When the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities was founded back in 1952, it was to sensitize the broader public on the importance of preservation of Dubrovnik’s cultural and historical heritage, raising awareness and interest for them, appealing to the pride and appreciation of the public. In the 19th century, the antique architectural riches of the city were poorly protected, works of art sold, stolen, or vanished; the awareness of their importance for the city but a budding idea. That pro-active thinking was put into action after World War II by the city’s proud son Lukša Beritić (1889-1969), naval engineer, patriot and art enthusiast, co-founder, the first president and the lifelong honorary president of the Society. Through his tireless efforts, backed by his impeccable reputation as explorer, writer, activist (he was the commissioner of the Conservation Institute for Dalmatia for Dubrovnik), and honorary curator, he contributed to public approval and acceptance of the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities and was trusted with maintenance and management over the city’s most glorious antiquity: the city walls. The Society also put tremendous effort into preservation of the walls of Ston, a complex of defense walls and forts unique in Europe.

Despite several institutions working on the protection of antiquities in the area, the Society (which since 1960. has been legally registered) has always had an important position in these activities, enjoying public trust. Throughout the years it became evident the bright idea of Mr. Beritić was well ahead of its time, as the public became aware of the importance of preservation of cultural riches. His ultimate wish came true: volunteers, experts, and institutions working together to raise awareness and protect the cultural heritage of the Dubrovnik area. The greatness of his visionary idea is obvious now more than ever.

The Society dedicated its first years of activity to the organization of the sightseeing of the City Walls completely neglected over the centuries-long lack of maintenance. Funds collected were also allocated for the buying of museum items to be preserved and presented to the public. The streets of the historical center became illuminated by the typical street lamps “ferali” instead of inappropriate and ugly industrial light-fittings; the collection of stone monuments was founded, repairs of the Belfry was organized, streets were repaired and the works on the magnificent fortification system of Ston were undertaken. The list of Society undertakings includes many activities, from the research- scientific and field, fact and document-making and buying of monuments, to conservation, restoration, restitution, and reconstruction. Nevertheless, it is appropriate to quote the capital projects, such as the restitution of the Luža, of Fort Revelin in the 1970s, the renewal of the buildings and the Church of the Rozario Fraternity and the staircase to the Dominican Monastery, the restitution of the city bridges, the renewal of the Small and restoration of the Large Onofrio fountains, the conservation of the remnants of the Cavtat walls, and a multitude of interventions on the walls of Dubrovnik and of Ston and on the Sokol Fortress in Konavle.

Throughout its existence, the Society has offered continuous financial support to other subjects involved in the preservation of historical monuments and the publishing activity related to the historical heritage of Dubrovnik. For that purpose, the Society has established the separate Foundation of Lukša Beritić.