Hotel Belvedere

About

In the summer of 2023, I was asked by some friends to shoot their wedding in Croatia. Having took the trip out with my family, we decided to explore the island. Just outside Dubrovnik, on a cliff with panoramic views of the city, sits the once-magnificent Hotel Belvedere. The luxury hotel only operated for six years in late 20th century. Ever since, it’s been left to crumble into the sea.

When the hotel opened in 1985 it had over 200 rooms, a helipad, and its own private boat dock. The complex has remained abandoned since the Croatian War of Independence. It has, however, had brief stints of occupation. During a siege on the city in 1991, dozens of Croatian refugees took shelter within its derelict walls.

The 18 floors of the hotel are filled with shattered glass and the remnants of fallen walls. The outside offers several terraces at varying levels that descend the cliff, each with an unparalleled view over the bay toward Dubrovnik Old Town and Lokrum Island. We managed to sneak inside into the reception area of the hotel and explore. 

I managed to sneak in a quick photoshoot with my kids as well as documenting the remains. You can check out the shoot.... 

​​​