Lazareti - kreativna četvrt Dubrovnika

"The Lazzarettos, located approximately 300 meters from the walls of Dubrovnik, comprise a group of interconnected buildings that once served as a quarantine station for the Republic of Ragusa. This merchant city-state was heavily engaged in trade, which brought it into contact with various peoples and goods from across the globe. To protect its citizens from epidemics that frequently emerged throughout the Mediterranean and the Balkans, the Republic had to implement preventive health measures. Between the 14th and 18th centuries, Europe and Asia faced significant challenges from plague and cholera epidemics. Traditional treatments recommended by doctors at the time, such as vinegar, sulfur, and garlic, proved largely ineffective. In response, authorities began to isolate those infected with contagious diseases to prevent the spread of illness. In the 15th century, quarantine facilities were relocated from uninhabited islands like Mrkan, Bobara, and Supetar to more accessible areas near the city, largely due to concerns that the Ottoman Empire could use these locations as staging grounds for an attack. Construction of a large lazaretto on Lokrum began in 1533 and was completed by the end of the 16th century. Following this, the government initiated the construction of the lazaretto in Ploče in 1590, which was completed in 1642. This facility consisted of ten multistory buildings arranged around five interior courtyards, with designated areas for quarantine and five residential buildings for passengers. Guard towers flanked the living quarters, and an apartment for the Ottoman envoy was included to oversee Ottoman subjects visiting Dubrovnik. The establishment of the Lazzarettos significantly curtailed the spread of epidemics, with the last major outbreak occurring in 1815-16. After the Republic's fall in 1808, the facilities continued to serve as quarantine sites for merchants arriving from the inner Balkans and were later repurposed for military uses. However, the Lazzarettos suffered damage from fire in the late 19th century and again after World War I, leading to renovations that bricked up the arcades in the courtyards and the sea-facing gates. Today, the Lazzarettos have transitioned from their historical function to become a venue for recreation, trade, and entertainment, offering a glimpse into Dubrovnik's rich past while serving contemporary needs."