Dubrovnik, a city steeped in history, has many stories to tell, and one of them is about its iconic tram. The Dubrovnik Travanj, as it was popularly known, holds a special place in the hearts of the city’s residents. It was a means of transportation, a mail car, and a source of joy for many who rode it.
The Dubrovnik Travanj commenced operations on December 22, 1910, and it was a joyous occasion for the city. The first tramcars left from the depot in Gruž towards Pile, where a grand festive program welcomed a large number of citizens.
There were plans to extend the railway from Pile to Ploče before the First World War, but unfortunately, the idea was never realized despite considerable funds being secured.
A tragedy struck on March 7, 1970, when the tram derailed, causing the death of one person and injuring fourteen others. The accident was attributed to the wear and tear of the tram, which caused the brakes to malfunction. This led to the suspension of traffic on the Pile-Hospital route just two days after the incident.
Sadly, on March 20 of the same year, the Dubrovnik tram system was abolished. It was an end of an era for the city, and the residents mourned the loss of their beloved tram.
Despite this, a set of motor vehicles with an open trailer tram from 1912, which is a testament to the rich history of Dubrovnik, is still on display in the Technical Museum in Zagreb. This serves as a reminder of the important role the tram played in the city’s history.
Although the Dubrovnik tram may no longer be in operation, its legacy lives on. It is a reminder of a bygone era, a time when the city was connected by a tram that brought its people together. The Dubrovnik tram will always hold a special place in the hearts of Dubrovnik’s residents, and its story will continue to be told for generations to come.
Photo credit: Facebook group Dubrovnik nekad i sad
