The medieval monastery Mediterranean garden of St Lawrence in Šibenik was restored and opened in 2007 after being forgotten for a hundred years. It forms a part of the Franciscan monastery of St Lawrence and the programme of the Šibenik Private Lyceum.
The restoration project was carried out by a famous Croatian landscape architect – Dragutin Kiš – winner of the Millenium Award for Flora in Japan in 2000. This is a very rare garden type because it is the only one of its kind in Croatia, that is, the only garden with a standardised medieval design – a cross design for a pathway, a small well in the middle, and a nicely done surface arrangement framed by boxtrees and beautiful old aromatic roses. The four sections contain medicinal plants and herbs.
A special place is occupied by the thyme plants with beautiful red, purple, silver, light and dark green leaves. The colour combinations make it a remarkable work of art.
Capers have also found their place in this garden. According to the legend, capers were brought to Šibenik by Juraj Dalmatinac. They were planted in the cracks in the walls to serve as a reminder of the great builder. This useful ”medieval” plant helped tie together the stone, flora and Juraj Dalmatinac.
This garden has enriched the cultural heritage of Šibenik.
D. Šabić