Useful Information
Currency & Exchange
The basic Croatian currency unit is the kuna, made up of 100 lipa. Foreign currency can be exchanged for local money at banks, post offices and exchange offices, according to the valid rates of exchange. Visit the exchange office on the Web for valid exchange rates. 1 EUR = 7,4 HRK.
Credit cards, Shopping
Foreigners can claim a sales tax refund within one year for purchased goods. Don’t forget to ask the salesman to fill out the tax refund form when purchasing goods. All major credit cards are normally accepted throughout Croatia, as advertised at points of sale, such as: American Express, Diners Club, Euro Card/Master Card, Visa, JCB, and Eurocheques. Traveler’s Cheques are also accepted.
Customs
Customs Administration of the Republic of Croatia: www.carina.hr
Climate
The geographical position of Dubrovnik/Cavtat is typical of the classic Mediterranean climate. The average air temperature during the day in late May is around 24°C, while evening temperatures generally drop to around 19°C. The sea temperature is around 23°C, and beaches are refreshed by the gentle Maestral - the messenger of nice weather. We suggest a light jacket and/or sweater as evenings may be cool.
Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz
GSM operators
Currently there are three GSM operators offering the GSM service in Croatia.
T Com operating under +385 98 xxxxxxx and +385 99 xxxxxxx.
VIPnet operating under +385 91 xxxxxxx
TELE2 operating under +385 95 xxxxx
Please contact your local GSM operator to check the availability and the costs of roaming services.
Internet connection
Internet connections are available in all hotels via wireless or dial-up network - please contact the reception desk of the hotel for Internet access upon arrival.
Hotel Croatia in Cavtat has wireless connections on all public areas within the premises, and in addition internet caffe.
Connections from the rooms in Hotel Croatia are available via wireless network.
Liability and Insurance
Registration for the Symposium implies that the delegates agrees that neither the Local Scientific and Organizing Committee nor Professional Congress Organizer assume any liability or responsibility for any losses, accidents or damage to persons private property. Symposium delegate are requested to make their own arrangements for medical, travel, and personal insurance.
Other Information
Useful telephone numbers and addresses
General
Exit code: 00
Country code: 385
Area code (Dubrovnik and Cavtat): (0)20
Police: 92
Fire-fighting center: 93
Emergency: 94
Time check: 95
Cables: 96
Information local calls: 988
Information national and international calls: 981, 989
Wake-up calls: 9101
Money exchange rates: 9864
Traffic Police: 020 443 666
District Police: 020 443 333
Road information: 9864
Opening Hours
Banks and post offices are normally open from 7 or 7:30 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m. Non-Governmental offices work from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Most grocery stores and department stores are open non-stop, from 6 or 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 or 8 p.m.
Public Hospitals
Emergency Phone: (020) 94 / 0-24 h
Surgeries
Ambulance Cavtat
Phone: (020) 478 001 / (020) 478 683
Dubrovnik General Hospital
Roka Mišetića Street bb
Phone: (020) 431 777
All surgeries work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 24 hour duty service
Policlinic
Dr. A. Starčevića Street 45, Dubrovnik
Administration, phone:(020) 416 866
Family Medic Ward, phone:(020) 429 044, (020) 425 757, 8-20:30 h,
Saturday 8-13 h
Dental Ward, phone:(020) 412 433,(020) 420 806, 7-20:30 h, Saturday 7-12 h
Transport
Airport Dubrovnik: (020) 773 377
Airport Zagreb: (01) 456 2222 / (01) 626 5222
CROATIA AIRLINES - Dubrovnik: (020) 413 777 / (020) 413 776
CROATIA AIRLINES - Zagreb: (01) 616 0066 / (01) 481 9633
Information phone: 0800 7777, (01) 481 9633
Reservation phone: (062) 777 777, 01) 487 2727
Time zone: Central European Time (CET)
Telephone
Public telephone boxes accept only phone cards available from newspaper stands and post offices.
Smoking
Is not allowed in hotels and restaurants.
Water
Tap water is drinkable in all parts of Croatia.
