Imagine a ship sailing into port after months of traveling the Mediterranean. Instead of a joyful welcome, the crew faces forty days of isolation on a deserted islet or in a massive stone building. Sound familiar? Croatia knew pandemics centuries before COVID, and traces of that struggle still stand along the Adriatic as silent witnesses to a time when quarantine meant the difference between life and death for entire cities.
What exactly were lazarettos?
Lazarettos were quarantine stations that Adriatic cities built from the 14th century onwards to protect themselves from plague and other infectious diseases. The name comes from Saint Lazarus, patron saint of lepers. In these facilities, ships, their crews, and cargo were kept in isolation — most commonly for forty days (hence the Italian word quarantina). The Republic of Dubrovnik was a pioneer of this system, and its model was copied by cities throughout the Mediterranean.
Today, these spaces are mostly abandoned or repurposed, but each one carries a story of centuries-long human struggle against an invisible enemy. To visit them means stepping into a past that is surprisingly relevant.
1. Lazarettos in Dubrovnik — the best-preserved complex in the Mediterranean
The Dubrovnik lazarettos, located east of the city walls in the Ploče district, represent the most completely preserved quarantine complex in the entire Mediterranean. They were built in stages from 1627 to 1648 and consisted of ten buildings with inner courtyards, warehouses, and a chapel.
Practical information: The complex is located at Frana Supila 5, just a five-minute walk from the Ploče Gate. Entry is free as the spaces have been repurposed into clubs, galleries, and workshops. The best time to visit is in the morning when you can explore the architecture in peace without music from the nightclubs.
An interesting fact that guides rarely mention: in one of the courtyards, you can still see stone channels through which seawater was drained for disinfecting cargo. The people of Dubrovnik understood that salt water kills disease agents — centuries before modern medicine confirmed the same.
Accommodation tip: Apartments in the Ploče neighborhood offer the perfect combination of proximity to the Old Town and a quieter atmosphere. From here, you're within walking distance of the lazarettos and Banje Beach.
2. Split Lazaretto — a hidden site behind Diocletian's Palace
Most tourists completely bypass the Split lazaretto, even though it's located just two hundred meters east of the Silver Gate of Diocletian's Palace. Built in 1581, it served until the Napoleonic Wars, after which it was converted into barracks and warehouses.
Today the complex is in a ruinous state, but that's exactly what gives it a special atmosphere. You can walk between the crumbling walls and imagine how Venetian merchants impatiently waited here for their quarantine to expire while gazing toward a city that was so close, yet unreachable.
How to get there: Head east from the Silver Gate, pass the Croatian National Theatre building, and continue along Zrinsko-Frankopanska Street. The lazaretto is on the left side, partially hidden behind later constructions. The visit is free, but be careful as there is no organized infrastructure.
3. Supetar Island near Cavtat — a lazaretto on an uninhabited island
This is perhaps the most atmospheric location on our list. The small island of Supetar (not to be confused with the town on Brač) lies at the entrance to Cavtat harbor. The Republic of Dubrovnik used it as the first quarantine station for ships from the Levant.
On the island, you'll find the ruins of the lazaretto and a small church of St. Peter from the 15th century. The island is uninhabited and has no regular boat service, making it perfect for an adventure. You can rent a kayak in Cavtat and paddle there in about twenty minutes, or arrange transport with local fishermen.
Tip: Bring water and food as there's nothing on the island. The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn when the sea isn't too rough for amateur kayakers. Avoid the afternoon when the northwesterly wind can complicate the return.
In Cavtat, you can find excellent accommodation in family apartments that offer a more authentic experience than hotel complexes. Many have terraces overlooking that very mysterious little island.
4. Korčula Lazaretto — where Marco Polo (maybe) waited in quarantine
The Korčula lazaretto is situated on Cape Zakerjan, southeast of the old town. Although smaller than the one in Dubrovnik, it has its own charm — especially because local legend claims that young Marco Polo stayed here in quarantine before departing on his famous journey.
The historical foundation of this claim is questionable, but that doesn't diminish the beauty of the place. The lazaretto ruins are now covered with Mediterranean vegetation, and from the cape, there's a view of the islands of Lastovo and Mljet.
Practical information: From the center of Korčula, walk southeast for about fifteen minutes. The path is not marked, so use GPS coordinates (42.9538° N, 17.1418° E). The visit is free and possible throughout the year.
5. Mrkovi Lazaretto near Trogir — the least known location
In Mrkovi Bay, between Trogir and Šibenik, lie the remains of a lazaretto that served ships sailing toward those ports. The location is almost completely unknown to tourists, and it can only be reached by boat or a long hike.
This very inaccessibility preserves the authentic atmosphere. Stone walls rise straight from the sea, and the interior has become overgrown into a grove of wild olives. This is a place for those seeking a complete escape from crowds.
How to visit: The best way is to rent a small boat in Trogir or Rogoznica. Local rental operators offer half-day trips that include a visit to the lazaretto and swimming in the surrounding coves. Prices range from 80 to 150 euros for the entire boat, depending on the season.
Why visit these forgotten locations?
Lazarettos offer something that most tourist attractions cannot — silence, authenticity, and an opportunity for contemplation. In a time when we have all experienced quarantine, these places gain a new dimension of meaning. You stand in the same place where five centuries ago people lived through the same uncertainty, the same fear, the same hope that quarantine would pass and life would continue.
For lovers of history, photography, or simply a different kind of travel, the lazarettos of the Adriatic represent unexplored treasure. Add them to your list for your next trip — you won't regret it.
Planning a visit to the Croatian coast? At BarbaBooking.com, you can find accommodation near all these locations — from luxury apartments in Dubrovnik to authentic stone houses on Korčula. Book directly and save, while supporting local hosts who will gladly tell you even more stories about the maritime history of their region.