A Renaissance castle covering an area of 900 square meters located on the island of Šipan, the largest amongst Elaphite islands in Dubrovnik archipelago, covering an area of 3,288 square meters.It is the only fully preserved building with characteristics of typical Dubrovnik rural architecture in Croatia, renovated with authentic materials and abounding in stone and wooden details originating from the 16th century. The mansion was constructed by Vice Stjepović-Skočibuha, a shipbuilder from Dubrovnik, in 1563. On the island of Šipan, there are 42 old mansions and 34 sacral buildings, irrespective of the fact that the island only covers an area of 16 km2.
The property comprises the main building, auxiliary premises, a defence tower, a garden and the consecrated St. Thomas chapel with original artefacts.The property is surrounded by a high defensive wall with a view of the remains of the oldest mansion on the island. The main building comprises of a ground floor and the first floor, with an identical layout of the rooms – a pompous parlour surrounded by four rooms by its sides. On the first floor, there is a balcony with the original wooden fence, absolutely unique of this kind that has been preserved in Dubrovnik area.Property is covered by a Renaissance garden, which was renovated according to authentic records provided by chroniclers and writers. It covers two storeys and abounds in walkways.
The auxiliary premises, which were originally used by a teacher-priest, are actually a belvedere or a loggia, comprising of a priest’s room with the authentic 450 years old window. From the loggia, one descends into auxiliary rooms that used to be taverns, storage rooms and cisterns, whereas by the very edge of the property there is a cottage with an attached preserved olive mill in which there is currently a restaurant. The property includes a defence tower on three floors constructed in 1577, connected with the mansion through a draw bridge. The tower includes a cistern, a fire place, fitted wardrobes and toilets.
