Traditions of Palm Sunday in Dubrovnik region

Today is Palm Sunday or Flower Sunday as it is called among Catholic Christians.

It’s a day for blessing palm and olive branches and here at the Mediterranean the vine branches as well.

But most beloved tradition especially among children is washing the face and arms in the water with fresh flowers in it.

In this way, people celebrate spring, freshness, youth and health. There is a saying that you would stay forever young if you wash your face in this water.

The tradition also includes wishing well, success and all good intentions for the coming year to one’s own life, family, friends and neighbours. Hence the name Flower or Floral Sunday.

Have you heard of most romantic Croatian couple?

This is now the fifteenth time in a row when the male stork named Klepetan flies a long journey from South Africa to Croatia to meet his handicapped mate Malena.

Malena has a broken wing and can not fly. She stays in the Croatian village Brodksi Varos in Slavonia and awaits the return of her partner every spring.

What a great reminder that the true love and commitment really exist.

Klepetan & Malena video 

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Dubrovnik – Paradise on Earth

Let’s start with the Napoleonic general Alexandre Lauriston who occupied Ragusa (Dubrovnik) with his troops in 1806 and who said: “This little land, which has been so ineffably blessed, whose inhabitants are gentle, hard-working and intelligent, an oasis of civilisation in the midst of barbarism…”

Despite its turbulent history, Dubrovnik has always been exquisitely beautiful, tranquil and peace loving.

And it is probably best described by Bernard Shaw who said: “Those who seek Paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik”.

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Interesting facts about Dubrovnik Republic 

  • The people of old Dubrovnik avoided making any important decision when the south wind was blowing
  • On 27th January 1416, Dubrovnik Republic was the first one in Europe to abolish slavery (England did it in 1569, USA in 1865 and Brazil in 1888 so 472 years after Dubrovnik)
  • Republic of Ragusa had one of the 1st sewage systems in Europe (1296) that is still in function
  • Medical service in Dubrovnik was introduced in 1301
  • The nursing home was founded in 1347
  • Founded in 1317, it is the oldest continuously functioning pharmacy in Europe. Originally it was used exclusively by the monks, but as the city grew, the pressures of urban living made some sort of public hearth facility essential and donations were made with the aim of turning the pharmacy into a public institution. While the old pharmacy can be seen in the monastery museum, the present-day pharmacy in the cloister still functions and sells little pots of creams and lotion dated 1317 and apparently made to original recipes.
  • Plague first swept Dubrovnik in 1348, thought to have been spread by the Mongols as they skirmished their way across Europe. The outbreak lasted six months, during which an average of 120 people are reported to have died every day. Other outbreaks followed, and in 1377 Ragusa introduced quarantine requirements for ships, passengers and cargo
  • The Dubrovnik Republic had exceptionally organised naval offices and statutory regulations. The oldest preserved contract on maritime insurance dates back to 1395; while the oldest in the world was found in 1568
  • The Republic of Ragusa was one of the first foreign countries de iure to recognise the independence of the United States. Sources differ on when the recognition took place: some travel guides and tourist portals claim that Ragusa was the very first country to recognise the United States as early as 1776, a document whose copy was presented to U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney in 2006 reportedly puts the date at 1783, while the Council of American Ambassadors claims that the recognition was extended during the term of the second President of the United States, John Adams, thus between 1797 and 1801
  • Obliti privatorum publica curate” meaning “Forget private concerns, think of the public good” – Exhortation to the governors of Dubrovnik carved over the entrance to the former Great Council chambers in the Rector’s Palace which reminds that common good should be given priority over private matters. It stands in Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik, over the entrance to the hall of the Major Council.

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  • References:
    Visible Cities, Dubrovnik – A city guide by Annabel Barber
  • Wikipedija 

Who We Are?

Pervanovo is Swedish investment company operating in Dubrovnik region. It was founded in 2004 and is owned by the leading Swedish investment company Välinge Invest AB, owned by the Perván family. Välinge Invest is also a major shareholder of Välinge Innovation AB, a world leading research and development company in flooring technology with many licensees worldwide. For more information please visit the Välinge Innovation AB website.

Our policy is to maintain as much of the original building as possible whilst at the same time refurbishing to the highest possible standard and comfort levels. Once completed these objects are used in the tourist industry and offer some of the best available accommodations in Dubrovnik.

Current properties inside the group include:

Boutique Hotel Kazbek – A sophisticated boutique setting with only 12 superior and deluxe bedrooms and 1 suite, the Kazbek Hotel is a ‘home from home’ for many discerning Dubrovnik visitors looking for a high degree of privacy and modern facilities in a historical ambience.

