Lopud is the second largest island of the Elaphites. It is well-known as one of the most beautiful islands of Dubrovnik’s archipelago. Each year, the visitors from all over the world, fall in love with remarkable nature, architectural sights and its popular sandy beach, Šunj. The name of Lopud comes from Greek Delaphodia. The ancient name of Delaphodia implies that the island was part of Greek domination, and later of the Roman Empire, but in this historical period, there was no survival of architectural evidence. The oldest remains date back to the early Middle Ages. There were two large monasteries and seven smaller hermitages, numerous villas for the aristocracy of Ragusa, two fortresses, and thirty-two churches and chapels. The Elaphites archipelago follows the fate of the Dubrovnik Republic, which ceased to exist in 1808 when it was included in the rest of Dalmatia.
Francesco (Toto) Bergamo – Rossi, one of the world-famous conservators, born in Venice, worked at iconic buildings and artworks in Italy and France. To mention just a few- a facade of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Tiepolo frescoes at Ca’ Rezzonico. In 2001, he discovered the island of Lopud and simply fell in love. He couldn’t believe that he found a place for himself, with no traffic and an incredible peace.
Vogue US writes : “He acquired it on a long lease from the Church of Dubrovnik and set about transforming it into a home. “One day it’s going to go back to the church,” he says. “It exactly goes back to my theory of restoration: It’s mine for now, but when I pass, it’ll just be a nice place, in good order.”
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