- Cavtat is port town located about 6 miles (10km) southeast of Dubrovnik in the County of Dubrovnik-Neretva in Croatia. Cavtat Old Town is noted for its atmospheric quayside area with small fishing boats moored opposite the bars, restaurants and hotels.
- It became Roman Epidaurum in 228 BCE in Illyricum, later joining the Province of Dalmatia.
History
- Cavtat has a perfect natural harbour formed by a double peninsular in the shape of a crab’s claw.
- The settlement was founded by the Ancient Greeks in the 6th century BCE who called it Epidaurus, whilst the local Illyrians called it Zaptal.
- In 228 BCE, during the Illyrian Wars (229-168 BCE), the Romans occupied the town and called it Epidaurum.
- By 168 BCE, Illyria became a Roman Province called Illyricum.
- In 9 CE, Illyricum was dissolved into Dalmatia and Pannonia.
- In c.540 CE Justinian I occupied Cavtat with his Fleet during the Gothic War (535-554 CE).
- In the 7th century CE, the town was sacked by the Avars and Slavs, and the inhabitants moved to the island of Laus (Ragusa), which became the city of Dubrovnik.
- Although the Roman town no longer stands, Cavtat has a cemetery with some Roman remains. There was a Roman road to Salona.
Roman Roads
- A coastal Road
- Cavtat-Salona
Getting There
- Flights:
- Cavtat is 3 miles (5km) from Dubrovnik Airport.
- Ferry:
- A regular ferry departs from Cavtat quayside into the town Harbour of Dubrovnik.
- Bus:
- The number 10 bus also departs hourly for Dubrovnik, where the best place to disembark is at the Cable Car Station, and walk down into Dubrovnik town centre.
Cavtat