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT CAVTAT
ARRIVING TO CAVTAT
By Bus
You can come to Cavtat by bus through Dubrovnik, which is only 18 km away. In addition to international lines, there are daily intercity lines to and from all major Croatian cities and towns. For transport from Dubrovnik to Cavtat, use bus number 10, scheduled every 30 minutes.
For more information please see www.libertasdubrovnik.com
By Boat
One can enjoy quite a pleasant journey by ferry from Rijeka to Dubrovnik. It stops at many islands and ports along the way and takes about 17 hours. International ferry services depart from Greece and Italy (Bari and Ortona, near Pescara). Once in Dubrovnik, walk to the bus station near the Gruž port. The inexpensive number 10 bus will take 45 minutes to an hour to get to Cavtat (the last stop). There is also a number of taxies should you opt for their services instead. www.jadrolinija.hr
By Car
The Croatian coast offers incredible sceneries and traveling by car along it may offer a comfort of stopping wherever and whenever you so please. Moreover, it's a great way to explore the region beyond Cavtat and Dubrovnik. Keep in mind you might encounter two challenges: Parking (as most places when they get crowded) and Tow service (infamously called 'Spider'). Those are both easily remedied and should not interfere with your otherwise marvelous vacation experience. We advise you to allocate a bit extra time and arrive early when driving to the heavily visited sites. It's not unheard of that the cars parked incorrectly had been towed away. You can retrieve your vehicle by contacting a nearby police station or dialing the main Tow Service Office in Dubrovnik. www.hak.hr
By Plane
Cavtat is the most southern town in Croatia, and the most practical way to reach the town is by air. Ćilipi (Dubrovnik International Airport) airport is just 6 kilometres away and well connected. International and domestic travel to and from Dubrovnik is available daily/weekly.
Shuttle buses from/to the airport to/from the hotels in Cavtat and Dubrovnik will be provided.
We strongly advise all participants to book their flights well in advance to make sure of your arrival on planed date of the trip.
Lufthansa-German Airlines has been appointed as the Official Airline for 7th EADV Spring Symposium.
For more information click here.
SPECIAL FLIGHTS
ZAGREB-DUBROVNIK-ZAGREB
For more information click here.
Connection with European cities
Dubrovnik International Airport receives several daily flights from some of the European cities, e.g. (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Paris, Rome, Vienna). Besides direct flights to Dubrovnik, Croatia Airlines have direct flights to Zagreb (the capital of Croatia).
From Zagreb International Airport there are 4-5 daily connection flights to Dubrovnik and all major European cities.
By Train
There is no direct connection to Cavtat or Dubrovnik by rail. The closest one is in Ploče were you can take a bus to get to your destination. It should take you no more than 2 hours or so to get to the Dubrovnik's main bus station where you can take the bus number 10 to get to Cavtat. For railroad timetable please visit the Croatian Railroad pages. www.hznet.hr
Distance from the hotels
DUBROVNIK AIRPORT is only 6 km from CAVTAT and 18 km from DUBROVNIK. Transfers can be organised by bus, taxi and hotel cars. It is less then 10 min. to hotels in Cavtat and 20-30 min. to hotels in Dubrovnik.
Local transport
Public transport
Cavtat is connected with Dubrovnik by a local bus line which is scheduled every thirty minutes. During the summer season you can go to Dubrovnik by boats which sail during the whole day. Taxi service is also at your disposal. There are taxi stops in the Cavtat bus station and the airport in Čilipi. Radio taxi service is available on number (020) 970.
More on local lines: www.libertasdubrovnik.com.
