The Urbanist Tall Stories 465: Kupari Resort
Jun 30, 2025
Guy De Launey, a writer and expert on urban transformation, dives into the captivating history of Kupari Resort, once the gem of the Adriatic coast. He shares its descent from a beloved tourist spot to a haunting symbol of conflict and decay. The conversation touches on its intriguing role in film history and the hurdles involved in its planned revival. De Launey's insights illuminate the complex interplay of architecture, war, and the hopes for regeneration in a site scarred by its past.
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Kupari as WWII Film Set
- Kupari Resort was abandoned for over 30 years and stood in for a WWII battle site in the film "Lee."
- Its war-torn state needed no extra set dressing to portray destruction authentically.
Kupari’s Early Holiday Roots
- Kupari's history as a holiday spot dates back over a century, started by Czech entrepreneurs before WWI.
- Early hotels like Hotel Strand and Hotel Grand arose from repurposed industrial buildings.
Kupari’s Dark WWII and Tito Era
- Kupari was repurposed during WWII as a concentration camp, then as a military resort under Yugoslav partisans.
- President Tito personally invested, building villas and favoring Kupari for elite stays.