Welcome to the picturesque bay of Kupari, the hotel graveyard nestled along the Adriatic Sea, where the whispers of history resonate through the air. This enchanting area has witnessed centuries of change, particularly during the tumultuous events of the past two decades.
Kupari’s story begins in the transition from Croatia‘s affiliation with the Austria-Hungary empire to its inclusion in the newly formed Yugoslavia after World War I. In 1919, the opulent Grand Hotel graced the landscape, funded with assistance from the newly established Czechoslovakia.
Fast forward to the early 1960s, under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito, when Kupari underwent a transformation into a luxurious resort for the military elite of the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA). The resort boasted an array of hotels and accommodations, including the prestigious Pelegrin, Kupari, and Goričina, along with a secret enclave for political figures, including Tito himself.
By the 1980s, Kupari opened its doors to foreign tourists, with a focus on attracting visitors from Western Europe, particularly Germany and Scandinavia. However, the region’s prosperity was short-lived.
In 1991, the Croatian War of Independence erupted, bringing devastation to Kupari. Yugoslav forces descended upon the area, resulting in significant damage to the hotels and surrounding infrastructure. Despite the valiant efforts of Croatian forces, Kupari fell under occupation before eventually being reclaimed in 1992.
In the aftermath of the war, Kupari fell victim to looting, with valuable assets stripped from the abandoned hotels. Today, the once-grand structures stand as stark reminders of the region’s turbulent past, awaiting restoration and rejuvenation.
As we turn our attention to Hotel Goričina, we delve into its rich history, from its inception in 1962 to its expansion in the early 1980s. With futuristic design elements and a commitment to sustainability, Goričina II emerged as a beacon of modernity. Yet, the question remains whether these dilapidated buildings can be salvaged or if a new chapter awaits.
Join us for the next installment of Croatia – The Hotel Bay, as we explore the ongoing efforts to revive Kupari and restore its former glory.
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