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Culture and history

Culture and history

Culture and history:

Lopar boasts an exceptionally rich cultural and historic heritage that dates back to the earliest times. There are traces of ancient settlements on the entire island as well as in Lopar itself. These include numerous prehistoric archaeological sites, forts, burial mounds and artefacts, all of which bear witness to the continuous settlement of the area.

There are several explanations of the origin of the name Lopar. While some believe that its name originates from the Latin word Eporium, meaning protrusion, others believe the name originates from the name of the Greek island of Paros, which was famous in ancient times for its marble. Since this precious stone has been excavated on the Goli otok island and near Lopar for a long time, it is assumed that the settlement closest to the quarry was named Neos Paros (New Paros), Neoparo or Epario, which later evolved to Lopar. Other authors believe that the name is of Slavic origin – lopar is also the name for a trowel or platter and the area reminds us of the shape of these tools.

The locals are also very proud of the famous legend of St Marinus. According to legend, Lopar is the birthplace of this saint, a stonemason who founded the oldest republic in the world – the Republic of San Marino – after having sailed to the Italian Peninsula in early 4^th century. The Lopar campsite and the hotel complex bear the name “San Marino” in his honour, and Lopar still maintains friendly relations with the Republic of San Marino.

16°C

Humidity::39%

Pressure::1018.1