FAMOUS CROATS, Federiko Glavić

Federiko Glavić (Šipan, 1847 – Dubrovnik, 1941), a Dubrovnik shipowner and philanthropist, was one of the key figures in the maritime and economic life of Dubrovnik and beyond in the first half of the 20th century. After earning his capital through hard work in Chile, he returned home and invested not only in shipping (Dubrovnik Steam Navigation Company), but also in banking (Dubrovnik Commercial Bank, 1902), industry (Dubravka Paint Factory, 1924), trade and other sectors. He was not only one of the wealthiest men of his time in Dubrovnik, but it can be said without reservation that he was a visionary. When, in 1909, there was a threat that many Croatian shipping companies would relocate to Trieste and lose part of their national identity, Glavić strongly resisted and, through significant investment, ensured that the headquarters of the largest southern Adriatic shipping company remained in Dubrovnik. As a young man, he emigrated to Chile (Iquique), where he invested his first capital in nitrate mines and became co-owner of a nitrate factory in 1886. He was an active member and once president of the Austro-Hungarian Mutual Aid Society for Croatian emigrants. In his new homeland, he also met his future wife, Maria Maldonado y Maldonado (1851–1942), who shared business interests with him. After spending a quarter of a century in Chile, Glavić returned to Dubrovnik in 1896 and embarked on diverse business ventures thanks to the earned capital. His role in maritime affairs was especially important as a principal co-owner of the Dubrovnik Steam Navigation Company. Glavić’s visionary moves once again ensured a new and independent business direction for Dubrovnik maritime affairs over the next half-century. His business partner was his nephew Tomo Glavić (1884–1979), who later expanded operations into tourism and hospitality before World War II. Beyond their role in the economic history of Dubrovnik, the Glavić family also left a significant mark on Croatian architectural heritage through their commissions. Notable examples include Villa Dubravka in Pile (1902), Villa Orsula in Ploče (1919–1923), the annex of Hotel Argentina (1939), the conversion of Hotel Milinov into Hotel Dubrovnik in Zagreb (1940), and the mixed-use residential and commercial building of the Dubrovnik Steam Navigation Company (the so-called Ragusea) in Batala (1941). Federiko Glavić was also one of the great philanthropists of his time, supporting those in need in various ways and contributing to numerous initiatives. In his will, he bequeathed substantial sums to many cultural, educational and humanitarian institutions in Dubrovnik. dr. sc. Ivan Viđen, graduate art historian and graduate archaeologist Editor of the book Dubrovnik Shipowner Federiko Glavić by dr. Aida Cvjetković