TOWN OF CAVTAT
THE LEGEND ABOUT CAVTAT
The name of Cavtat originated from the gorgeous Cavtislava, daughter of the Epidaurian King Kordun
and Queen Amrusa. The legend holds that there were so many men who flocked to ask for her hand in marriage that the king decided to hold a tournament to determine who would be betrothed to his beautiful daughter. The king outlined four tasks: construct a peripheral fortification around the town, a big temple in the town, an aqueduct, or bring in a ship loaded with silk. The man who completed one of these tasks the quickest was to win his daughters hand in marriage. The winner was a rich local nobleman by the name of Vrsanin, who managed to build an aqueduct, this becoming the first to bring water into the town. At the inauguration ceremony of the aqueduct, the beautiful princess was to have the first taste of water, from a golden cup, yet, before the first drops of water touched her lips a giant lizard came right into her lap. Princess Cavtislava’s heart broke out of shock, and she fell dead on the spot. Legend has it that the lizard was placed there by one of the jealous candidates who had lost the competition. After a powerful earthquake that destroyed the city, a new settlement - Cavtat - came to life on the same location in memory of the most gorgeous Cavtislava. Another legend says that Cavtat derives from the Old-Croatian verb ‘captiti’ - ‘to blossom’, referring to the yellow juniper, which is a widespread sparkling plant with a sunny aura. There is also the possibility that the name Cavtat is a derivative from “Civitus Vetus”.
HISTORY OF CAVTAT
A small town on the most southern part of the Croatian Adriatic coast. It has developed from the ancient Epidaurus on the slopes of two peninsulas: Rat and Sustjepan. It owes its development to its geographical position in southern Dalmatia with the fertile valley of Konavle in its hinterland. It is from that valley that the town was supplied with fresh water by a roman aqueduct. The archaeological researches of the roman sanctuaries, necropolis, thermae and the shipwreck sites have not yet given a complete picture of this roman settlement. The monuments from the time of early Christianity are the Mithra’s sanctuaries and are representing the struggle between good and evil in the image of god Mithra, all represented in relief.
The downfall of the Western Roman Empire and the invasion of Avars and Slavs caused the fall of Epidaurus as a seat of a diocese and its destruction. The legend says that the refugees from Epidaurus fled to the protected settlement of Laus - Lave - Ragusa from which originates Dubrovnik. For centuries Cavtat was connected to Dubrovnik by administration, trade and the freedom – loving spirit of the Dubrovnik Republic.
It was a port where people from Konavle had their administrative and juridical control, where they traded, and where the brilliant minds like Baltazar Bogišić, Vlaho Bukovac, and Frano Supilo were born. Cavtat has developed into a strong tourist centre. It offers natural beauty and a high quality accommodation, as well as a rich sport and cultural, entertaining and gastronomic offer.
CAVTAT ATTRACTIONS
Mausoleum
Atop the Cavtat’s cemetery (Sv. Roko) raises the mausoleum of the Račić family - a work by a noted sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Built in 1921 wholly in stone and full of symbolism pertaining to human birth, life and death.
St. Nicholas
In addition to the beautiful interior of the baroque parish church, adjacent to it you’ll find an exhibit of several rare and valuable pieces such as the painting of St. Nicholas (14th ct.), an alabaster relief (14th ct.), St. Sebastian by the master Genarri and works by Bukovac, as well as other artists.
Our Lady of Snows
This Gothic-Renaissance Franciscan Monastery is named after a Benedictine church that existed on Mrkan (a small island just outside of Cavtat); it was built in two periods: 1484 by Franciscan brothers, and 1502 by a noble Frank Gučetić (the version you see today).
Rector’s Palace
Today it hosts a collection of some 20,000 rare and valuable books
and manuscripts donated to Cavtat by Baltazar Bogišić in 1909.
Vlaho Bukovac’s House
Just recently it again opened for public. It is a unique building dating back to the end of the 18th ct; hosts many of Vlaho’s paintings.
Underwater Museum
Several diving sites in immediate vicinity to Cavtat. Notable are: Pithos wreck
(4th BC, 90ft depth), one of the very few in the Mediterranean and Seka od Mrkana (wreck of the Italian navy cargo ship, 1943., 170 ft.)
The Šipun Cave
A natural monument and one of the major attractions.
WHERE TO EAT IN CAVTAT?
What to taste in Cavtat?
