Trsteno - Trsteno Arboretum

The coastal village of Trsteno lies about 20 kilometres northwest of Dubrovnik, between the karst slopes and the Adriatic Sea. Ancient trees, stone houses and a long gardening tradition shape its green character, most clearly preserved on a former noble estate.

Trsteno Arboretum occupies the historic country estate of the Dubrovnik noble family Gučetić-Gozze. Its oldest garden was laid out in the late 15th and early 16th centuries and subsequently developed through Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic landscape phases. Since 1948 the estate has operated as an arboretum under the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

At its heart are the Gučetić-Gozze summer villa, geometrically arranged gardens and collections of palms and other Mediterranean and exotic plants. Historic buildings also include the Chapel of St Jerome, the old olive mill and a sea-facing gloriette.

A monumental aqueduct runs through the shaded estate and supplies the Baroque Neptune Fountain. Walks across the terraces and woodland paths are accompanied by views of the sea and the Elaphite Islands.