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.

Structure and membership

Society members are volunteers and membership is open to the public. Every individual can become a member, both Croatian nationals and foreign citizens, under the condition they agree to the rules and regulations of the Society statute. All activity on behalf of and for the Society is voluntary, and cannot be reimbursed, or rewarded with any kind of public reward.

The structure of the Society is regulated by the Statute, written and passed by the Assembly. The Assembly is the highest body of the Society and all members of the Society are members of the Assembly, too. The Assembly elects the Grand council, the highest organ of the Society, and the one that rules of the Society between two Grand council sessions. The Grand Council elects members of the Small Council, the collegial executive organ of the Grand council which rules the Society between two sessions of the Grand Council, among its members.

The Small council elects the president of the Society among its members. The Assembly also elects the five members of the Supervisory board, who oversee the activities of the Society and its financial matters. The Grand council elects members of the Advisory board from the ranks of its most deserving members and non-members in case of scientists, artists, and public figures who could contribute to the Society and its cause. The Advisory board is a collegial advisory organ of the Society and its members are elected for life.

PRESIDENT

Vedran Kosović

SUPERVISORY BOARD

Zoran Zec, Pavuša Babarović, Marojica Bijelić, Jakica-Jasna Lučić, Vladimir Tošović

VICE-PRESIDENT

Toni Kursar

SECRETARY

Maro Kapović

ADVISORY BOARD

Carić Tomislav, Cezarević Bogomil, Ivanišin Nikola, Karaman Antun, Koroman Kruno, don Lučić Toma, Pasqualicchio Tonći, Pejdar Vlaho, Peko Lukša, Škerlj Josip, Šuljak Tomislav, Tomić Đuro, Žuvela Josip

GRAND COUNCIL

Renata Andjus, Marijo Bekić, Igor Borić, Ivo Čučević, Jelica Čučević, Karmen Gagro, Nevenka Đirlić Grošeta, Ivana Jelača, Irja Jerković, Maro Kapović, Srđan Kera, Vedran Kosović, Toni Kursar, Božo Lasić, Rina Lončarica, Vinicije Lupis, Hrvoje Macan, Đuro Market, Ljubomir Merčep, Ljubo Milinković, Davor Miloglav, Maja Nodari, Jelena Obradović Mojaš, Marina Oreb, Denis Orlić, Damir Račić, Sebastian Vukosavić, Matko Vetma, Eduard Šuljak, Vedran Antunica

SMALL COUNCIL

Renata Andjus, Nevenka Đirlić Grošeta, Maro Kapović, Vedran Kosović, Toni Kursar, Ljubomir Merčep, Maja Nodari, Marina Oreb, Denis Orlić

Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities

Gundulićeva poljana 2, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

OIB: 68697988356 MB: 03305031

+385 (0)20 638 800

+385 (0)20 638 801

+385 (0)20 638 802

Fax: +385 (0)20 638 805

gradske.zidine@gmail.com

info@citywallsdubrovnik.hr

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Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities

Gundulićeva poljana 2, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia

OIB: 68697988356 MB: 03305031

+385 (0)20 638 800

+385 (0)20 638 801

+385 (0)20 638 802

Fax: +385 (0)20 638 805

gradske.zidine@gmail.com

info@citywallsdubrovnik.hr

Follow us:

InstagramYouTube