The Gruž Market, designed by architects Dinko Peračić and Miranda Veljačić, has received top honors at the 59th Salon of Architecture and Urbanism.

This year’s Salon focused on the reuse of existing structures, a theme reflected in the market’s innovative design. Instead of reconstructing the missing part of a Renaissance villa, the architects opted for a minimalist translucent roof, creating a space that blends past, present, and future.

The design, praised for its play of light, airflow, and modern functionality, has transformed the market into a vibrant hub for fresh produce and local gastronomy. Mayor Mato Franković called it “a symbol of tradition meeting contemporary solutions.”

Dubrovnik congratulates the architects on this major achievement, which highlights the importance of thoughtful design in urban spaces.

From June to September, Lopud will come alive with a vibrant program of film, music, and literature, uniting top artists and enthusiasts while delivering an unforgettable experience in one of the Adriatic's most breathtaking locations.

Nestled in the enchanting embrace of the Elaphiti Archipelago, Lopud Island will once again, in 2025, become a vibrant haven where art infuses every corner of the Mediterranean landscape. Through three renowned festivals—the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, and Ponta Lopud Book Bridge—the island will unite filmmakers, musical virtuosos, and literary talents from Croatia, the region, and across the globe. This enchanting destination will be transformed into a dynamic hub of inspiration, cultural exchange, and genuine artistic energy.

The season will begin in June with the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, returning for its fifth edition from June 26 to 28, bringing film talents and industry professionals to Lopud. Featuring masterclasses, workshops, and film screenings under the starry sky, the festival provides a unique opportunity for learning, growth, and building lasting professional connections. Each screening, discussion, and interaction deepens the appreciation of film as an art form while sparking fresh creative ideas that have the potential to shape the future of regional cinema.

From August 28 to 30, the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival will return to the island for its third edition, bringing the exceptional sounds of world-class jazz to life. Known for its intimate atmosphere and outstanding performances, the festival offers a captivating fusion of traditional melodies and innovative improvisations, delivering unforgettable moments. Set amidst the idyllic backdrop of exotic palm trees, it provides a unique opportunity for direct interaction with the artists, fostering a special bond between performers and an audience that savours every note.

In the autumn, the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge will return for its second edition from September 18 to 20, welcoming renowned authors, academics, critics, and passionate lovers of literature. Through engaging talks, panels, and book promotions, the festival fosters dialogue between diverse literary traditions and fresh, exciting voices. Once again, Lopud will transform into a haven for reflection—a place where every page invites new opportunities for creative exchange.

“Since its inception, the Ponta Lopud Creative Platform has evolved into much more than a series of festivals—it has become a vibrant hub where artists, creators, and audiences connect in a truly unique environment. Each new edition presents an opportunity to enrich the cultural landscape further and to cultivate a space where art is not merely observed but actively lived and experienced. Lopud’s magical ability to inspire is unparalleled, and the three festivals planned for 2025 will once again deliver freshness, innovation, and a sense of togetherness. We eagerly anticipate the new encounters, experiences, and creative energy that art will bring to this extraordinary island,” stated Tilda Grossel Bogdanović, founder of the Ponta Lopud Creative Platform.

Three distinctive festivals will once again transform Lopud into a vibrant hub of cultural exchange. These eagerly anticipated events will offer opportunities for connection, learning, and the joy of
experiencing something far greater than the festivals alone—a community brought to life through art. In 2025, Lopud will once more enrich the worlds of film, music, and literature, uniting their diverse voices to inspire and create truly unforgettable moments.

The Ponta Lopud Creative Platform proudly presents three summer cultural programs for 2025, welcoming all art enthusiasts, particularly those passionate about film, music, and literature. The first of the three events, the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, celebrating the art of cinema, will take place from June 26 to 28. The second event, the popular Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, will bring music lovers to the island from August 28 to 30. Finally, the second edition of the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge, scheduled from September 18 to 20, will round off the summer events, closing Lopud’s cultural and artistic season.

A 45-year-old man from Šibenik has found himself in legal trouble after a social media post led to accusations of defaming the Republic of Croatia. The Šibenik police recently conducted a criminal investigation, uncovering evidence of the suspect’s alleged offense, reports Index. 

According to the investigation, the man posted a text on his social media profile on November 27 that reportedly demeaned and insulted the Republic of Croatia. The content of the post has not been disclosed, but it was deemed severe enough to warrant police action.

Following the investigation, the suspect was handed over to the custody supervisor of the Šibenik-Knin Police Department. A criminal complaint has since been filed with the State Attorney's Office in Šibenik.

The case serves as a stark reminder to be cautious about what is shared online, as even seemingly personal opinions can have serious legal consequences.

The Municipality of Vela Luka will submit a proposal to the relevant authorities for the reintroduction of the seasonal ferry line Split - Hvar - Vela Luka - Ancona once a week, reports HRT. 

According to the opinion of municipal councilors, this line would improve Vela Luka's transport connectivity during the tourist season and contribute to the growth of tourism traffic.

“Oh, this is really nice, let's order another round,” said my wife with a broad smile on her face as she tried kriek beer for the first time.

Yes, as a last-minute birthday treat we spent a long weekend in the low countries, more precisely the country that gave us chocolate, waffles, comic books and beer - Belgium.

The heart of the European Union was our destination, Brussels, with a day trip to Bruges.

And my wife was drinking cherry beer for the first time, it's a little bit of an acquired taste, but my wife was certainly acquiring it. Bruges in December is like Dubrovnik in August, packed like sardines in a can. And just like Dubrovnik it is drop-dead gorgeous. That's the problem when you are beautiful, everyone wants to catch a glimpse.

