The villa was built in 1913–1914 as the private residence of Ivan Milić from Janjina, who named it “Argentina” after the homeland of his wife, Francisca.
Although the couple deeply loved Dubrovnik, they did not live in the villa for long, as both passed away soon afterwards. In 1929, the new owner, Tomo Glavić, began converting the villa into a guesthouse, and by 1939 it had been expanded and transformed into a prestigious hospitality destination known for its high level of service. During the 1950s, Villa Argentina developed into a luxury hotel complex, while the mid-1960s brought the addition of the architecturally important “new house”, designed by architect Mladen Kauzlarić.
Over time, the historic villa, the modern hotel section and the surrounding buildings came together to shape today’s Villa Argentina — a symbol of Dubrovnik luxury that has welcomed many well-known guests over the years.
Complete reconstruction of the main building and renovation of the historic part of the villa began in 2023 under the management of Adriatic Luxury Hotels, with the goal of preserving the building’s historical character while introducing modern facilities and comforts.
HERITAGE & ART
As part of the renovation of Hotel Villa Argentina, extensive conservation and restoration work was carried out on Ivo Dulčić’s masterpiece, the 1967 wall mosaic Dubrovnik Variations (Dubrovačke varijacije).
The restoration was carried out by the specialized company Kvinar d.o.o. from Split, under the leadership of Dr. Tonći Borovac. The process involved meticulous documentation of the mosaic’s initial condition and a precise dismantling in segments framed by the original dividers, strictly following Dulčić’s original compositional structure. The process was completed with the safe transport of the mosaic to the studio and its professional restoration.
The relocation of the mosaic to the indoor pool area ensures its permanent integration into the hotel’s contemporary design, making this valuable piece once again accessible to the public. This initiative confirms that the reconstruction of Hotel Villa Argentina was more than just a structural project; it was a profound endeavour to preserve the cultural identity and artistic heritage of Ivo Dulčić.
LOCAL ARTists
At Villa Argentina, we take pride in supporting the local community, with a special focus on art and the authentic spirit of Dubrovnik. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to discover unique artworks and motifs created by two talented young local artists, Klara Knego and Andrea Vukoja. Their creations bring a touch of local creativity and contemporary artistic expression to the hotel, offering guests a distinctive and memorable connection to the destination.