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Pervanovo Apartments –  Sumptuousness and comfort combined would be the best way to describe the luxury Pervanovo Apartments. Located in the suburb of Lapad, our apartments are a mere ten minutes away from the historic Dubrovnik Old City. Eight luxury villas have a total of 18 newly constructed apartments designed to offer guests comfort and style. Our apartments are equipped to the highest standard and have all the mod cons to make your holiday perfect. Air-conditioning, DVD players, HD-TV’s, washing machines, WiFi Internet access and modern furniture are just some of the features of our Pervanovo luxury apartments.

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Celenga Apartments – The Celenga Apartments, Dubrovnik Old City are a perfect union of the past with the present. Sensitive restoration seamlessly blends with imaginative contemporary design to ensure the building retains its unique character. In order to make this experience memorable we have dedicated ourselves to designing modern and comfortable studios and apartments in Dubrovnik Old Town with a historic and educative touch. Whether you are looking for an overnight stay, short break, or annual family holiday, The Celenga Apartments will enable you to recharge your batteries, and nourish your body and soul. Offering period character with a contemporary twist, each of the apartments are individually designed and furnished. Different apartment sizes offer you different comfort levels. All our apartments and studios are fully equipped and ready to meet your every expectation… LCD TV sets with satellite programs, DVD, AC, all kitchen appliances you may require, large sized bathrooms with bathtubs. Common areas offer more space in lounge areas and there are also laundry facilities which might be useful for longer stays.

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SUNce Palace Apartments – set in the centre of Dubrovnik Old City and located just a few steps from famous Stradun street. It blends vibrant interior design and historical touch to provide unique accommodation in most central part of Dubrovnik. The Apartments SUNce Palace is a fantastic place for you to stay while visiting Dubrovnik. Apart from the location, which has you within easy walking distance of all the places of interest, the apartments itself are an ideal base from which to plan your daily activities, from cultural visits of Dubrovnik old town, to boat trips to the islands, day on the beach, visit to nearby regions and much more.

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Vila Riva Apartments – located a mere stone’s throw away from the crystal blue Adriatic Sea and in the very centre of Slano, a small town situated around 30 km from UNESCO’S protected Dubrovnik Old City. A total of 12 self-catering apartments and studios are set within a beautifully restored stone Dalmatian house and surrounded by the glorious Mediterranean countryside. Elegantly decorated, all in bright colours each of the apartments and studios are fully equipped to facilitate your every need and offer a homely and friendly atmosphere. These four-star apartments accommodating between 2 and 5 guests boast a contemporary design and modern conveniences and are perfect for couples, families or groups of friends who value independence.

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Villa Franica – Surrounded by ancient olive trees, impressive palms, thick laurel shrubs and citrus trees on the crystal clear Adriatic Sea lies the luxury Villa Franica. Seemingly a million miles away from the hustle and bustle the city and yet surprisingly close by, Villa Franica in Dubrovnik offers guests the perfect opportunity for a relaxed break. This meticulously renovated luxury villa presents exceptional comfort with a total of five fully climate controlled rooms located over three levels. Villa Franica is open all year round for guests and is the perfect destination for families or larger groups. Great care and attention has been given to the interior design of the villa and there is a true Mediterranean feel with light colours and tasteful furnishings. The whole villa is surrounded by an extensive and luscious garden with terraces areas of differing sizes and over differing levels that can be utilized in many ways. Breakfast in the morning on the main front terrace in the sun, lunch around the pool area or a party on the large back terrace, the choice is yours. The villa’s inviting swimming pool is ideal for keeping cool during Dubrovnik’s warm summer months and lies partly in the shade of soaring palm trees.

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Villa Tereza – Nestled away in the lush green Konavle countryside, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, lies the beautiful VILLA TEREZA. As you enter the villa through the impressive courtyard area it seems that Bme stopped centuries ago. Villa Tereza is a wonder of tradiBon and culture, a monument to a Bme when the aristocracy ruled the region, a Bme of nobility. Villa Tereza has a long and wealthy history. The villa was originally mentioned back in the second half of the 18th century. Although the history doesn’t start there, in the 15th century the charming chapel located in the villa’s gardens was constructed. It can be also be assumed, although the history books are vague, that the chapel was built by a noble family that once upon a 3me owned the villa. The only remaining evidence of the villas existence today is a land right to the property by the Caboga in 1891. Villa Tereza has stood proudly overlooking the rolling hills of Konavle for centuries.

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You will be in good hands

We are a team of hard-workers dedicated to ensure a positive guest experience.

All of us have been working in hospitality industry from the very beginning of our careers in top Dubrovnik and Croatian hotels, restaurants, travel agencies etc.

We believe our guests said it all through reviews on Tripadvisor so we are proudly invite you to take a look at the Tripadvisor pages of our properties:

Hotel Kazbek

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Celenga Apartments

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Pervanovo Apartments

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Villa Riva Apartments 

Villa Franica

Hello World!

We are blogging too!

Beside the presentation of our company and services, our idea is to post blogs about Croatia, Dubrovnik, interesting facts, history…

Stay tuned!

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