Silk Production and the Tradition Behind Konavle Embroidery

Revel in the stunning surroundings as you ride along a scenic Adriatic road from the port of Dubrovnik to the green valley of Konavle. Upon arriving in the village of Čilipi, a local cultural center, you’ll visit the Konavle Heritage Museum where local curators will tell the story of the creation and social meaning behind the national costume and its connection to the region’s Konavle embroidery artform.

Continue this fascinating tour with an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to AR Atelier, where you will be joined by Antonia Ruskovic, an academic painter, culture preservationist and the founder of AR Atelier. Antonia has studied the production techniques of historic Konavle embroidery and is dedicated in ensuring that this local tradition is passed down and kept alive for future generations through her social work training young residents in the cultural techniques and meanings of the traditional costumes. While at the atelier, Antonia will demonstrate the skill involved in the specific type of embroidery used in the creation of local costumes and also describe how she farms and breeds the silkworms—which she acquires through her work with local NGOs—used to produce the special silk. “With silk we are born and with silk we die” was a common saying among Čilipi residents, and one Antonia is hoping to revive in spirit.

Following your time at AR Atelier, you’ll head to the protected area of the River Ljuta to visit a local watermill owned by Antonia’s cousin. Here you will get a look into the production of the wool tread and felt that is necessary to complete the traditional costumes. During your visit to the watermill, relax by the river in the shade of the bay leaf trees and enjoy a tasty snack produced by local home estates along with locally produced wine.