Photo credit: Dubrovačka baština d.o.o.
Dubrovnik is globally recognised as a city of exceptional cultural value, but also as a destination that is increasingly successful in combining heritage with the needs of modern tourism and the congress and incentive industry. At the heart of this connection is Dubrovačka baština Ltd. (Dubrovnik Heritage Ltd), a city-owned company that manages some of Dubrovnik’s most representative and valuable historic spaces.
At the helm of Dubrovačka baština is Katarina Milat Kralj, a director with extensive experience in managing cultural assets and developing sustainable heritage-use models. Through a strategic approach, Dubrovačka baština today not only preserves and maintains historic sites, but also successfully positions them as living, functional and internationally attractive venues for cultural, business and special events.
In the interview below, Katarina Milat Kralj reveals how heritage can be used responsibly and creatively, what advantages Dubrovnik offers as an event destination, and why venues such as the Lazareti complex and Park Orsula are increasingly chosen by organisers seeking authentic, “once in a lifetime” experiences.
Heritage, sustainability and contemporary use – the foundation of Dubrovačka baština’s work
Dubrovačka baština d.o.o. manages some of the most valuable spaces of Dubrovnik’s cultural heritage. How would you describe the company’s core role and mission today – where do heritage preservation, sustainability and the contemporary needs of the destination meet, especially in the context of business and special events?
Dubrovačka baština manages the historic Lazareti complex located at the very entrance to the Old City. We also manage Park Orsula, which offers a unique view of the City, as well as accommodation units/dormitories located within the building of the State Archives in Dubrovnik. The role of this commercial company, owned by the City of Dubrovnik, is to preserve cultural heritage, maintain it and open it to the public through a special form of space usage so that the sites are self-sustainable and accessible to all.
What kinds of events does Dubrovačka baština organise or support – from cultural and protocol events to business and exclusive occasions – and what are the key goals you aim to achieve for the City of Dubrovnik and its international image through these events?
The spaces managed by Dubrovačka baština are used for cultural events, congresses, lectures, gala dinners, exclusive special events, concerts, weddings and other events, all held in accordance with the conditions of use, as the Lazareti complex is under UNESCO protection since 1994.
Lazareti and Park Orsula – authentic stages for unforgettable events
In addition to the Lazareti complex, which other locations in your portfolio are suitable for hosting events, and what makes them distinctive and attractive to organisers seeking authentic, representative and “once in a lifetime” venues?
In addition to the Lazareti complex, which offers five fully equipped multifunctional halls, three outdoor terraces and a large plateau/square stretching along the length of the complex, Dubrovačka baština also manages Park Orsula, which offers a unique view of the City of Dubrovnik and the island of Lokrum. The park features an amphitheatre and the remains of the medieval chapel of St Ursula, where, according to legend, travellers once said prayers for a safe departure from Dubrovnik and a secure return home. This part of Orsula is often chosen for wedding ceremonies. From open-air concerts and private gatherings to weddings, cultural programmes and top-tier photo or video productions, Park Orsula provides an inspiring stage.
What types of events do you host most frequently today, and which formats and concepts are you particularly open to in the future – such as congresses, corporate events, gala dinners, incentive programmes and similar?
The spaces managed by Dubrovačka baština are already well recognised, and every year we receive an increasing number of enquiries. Today, Lazareti in particular serve multiple purposes, including art, entertainment, gala dinners, congresses, weddings and other events of social interest. It can also be said that the Lazareti spaces have become a place of social life and visits not only for the residents of Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik-Neretva County, but also for tourists, whose numbers grow every year.
A partner for organisers: experience, infrastructure and local cooperation
From an event organiser’s perspective, what does Dubrovačka baština offer as a partner – from logistical and technical support to flexibility, experience and cooperation with local stakeholders – to ensure that events held in historic spaces are professional and seamless?
The commercial use of the Lazareti spaces is very important, as it brings this valuable area closer to those it is truly meant for – people. The Lazareti square hosts hospitality venues with an excellent food and beverage offer, as well as other service activities. All our spaces are multifunctional halls, technically and production-equipped, with backstage areas prepared for catering services, as well as galleries located beneath the roofs of each hall, which can be used as exclusive private spaces during events when needed.
Can you single out one event held in a Dubrovačka baština venue that has stayed particularly vivid in your memory due to its experience, purpose, exclusivity or emotional impact on participants?
There have truly been many exceptional events that were highly memorable, making it difficult to single out just a few. However, as an interesting example of how our spaces are chosen, I would mention events organised by the Formula 1 umbrella organisation, the Zlatna Penkala (Golden Pen) awards ceremony, ministry conferences and lectures by European Union representatives with simultaneous translation into several languages, an international Emmy Awards gala dinner, events by the Embassy Film and Netflix, weddings of well-known individuals with exceptional glamour, and many others.
Dubrovnik as an international and Mediterranean event destination
Dubrovnik is strongly positioning itself on the map of international and Mediterranean event destinations. In your opinion, what sets it apart from the competition?
Dubrovnik is recognised worldwide for its beauty, history, culture, service quality, sustainability and offerings in every aspect of activity. Dubrovačka baština, which manages part of the historic complexes of the City of Dubrovnik, offers spaces that live as places of events, encounters and creation, while at the same time conveying a strong symbol of Dubrovnik’s wisdom through the fusion of health, trade, humanism and today’s enjoyment of the heritage entrusted to us and faithfully preserved.
