Richard the Lion Heart Legend

Many foreign rulers have visited Dubrovnik, Croatia, over the years. One such visitor was Richard I of England, or as he was known Richard the Lion Heart.

 According to legend he visited Dubrovnik in 1192 on his return from the Third Crusade War in Palestine. His ship became caught in a terrible storm in the Adriatic Sea and he desperately sought shelter. Afraid for his life he pledged that if he survived the storm he would build a church where he first touched land. After a bitter struggle his ship finally found shelter in a bay on the island of Lokrum and not forgetting he vowed to build a church on that very spot. The citizens of Dubrovnik soon heard about the Kings arrival and sent representatives to meet and invite him into the city. Whilst in the City he continued to honour his pledge and set about constructing a church on Lokrum. 100,000 gold coins were to be spent on this lavish project. However, the Dubrovnik City Council convinced him that a church in the city would be a much better idea, whilst they would organize building a church on the island. King Richard gladly accepted this proposal and legend says that he even asked the Pope for permission.

 

Source:http://www.englishmanindubrovnik.com/legends-of-dubrovnik-richard-the-lion-heart/