Did we enjoy our time in the capital? Absolutely. Yes we were shocked at how few people spoke English, but that just kind of made it more adventurous. Yes, the weather wasn't great, but when there is so much to do the weather isn’t important. Menus exclusively in French and waiters knowing only “thank you” and “goodbye” made for a crash course in Google translate.

Brussels is a bustling, multi-cultural city that is much (much) larger than I had expected.

It isn’t as vibrant as London, or as historic as Rome or even as chic as Paris but it has a funky arty soul. If Europe was a shopping centre, Paris would be a Chanel boutique and Brussels a second hand vintage shop.

But the heart of my story isn’t really about the heart of Europe, rather a heart attack.

We had booked a swanky hotel which was based on the “swinging 1920’s” with Charleston based wallpaper and our room looked like a mini theatre. We checked in and followed a Spanish couple into the seemingly small lift, yes it was decorated in 1920’s fashion.

“This is quite a compact lift,” commented my wife as he exchanged “holas” with the couple from Seville. We were booked into the penthouse on the eighth floor. I joked with the man “Look it says only three people, but up to 325 kg so we should be more than safe.”

We were laughing and joking, both at the start of our holidays, before………

It was one of those moments when time almost stood still.

The lift groaned and then bang we were all heading south. It was a little like skydiving but in a lift.

We came to a stop as the emergency brakes probably kicked in. My stomach had jumped into my throat. “Is everyone OK,” I asked. We were all good but it appeared that the Spanish lady suffered from claustrophobia. She was now stuck in an overcrowded lift that had just fallen two floors.

We hit the emergency button and to our surprise a French speaking voice answered. She was calm and assured us that help was on its way. Thankfully (and surprisingly) she was one of the few people we “met” who spoke good English. We waited. Then we started to tap (OK; not so much tap as hammer) on the door.

We waited.

We tried the emergency button again. My wife assured the slightly panicked Spanish lady that it would all be OK and we would get out soon.

We waited.

We then heard a bang from the other side of the door. “Are you OK?” came the familiar voice of the receptionist. Then the sound of metal cranking and the doors slowing opened. We had actually ended up in the basement. We emerged from the lift into what can only be described as a scene from a dystopian film.

The basement was dimly lit, cluttered with old furniture, cleaning equipment, and the faint hum of industrial machinery. “It says here only three people allowed,” said the receptionist, trying to diffuse the situation. “But the sign is a) inside the lift and b) in a 1920’s style font that is tough for anyone to read,” I replied.

We now had a dilemma. How to get to the eighth floor?

The lift had been fixed quickly, but a hidden voice told us to take the stairs. That was until we saw the stairs. Imagine the spiral staircase in a lighthouse. “OK, the lift it is,” I said. The next morning we met our “lift buddies” at breakfast. We exchanged a few polite smiles, and my wife broke the silence with a cheerful, “Well, that was an unforgettable bonding experience!” The Spanish man chuckled nervously, while his wife gave the lift a side-eye like it might betray her again.

I smiled and said “Here’s to adventures we never plan but never forget!”

Read more Englishman in Dubrovnik…well, if you really want to

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About the author

Mark Thomas (aka Englez u Dubrovniku) is the editor of The Dubrovnik Times. He was born and educated in the UK and moved to live in Dubrovnik in 1998. He works across a whole range of media, from a daily radio show to TV and in print. Thomas is fluent in Croatian and this column is available in Croatia on the website – Dubrovnik Vjesnik

Low-cost airline easyJet will introduce a new seasonal route between Milan Linate Airport and Split starting June 23, 2025. The service, replacing flights from Milan Malpensa, will operate six times per week until August 31, reports EX-YU Aviation. 

This marks the second new route announced by easyJet to Split for next summer, alongside a service from Liverpool. With this addition, easyJet strengthens its position as the largest airline in Split based on available seat capacity.

The President of the City Council of Dubrovnik, Marko Potrebica, lit the third Advent candle on the Advent wreath in front of the Rector's Palace this evening. The prayer on this occasion was led by the parish priest of St. Michael's Parish, Don Frano Kuraja, and was enhanced by the singing of the parish church choir.

The third Sunday of Advent, celebrated by Catholics worldwide this Sunday, is called Gaudete! – Rejoice! in liturgical tradition. It is known as the Shepherd’s Candle and celebrates joy and happiness.

Exciting news for travelers as Norwegian announces a direct summer route connecting Split, Croatia, with Riga, Latvia. The new service is part of Norwegian’s expanded summer 2025 program, which includes 17 new routes across Europe.

From Riga Airport, Norwegian will introduce three new direct flights to Split, Alicante, and London, adding to its existing routes to Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Trondheim, and Tivat. With these additions, Norwegian will operate eight routes from Riga, offering travelers more options for their summer vacations.

Magnus Thome Maursund, Norwegian's commercial director, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming routes, “We are all looking forward to the summer vacation when we can travel and explore new cultures and countries. I am therefore very happy to announce that we are launching three new routes from Riga to exciting cities in Europe for the coming summer season.”

The new Split-Riga connection is expected to attract travelers eager to explore the Adriatic coastline or discover the Baltic region. Split, known for its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, is a perfect summer destination for Latvian tourists. Likewise, Split residents and Croatians will now have a direct route to experience Riga’s rich cultural scene and architectural beauty.

Norwegian’s summer 2025 schedule will feature 344 routes to 128 destinations, showcasing the airline’s commitment to connecting travelers across Europe and beyond.