For hors d’oeuvre try "pršut" (Dalmatian smoked ham), "mušule" or "dagnje" (mussels) or "salata od hobotnice" (octopus salad). If you decided to forgo the Chef’s special of the day and you are not exclusively a meat-lover, you may want to try an authentic meal such as "škampe na buzaru" (shrimps cooked in their own sauce) or "brodet" (robust fish soup). Barbecued white or blue fish is always on the menu and a fine choice as well. Some restaurants offer food prepared in a traditional way. "Ispod peke" meals are cooked beneath a metal dome buried in glowing embers and, speaking from experience, are delicious. Lot of folks enjoy a drop of wine with their meals. Recommended fullbodied reds are Dingač and Plavac, while the whites include Pošip, Grk and Konavosko Zlato. For dessert, if the traditional "Dubrovačka rozata" (a uniquely prepared caramel custard) if it does not meet your taste buds well, you can always go with ice-cream, crapes, or Prošek, rich and sweet dessert wine made from sundried grapes.
TOWN OF DUBROVNIK
THE HISTORY OF DUBROVNIK
There are many beautiful places in the world; however, the people of Dubrovnik claim their city to be the most beautiful. The warm, southern climate, the spacious blue sky, the emerald green and dark blue crystal clear sea depths touching the rocky shore and spilling into numerous coves and bays, onto sandy beaches and steep reefs decorated with the lushest Mediterranean and subtropical flora. Under the mild Mediterranean climate, Dubrovnik is bathed in a sea of sun, blossoms and ripe fruits of the orange and lemon trees even in the winter months. The sun shines on from dawn to dusk. There are over 250 sunny days per year, with an average annual temperature of 17°C, while the mean winter temperature is 10°C and summer temperature is 26°C.
The average summer sea temperature is about 21°C. The swimming season in the sea begins in April, sometimes even earlier, and lasts to late October and later, while swimming in indoor hotel pools is available year round. Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas cover the southernmost region of the Republic of Croatia and its Dalmatian province, from Neum in the west to Sutorina and Ponte Ostre in the east. The region borders on the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the north and the Republic of Montenegro to the east. This long, narrow coastal belt under the karsts Dinaric mountains and low mountain peaks spreads to the east in the less karst Konavle Polje (Fields), and includes Snijeznica Mountain and its mountainous region, and this is its most inland point. One side borders with Herzegovina, the other with Montenegro, with the border line following the mountain peaks and at certain points coming to within a few hundred meters of the sea (such as at Duboka Ljuta).
Today in Dubrovnik, arrival is comfortable and easy, by plane, boat or car. Stradun, Dubrovnik’s central street, the meeting place of the town is unique in its beauty. In summer, when it is unbearably hot, it is a pleasure to sit in the deep shade of the town palaces and monasteries, waiting for night to bring a light mistral wind to cool the hot city walls. In the evening, in one of the many restaurants of Dubrovnik, you can try their fish specialties or drink one of the renowned local wines.
You will then feel the same heat that fills the people from Dubrovnik: an invitation to enjoyment and song. The famous Bernhard Shaw once said: Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to see Dubrovnik. Therefore, it is the one and only – DUBROVNIK. There is a wealth of contrast with the many bays, beaches, steep cliffs and densely wooded islands. There is a rich variety of flora: cypress, pine, olive groves, vineyards, and lemon and orange plantations - together with aromatic herbs and flowers, plus exotic plants, such as palm trees, agaves and cactus, which create a unique atmosphere. Nature lovers can discover a true Mediterranean landscape. Sailors will enjoy the many marinas and crystal blue sea.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is rich in cultural and historical monuments. There is also the annual Dubrovnik Summer Festival. The city is also the venue for numerous scientific, scholarly and literary conferences (PEN in 1933 and 1993), as well as international tourism congresses.
DUBROVNIK ATTRACTIONS
Franciscan Monastery
Franciscan Monastery is built in the transitional Romanesque-Gothic style.
