Šipan is the largest (16.5 km2) island in the Elaphite archipelago, with the richest monuments.
There are two larger settlements on the island - Šipanska Luka and Suđurad, which are connected by a road that cuts across the fertile Fields of Šipan.
During the XV century, many aristocratic Dubrovnik families built summer manors on Šipan. Accordingly, the summer manor of the Sorkocevic" family stands out in Šipanska Luka.
There is a painting of the Virgin Mary and Child in the parish church of St. Stephen, the work of Panteleon, a Venetian painter from the XV century. The Dubrovnik Republic located the center of its authority on the island above Šipanska Luka, a Late Gothic Rector's Palace built in 1450 A.D.
Suđurad is dominated by two large fortifi-cation towers that were built within the complex of two Renaissance summer manors owned by the Skočibuha fam-ily (XVI century). These towers served as a defense against piracy.
The slopes of the Fields of Šipan are covered with numerous summer manors, medieval Renaissance and Baroque churches and chapels. The Sveti duh (Holy Spirit), a church-fort, is of particular Interest.
Today, the vast beach-es, the clean sea abundant with fish, the rich vegetation, and the widely renowned Šipan wine, attract a growing num-ber of visitors who want a peaceful holiday.
|
