Dubrovnik‘s Renaissance summer residences and gardens are an exceptional testament to the attitude towards life and nature, creativity, and beauty. These idyllic sanctuaries served noble families as an escape from the relentless pursuit of achievements, helping them balance personal aspirations with the duties of their class and position. Summer residences with enchanting accompanying gardens were, in the 16th century—during the golden age of the Dubrovnik Republic—unique republics and oases of spirit.
One of them is the former Renaissance summer residence of the renowned Dubrovnik noble Getaldić (Ghetaldi) family in the village of Suđurađ on the island of Šipan. Long neglected, the summer residence has finally been renovated and converted into a luxurious holiday villa (www.villaghetaldi1516.com), and the accompanying Renaissance garden has also received a new look. Undoubtedly, it is the only summer residence from the golden age of the Republic that has been restored to its original function—a country retreat. It was built back in 1516, as evidenced by a stone inscription on the facade of the residence. The way it was designed clearly shows that the owner had a high socio-economic status and was well-acquainted with the humanist ideas of the time.
The garden was completely neglected. Not even the exploratory work under the supervision of the Conservation Department in Dubrovnik could uncover the buried walls in the lower part of the garden. Not only did the ravages of time erode the summer residence and defensive wall, but much else had disappeared, such as columns, stone paving, stone decorations from windows and doors, and parts of the boundary walls. Fortunately, the garden‘s architecture remained largely intact, so with quality experts and a photograph of the existing state from the 1970s, it was possible to begin reconstructing the original country estate complex, says Petar Barun, dipl. ing. and project manager for the Luxury Villas Dubrovnik by Imago Ibervest brand.
The summer residence itself, a model of refined simplicity, had two terraces decorated with pergolas that offered respite during hot summers. Recent research has revealed the exact proportions of the complex, showing respect for the golden ratio, a hallmark of Renaissance aesthetics. Today, the Ghetaldi summer residence stands as a testament to Dubrovnik‘s rich cultural heritage, a timeless symbol of elegance and sophistication.
The restoration of the summer residence was complex and lasted almost a decade. First, the residence itself was restored—its architectural structure and interior. Then it was the garden’s turn. Stones had to be carved for the walls, columns added, and the stone staircases re-paved. Just when it seemed the garden‘s restoration was finished, small walls and walkways unknown before were discovered in the lower part of the garden. Work stopped, a new study and survey of the current state had to be conducted, and new approval from the conservators obtained. This discovery prolonged the works by six months. Nevertheless, it all contributed to the Getaldić garden being restored to its former glory, and relevant experts consider it unique among many Dubrovnik summer residences, adds Petar Barun.
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The garden was restored in collaboration with experts from the Arboretum in Trsteno, who made a great contribution to understanding the garden horticulture of the Getaldić summer residence and in selecting Mediterranean plants.
Originally, the garden was divided into two parts. The cultivated part had all the characteristics of an early Renaissance garden, while the other part was rocky and uncultivated.
In the rocky and uncultivated part of the garden, a swimming pool has been placed as a modern addition to any luxury villa, so it does not disturb the concept of the Renaissance garden. In the Renaissance part, however, the original architectural structure of the garden remains. No intervention was made here; only reconstruction and additions of what had been lost. The walkways are paved with old tiles, and Mediterranean plants have been planted in the garden. The blend of elegant Dubrovnik country living and a modern context of relaxation offers visitors to Villa Ghetaldi 1516 a special experience of satisfaction.
The Getaldić garden features a terraced landscape, making it even more special. In front of the residence is a large pergola with grapevines, and to the east are palms, lemons, bitter oranges, and rosemary. To the west, there is a walkway with medicinal and aromatic herbs—from sage, immortelle, Dalmatian pyrethrum, white lily, and myrtle to laurel and lavender. In the Renaissance, plants with symbolic meaning were valued, and medicinal herbs adorned the garden as well.
Below the pergola is a terrace with orange trees, and along the stone wall of the chapel stretches a bougainvillea. From the chapel to the west are large rocks, and on the poor soil, oleanders bloom.
A little lower is a grassy green terrace that connects the large stairs to the east and the small stairs to the west: here grow jujube, pomegranate, fig, almond, and olive. Below the green terrace runs a garden walkway covered with grapevines, one of the characteristic elements of Renaissance gardens. The pool is hidden from view by fragrant jasmine, and below the walkway are citrus fields, while along the entire southern wall, mint grows. The plot covers about 2,000 square meters, and today, in Villa Ghetaldi 1516, the culture of country living is rediscovered. Far from the city bustle, guests immerse themselves in the spirit of the Renaissance, which revitalizes them in an unobtrusive way.
The entire estate is surrounded by a high stone wall that ensured peace and privacy for the owners. Unlike the medieval garden, which was closed within its four walls, here there is communication with the surroundings. A window in the wall allows a view of the outside world, opening the garden to the landscape. The summer residence in the highest and sunniest position, terraced gardens with pergolas, and an unobtrusive relationship with nature testify to the advanced humanist ideas of the former owners. The garden was as important, if not even more important, than the residence itself, so the garden area occupies as much as 89 percent of the total surface, explains Petar Barun.
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