Friday, 08 November 2024
The transformation of Palace Natali over the past thirty years is remarkable The transformation of Palace Natali over the past thirty years is remarkable Palace Natali

Palace Natali – A Legacy of Dubrovnik’s Summer Residences

Written by  Aug 01, 2024

In Dubrovnik, or Ragusa as it was known in its heyday, summer residences held a special significance. As the city’s walls enclosed its inhabitants, the hot summer months became increasingly uncomfortable within the stone confines. To escape the sweltering heat, aristocrats and wealthy merchants sought refuge in elegant summer villas beyond the city’s boundaries. These estates, often nestled along the coast or on the lush slopes of Srđ hill, became symbols of relaxation and refinement, embodying a way of life centred around leisure and contemplation. In fact, there were as many as 300 of these summer residences in Dubrovnik, but today unfortunately only a handful are in good condition.

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Glorious reminders of yesteryear to focus your mind

Palace Natali, a prime example of this tradition, stands as a testament to the opulence and grace of Dubrovnik’s aristocratic summer homes. Its history spans several centuries, and while its present-day grandeur may seem recent, its roots run deep. The transformation of Palace Natali over the past thirty years is a remarkable journey of restoration, honouring the architectural and cultural heritage of Dubrovnik.

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On a personal level, I have to be honest and say that before I came to live here almost 30 years ago I wasn’t really a history buff. However, being surrounded by such a glorious reminders of yesteryear does somewhat focus your mind. Meaning that I’ve spent a large part of three decades broadening my knowledge of Dubrovnik and it’s fascinating past. And it is incredible for me that this is the same period of time it took to restore Palace Natali.

So where did the name come from?

Well, it is relatively straightforward, from the noble Dubrovnik family Natali. Almost all of those 300 villas carried the name of the family behind them. The Natali family originated from the nearby island of Lopud, and like many noble families made their fortune in the shipping industry. Dubrovnik survived and indeed flourished as an independent state by trade and diplomacy, and the Natali family, or more precisely Đivo Natali (1755 – 1853), were involved in both. And yes, Đivo once called Palace Natali his home, at least in the summer months.

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How is the Natali family connected to a British captain?

Well, as I previously mentioned Đivo Natali was involved in diplomacy. And when Napoleon’s forces invaded and captured Dubrovnik in early 1806 (the first and only time that Dubrovnik was successfully invaded) a few Dubrovnik families formed an alliance to retake the city, and our Đivo was in that small group. One of Lord Nelson’s most trusted captains, William Hoste, was charged with retaking the city from the French. And along with the Austrians and a force from the Republic of Ragusa they sieged the city in 1814 and eventually reclaimed it. The Austrians ended up claiming the city for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, however Đivo continued to fight for the freedom of his city through diplomatic channels.

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And one unusual historical note - the famous English author Patrick O’Brian wrote a series of novels with the fictional character Captain Jack Aubrey. There are a whole host of suggestions as to who the character Jack Aubrey was based on but lots of the evidence point towards Sir William Hoste. The 1969 novel Master and Commander set in the Napoleonic Wars was made into a box-office Hollywood hit in 2003 and starred Russell Crowe as Captain Jack Aubrey or was it Russell Crowe as Sir William Hoste. And our hero, Đivo, well he didn’t get a Hollywood movie but he did have a street in Dubrovnik named after him, a street very close to his palace. However, I have digressed enough.

How does a ruin now look like a gem?

So let’s get back on track to the restoration of Palace Natali. When restoration began, Palace Natali was in a state of ruin, overrun with vegetation. Yet, the palace’s essence whispered through its remnants, guiding the restoration process. With the framework provided by the Croatian Ministry of Culture’s Department of Conservation, the project aimed to preserve the historical boundaries and authentic materials while adapting the space for modern use. If this palace were in the UK it would be a Grade 1 listed building, or in the USA on the Register of Historic Places. To say that this process was complicated would be a massive understatement, a real labour of love, with a capital L!

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One of the first things that struck me when I first saw Palace Natali wasn’t the palace itself, instead it was the impressive stone work that forms the terraced gardens and walkways. I was instantly reminded of the iconic Old City Walls of Dubrovnik. And I knew immediately that years and years of work had gone into constructing all these stone walls and façades. That gave me an indication, my first eye-opener, into the work that had gone into the palace. Listen to this fact - the restoration required 6,000 square meters of stone—equivalent to covering the entire floor of the White House. Just imagine that! The true challenge lay not merely in reconstructing walls and roofs but in reviving the palace's spirit and essence. This endeavour required thoughtful planning, deep respect for the past, and a commitment to blending historical integrity with contemporary needs.

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Respecting the past to bring a future

One notable success of the restoration is the stone colonnade leading down to a pergola, an elegant pavilion that now crowns the promenade in front of the main house. This is such an ideal location for an intimate wedding ceremony. And the adaptation of historical elements for modern use is exemplified by the transformation of rainwater cisterns. The main house’s cistern has been converted into a delightful social space, complete with a wood-fired oven, perfect for gatherings and tastings. Another cistern, in what was once a stable and now serves as the Olea House, has been reimagined as a serene bedroom suite, offering a tranquil retreat. The gardens of Palace Natali have also been carefully preserved, retaining their original layout and charm. As you wander among indigenous plants like lavender, rosemary, and olive trees, take time to admire the century-old evergreen oak and mulberry trees that have graced the estate for generations.

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Now, don’t be fooled into thinking that Palace Natali is the norm, that all these once proud villas and residences are now happily in function. Palace Natali is very much the exception to the rule. I can probably count of one hand the number of villas that have been restored to their former glory. So having the opportunity to actually stay and sleep in this Palace is an extremely rare one, almost a unique one. You are surrounded by the wealth of history, the elegance of history, indeed the joy and celebration of history.

And follow Restaurant Natali here -

Web: https://palacenatali.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantnatali/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559643163072

And you can read the full story of Palace Natali here

Palace Natali: The Perfect Fairy-Tale Wedding Destination

Discover Timeless Elegance at Palace Natali: A Stay Steeped in History and Luxury

TASTED BY THE EDITOR - Discovering Culinary Perfection at Restaurant Natali

The Voice of Dubrovnik

THE VOICE OF DUBROVNIK


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