talent in an intimate setting.
The Rector’s Palace
The 15th-century Rector’s Palace, a Gothic-Renaissance landmark, once served as the seat of local governance during Lopud’s maritime prominence within the Dubrovnik Republic. From 1457 to 1808, 443 rectors managed the island’s affairs from this striking building. Restored by the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities, the palace retains its historical and cultural significance. Today, it is a hub for Ponta Lopud’s masterclasses, lectures, and workshops, continuing to serve as a center for education and artistic inspiration.