The construction started in 1337. In 1667 it was completely destroyed in the
Great Earthquake. The door with Pieta at Stradun is the only thing left from the original church after it has been rebuilt. The Cluster of the Franciscan Monastery is considered to be a masterpiece of architecture in Dubrovnik. It was built in Romanesque-Gothic style by the famous Mihoje Brajkov from Bara. The capitals are a true example of Romanesque style, with bestiary motives bringing the spirit of Gothic as well. Pieta at the church of Male brace - gothic sculpture done by Leonard and Petar Petrović (1498). The lofty interior of the monastery (reputed once to have had ceiling paintings by Titian) was reconstructed after the Great Earthquake of 1667.
The inventories, ceramics, bowls, laboratory equipment and old medical books of the old Pharmacy are kept in the Franciscan Monastery Museum, among other highly valued and priceless objects of Dubrovnik’s historic and cultural past. The Franciscan monastery’s library possesses 30,000 volumes, 22 incunabula, 1,500 valuable handwritten documents. The well-labeled exhibits include a 15th century silver-gilt cross and silver thurible, an 18th century crucifix from Jerusalem in mother-of-pearl on olive wood, a martyrology (1541) by Bemardin Gucetić (Gozze) and illuminated Psalters. Among the pictures is one of Ruđer Bošković painted in London in 1760, and a painting showing the town before the earthquake. This painting is one of the very few ones that show the Old Town before the earthquake and is used to reconstruct and understand how Dubrovnik was build before the catastrophe in 1667.
St. Spas Church
St. Spas Church is located left to Pile Gate, the first church at the main street Stradun. The Andrijici brothers build the church between 1520 and 1528 by the Dubrovnik Senat’s gratitude. The church has typically Dalmatian Renaissance wheelwindow front and Gothic interiors. Inside the church there is a magnificent painting of the Ascension by Pietro Antonio da Urbino (1528).
Stradun
The Old Town’s main street is called STRADUN or PLACA. It is a, approximately 300 meter long, pedestrian zone and it runs from the Pile to Ploče gates, following the line of the channel that once divided the town into two parts. The street came into being in the 12th century, was paved in 1468 and reconstructed after the earthquake of 1667. The limestone pavement, polished by use, shines like glass after rain. The houses on each side, though preserving an ancient ground plan, also date from the 17th century, their elevation and style being uniform.
Their shops mostly have the characteristic “na koljeno” combined door and counter. The “na koljeno” type consists of a door and window in a single frame spanned by a semicircular arch. The door was kept closed and goods handed over the sill, which served as a counter.
Pile Gate
At the entrance gate to the Old Town from the west there is a
stone bridge within two Gothic arches, designed by Paskoje
Miličević (1471). That bridge ends at another bridge, wooden
drawbridge which used to be pulled up every evening. Above the bridges, over the arch, the statue of city patron St. Blaise (Sv. Vlaho) is set.
Ploče Gate
Entrance gate to the Old Town from the East. Outer Gate of Ploče is built by Miho Hranjac in 1628, while wooden drawbridge and twinspanned stone bridge (15th ct.) by Paskoje Miličević are similar to those at Pile Gate. Over the bridge there is the statue of "Sveti Vlaho", the patron of Dubrovnik.
City Walls
The City Walls are among the finest and most complete in Europe. They protected the freedom of Dubrovnik Republic for centuries. They surround the entire Old City with their 1940 meters of length and up to 25 meters of height. The whole City Wall complex was built from the 8th until the 16th century, consisting of an inner and outer section. There are five bastions, 3 circular and 12 square and rectangular towers, two corner towers, and one huge fortress. The outer section of City Walls consists of a lower wall, having 10 semicircular bastions built by the famous Italian architect Michelozzo. The town is defended by two more separate fortresses, at Revelin on the eastern side and Lovrijenac on the southwest side. The moat ran around the outside section of the City Walls.
Orlando’s Column
The statue of Paladin Roland by Antun Dubrovčanin (1418) stands in the center square between Palace Sponza and St. Blaise church. It symbolizes the wish for freedom of the Dubrovnik Republic (Libertas). The state decrees were proclaimed from the statue. The forearm of Orlando was the standard measure of the Ragusan cubit, lakat, shown more accurately by a line in the base.
