After being labeled the ugliest and then the saddest city, Ploče residents have decided to speak up about their city's beauty. They say: we may not have Roman Empire ruins, but we have natural landmarks that rival any in the world.
Residents of Ploče have raised their voices after a series of insulting titles were bestowed upon them over the past two years. First, the British portal Telegraph declared it the ugliest coastal city in Europe, and a recent Reddit discussion crowned it as the saddest and most depressing city in Croatia. However, the people of Ploče beg to differ and are ready to prove otherwise.
Maja Erak, who has lived in Ploče for more than half her life, sees the city through completely different eyes. "This city is neither ugly nor depressing; it's simply positively different, with a rhythm and vibe you have to feel if you live here," Maja says for Slobodna Dalmacija. She doesn't consider the post-WWII architecture a drawback but rather a unique feature. "Ploče is a mini Venice; wherever you go through the city, water and plenty of greenery are in sight. The longest stone riva in Dalmatia, most often bathed in sunshine, where everything is within five minutes," she adds.
Tihana Pažin points out that a large part of the city developed in the second half of the 20th century as a port and industrial center, where functionality took precedence over aesthetics. "The city itself may lack typical Mediterranean aesthetics or historical architecture, but through its natural position, the beauty that surrounds it, and its specificities, the city has its own charm," she explains.
The renowned Ploče music trio Parmachy, consisting of Sanja, Neda, and Tomislav Parmać, proudly highlight what makes Ploče special. "Unfortunately, we don't have remnants of the Roman Empire or the Austro-Hungarian monarchy to attract tourists from around the world, but we do have our natural landmarks that can't be compared to any part of the world," they say. They add that aerial shots of Ploče are impressive and believe they have no competition when compared to similar smaller towns. "For us, Ploče is the happiest city in the world," conclude the musicians, who recently held a traditional concert in honor of Oliver Dragojević in their city.
Jasna Krilić, born in Crna Rika, recalls the time when there were only barracks and one public toilet there. Despite living in several cities, she returned to Ploče every summer. "I could have chosen other destinations, but the smell of the sea, sand under my feet, rocky cliffs at Tanka Punta, walks along the riva, and familiar faces stayed in my thoughts," says Jasna, inviting all skeptics: "If anyone thinks otherwise, come to my beach, jump off my diving board into the lake, walk another 300 meters to the beach, or drive to the river mouth, and then let me hear you."
Young Josipa Glamuzina briefly and resolutely dismissed the negative labels: "I don't agree for a second that Ploče is an ugly or depressing city. Quite the opposite, it's a small, charming town, safe and peaceful, ideal for starting a family and living."
Ante Štrbić Fulin, a restaurateur since 1967, has met countless guests from around the world in his long career. "I've never heard anyone speak negatively about Ploče. On the contrary, they praised the advantages of this city and the living conditions here. People asked me about buying apartments or land because they want to live right here," Fulin recalls, listing the city's assets: "We have the riva, three beaches, the river mouth, Baćina Lakes, and I can't believe someone would write such things about Ploče."
Mario Pavić believes that every place has livelier and sleepier times of the year, depending on the season and visitors' preferences. "For nature lovers, walkers, sports enthusiasts, cyclists, and outdoor activity fans, Ploče is definitely a top destination," he emphasizes. He advises nightlife and shopping enthusiasts to skip the city. "Depression, like beauty, is an individual thing; if you want to allow yourself a depressing day or week, you can have it even in big and beautiful Vienna," Pavić concludes.
Photographer Martin Burić humorously comments on the labels stuck to his city: "Saddest? He must have made a typo and swapped the letters 's' and 'u'. Because, if we don't count Grooood, Ploče is almost the southernmost city." As an example of Ploče residents' hospitality, he highlights the Fishermen's Night.
Zoran Parmać, a musician who has toured Europe and America, doesn't hide his enthusiasm for his hometown: "My soul sings when I come to Ploče; only here do I write songs, only here do I play football, only here do I make babies!" He suspects the negative campaigns aren't coincidental: "Maybe there are secret, dark forces pushing this agenda about Ploče for God knows what reasons and with what goal, but I think it's not accidental; it increasingly looks like a campaign."
Visual artist Jure Jovica, who arrived in Ploče in 1974 from Staševica, witnessed the city's transformation from an industrial hub to a place with a different way of life. "I wonder if the people who write so negatively about Ploče have ever come to the city and felt its pulse, or are they led by the impression they get from the highway while passing by," Jovica muses.
He particularly highlights the rich cultural life thanks to the Open University led by Karla Šestan. "Ploče residents can enjoy Advent, Easter events, Ploče Summer, and numerous other activities," Jovica lists, who is also the author of a song dedicated to the city: "You're the most beautiful, my town. Wherever I go, I carry you in my heart. The lakes, Neretva, and the sea embrace you."
Karla Šestan, head of the Open University, invites those who form opinions based on rumors to visit Ploče. "Calling Ploče the 'most depressing city' says more about prejudice than about the city itself. Every place has its challenges and values. Those who live here know to appreciate the community, the more relaxed pace of life, and the beauty that surrounds them daily," she says.
