You and 9 friends could stay in a 15th-century monastery on an island in Croatia

Monica HumphriesJul 31, 2020, 23:25 IST

The complex sits on a car-free island in southern Croatia.LOPUD-1483

The 15th-century complex of stone buildings has opened to the public for the first time in decades.
Called LOPUD-1483, the building once served as a monastery for monks.
Now, it's gone through a 20-year renovation. Guests can explore the restored building, sunset terraces, private beaches, and isolated caves.
The complex can be rented out by room or hold larger events. The entire complex costs $11,832 a night for 10 guests. In October, single room bookings will be available starting at $1,656 a night.

On the island of Lopud, a tiny landmass off the southern coast of Croatia, a collection of ancient buildings overlooks the island's coast.

The stone buildings date back to 1483 when the location served as a monastery for Franciscan monks. The buildings have sat empty since 1822.

The complex has just completed a 20-year restoration, and the monastery is enticing guests with luxury night stays, garden parties, and sunset terraces.

Called LOPUD-1483, the complex is "a place that encourages togetherness, whilst also providing for solitude and silence," a representative shared with Insider.

Here's a look inside.

The monastery, aptly named LOPUD-1483 for its location and founding date, sits off the southern coast of the Croatian island Lopud, near Dubrovnik, Croatia.

The island is in the heart of Croatia's Elaphiti Islands. LOPUD-1483

The car-free island has old villas, small palaces, chapels, and ancient farmhouses. It dates back to the Renaissance period and is accessible by ferry or private boat.

The island is off the southern coast of Croatia. LOPUD-1483

The Thyssen-Bornemisza family owns the complex and recently completed a 20-year restoration of the 15th-century buildings.

The owners spent decades restoring and renovating the monastery. LOPUD-1483

Now, the 5,000-square-foot complex is home to five guest suites, which are available for rental.

The entrance hallways to the monastery. LOPUD-1483

While guests stay in the suites, in-house chefs will serve them dinner in a variety of locations across the complex, like the courtyard.

The monastery's courtyard set up for a dinner party. LOPUD-1483

Or the guests can choose to enjoy dinner from the stone terrace, which overlooks the sea.

Below the terrace, guests can spot caves and remote beaches. LOPUD-1483

Inside, guests will discover rooms that seamlessly meld old with new.

The ancient stone walls contrast with the interior's modern furniture and design. LOPUD-1483

Architect Rujana Markovic and Italian designer Paula Lenti added 21st-century amenities, like a private cinema, to the 15th-century rooms.

The spacious rooms have comfy beds, a living area, and a bathroom. LOPUD-1483

Beyond breathtaking rooms, the walls throughout the building are filled with a collection of Renaissance and contemporary artwork.

The impressive art is from the owners' private collection. LOPUD-1483

Franciscan monks used many medicinal plants in their practices, and the owners restored the garden to reflect that. Now, guests can explore the garden and its 80 different species of plants.

The surrounding gardens are teeming with a variety of plants, flowers, and herbs. LOPUD-1483

Franciscan monks used many medicinal plants in their practices, and the owners restored the garden to reflect that. Now, guests can explore the garden and its 80 different species of plants.

Olive and lemon trees line the pathways to the monastery's remote beaches.

The island is well-known for its sandy beaches. LOPUD-1483

Beyond colorful sunsets, guests will have access to delicious local cuisine, like oysters from nearby bays, Dalmatian ham, fish, and octopus.

Most of the island's delicacies center around seafood caught by local fishermen. LOPUD-1483

Beyond private stays, the complex is available for events. The owner imagines everything from weddings to yoga retreats happening in the space.

With its expansive gardens and courtyards, the complex can accommodate hundreds of people. LOPUD-1483

But it will cost you. The entire space costs $11,832 a night for 10 guests. In October, single room bookings will be available starting at $1,656 a night.

Single room bookings will be available this fall. LOPUD-1483

The monastery, island, and beautiful beaches are a must on any bucket list.

One last view of the island. LOPUD-1483

A bride tried on 7 dresses before finding a one-of-a-kind gown with a 16-pound skirt

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You and 9 friends could stay in a 15th-century monastery on an island in Croatia

The monastery, aptly named LOPUD-1483 for its location and founding date, sits off the southern coast of the Croatian island Lopud, near Dubrovnik, Croatia.

The car-free island has old villas, small palaces, chapels, and ancient farmhouses. It dates back to the Renaissance period and is accessible by ferry or private boat.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza family owns the complex and recently completed a 20-year restoration of the 15th-century buildings.

Now, the 5,000-square-foot complex is home to five guest suites, which are available for rental.

While guests stay in the suites, in-house chefs will serve them dinner in a variety of locations across the complex, like the courtyard.

Or the guests can choose to enjoy dinner from the stone terrace, which overlooks the sea.

Inside, guests will discover rooms that seamlessly meld old with new.

Architect Rujana Markovic and Italian designer Paula Lenti added 21st-century amenities, like a private cinema, to the 15th-century rooms.

Beyond breathtaking rooms, the walls throughout the building are filled with a collection of Renaissance and contemporary artwork.

Franciscan monks used many medicinal plants in their practices, and the owners restored the garden to reflect that. Now, guests can explore the garden and its 80 different species of plants.

Olive and lemon trees line the pathways to the monastery's remote beaches.

Beyond colorful sunsets, guests will have access to delicious local cuisine, like oysters from nearby bays, Dalmatian ham, fish, and octopus.

Beyond private stays, the complex is available for events. The owner imagines everything from weddings to yoga retreats happening in the space.

But it will cost you. The entire space costs $11,832 a night for 10 guests. In October, single room bookings will be available starting at $1,656 a night.

The monastery, island, and beautiful beaches are a must on any bucket list.