Lopud

Lopud () is a small island off the coast of Dalmatia, southern Croatia. Lopud is economically the most developed of the Elaphiti Islands, and can be reached by boat from Dubrovnik, Trsteno, Orašac and Zaton. The island is famous for its sandy beaches, in particular the bay of Šunj. Lopud is the second largest island of the Elaphiti islands, between Koločep and Šipan. It is famous as the "island in the middle" (Insula Media, or Mezzo). It has an area of and its highest point is Polačica, above sea level. It has of coastline, of which is sandy.

== History == The central island known as Elaphite (Deer) archipelago, is 7 nautical miles away from Dubrovnik and with an area of 4.6 square kilometers. It was a frequent station of ancient Greeks and later Romans. There is no substantial proof, but the Greek name Delaphodia for present Lopud as well as Igalo for the waterfront (promenade) suggests the early presence of Greeks on the island. In the 9th century, the island was inhabited by Slavs, a fact supported by four old Slavonic churches and a bulk of archaeological finds. Very early (prior to the 10th century) it became part of the Commune of Dubrovnik, eventually becoming a county within the Republic of Ragusa. Due to its central location, Lopud gets the name of Isola di Mezzo. The 15th and 16th centuries were the Golden Age for the island. Thanks to the prospering shipping industry and sea trade (even with the Americas), as well as shipbuilding and agriculture, the island was a highly cultured one. The well-educated monks of the Franciscan (1483) and Dominican (1482) monasteries made way for literacy on the island. In addition to elementary school, the Dominicans taught the first three grades of high school in their curriculum. It is generally considered that the island's seamen received the basic knowledge in navigation they were to use during their successful voyages. Palaces and mansions were erected. The names of Lopud's streets, as well as its many houses and over thirty churches and chapels, each tell a story of the town of Lopud.