In 1853, the Sisters of Charity arrived in Dubrovnik from the Italian city of Brescia at the invitation of the then Bishop of Dubrovnik, Toma Jederlini, who entrusted them with the upbringing and education of young women. This marked the founding of the monastery at Pile. Immediately after their arrival in Dubrovnik, a primary school, music school, language school, and an oratory for girls were opened, serving those who came from nearby Dubrovnik areas to work for Dubrovnik families. Later, a preparandija (teacher training school) was established, initially located in the Old Town. In 1901, the Preparandija building was constructed by Kuno Weidemann and was ceremonially opened on October 4, 1901.
Until 1970, the Preparandija housed various educational institutions, from kindergarten and primary school to secondary school. On April 6, 1970, the University of Zagreb established the Centre for Postgraduate Studies (PSD) in this historic building, situated in the heart of Dubrovnik's city center at Pile, adjacent to world-renowned attractions. In February 1972, a formal agreement was signed between the University of Zagreb and the Municipality of Dubrovnik, transferring the building and property to the University exclusively for the needs of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies and other forms of university and educational activities.
Following the initiative of Ivan Supek, then Rector of the University of Zagreb, the Inter-University Centre Dubrovnik (IUC) was founded in 1971 as an inter-university institution for postgraduate studies and doctoral programs in humanities and social sciences. The University of Zagreb invited universities from around the world to become co-founders. Both PSD and IUC operated collaboratively in the building, with the University providing facilities, administrative staff, and support services. This fruitful cooperation continued successfully until December 1991, when the building was damaged during the Croatian Homeland War.
Following the war, the building underwent comprehensive restoration. In October 1993, the renovated International Centre for Croatian Universities (ICCU) was ceremonially reopened. On October 6, 1998, the University Senate adopted the Charter establishing the Centre for Advanced Academic Studies (CAAS) of the University of Zagreb in Dubrovnik. Today, the "Preparandija" has gained national and international recognition as a center for conducting and organizing scientific programmes, postgraduate studies, summer schools, courses, conferences, and symposia.
The University of Zagreb has continuously supported the academic community in organizing academic events and annual programmes. All organizers and participants have access to comprehensive working facilities including the Conference Hall, lecture rooms, exhibition space, and offices. Accommodation is available in rooms and studio apartments, while an on-site restaurant offers catering options and coffee break services during academic events.
Centre for Advanced Academic Studies (CAAS) within the University of Zagreb acts as a public academic institution for international scientific programmes and postgraduate studies. Located in the heart of Dubrovnik just minutes from the Old Town, CAAS is easily accessible and provides comprehensive facilities within easy reach.
While renowned research centres such as the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach (MFO) in Germany and Centre International de Rencontres Mathématiques (CIRM) in France focus exclusively on mathematics, CAAS distinguishes itself through its comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. CAAS serves as a meeting point for researchers across all fields of science, humanities, social sciences, medicine, engineering, and arts, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration.
Each year, CAAS hosts over thousands of participants from around the world. Our diverse programme encompasses innovative research in natural sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology), engineering disciplines (electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, textile technology, naval architecture), medical sciences (dentistry, cardiology, pathophysiology, anesthesiology), humanities and social sciences (linguistics, cognitive science, philosophy, Slavic studies), as well as emerging interdisciplinary fields such as mass spectrometry in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and digital security.
This unique positioning makes CAAS one of the few international academic centres capable of facilitating cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange, where a physicist might encounter insights from cognitive science, a linguist can engage with engineering innovations, and medical researchers can explore computational methodologies. The historic setting of Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides an inspiring atmosphere that encourages creative thinking and international collaboration across all academic boundaries.
CAAS aims to:
CAAS offers comprehensive facilities designed to meet the diverse needs of academic gatherings, including a Main Conference Hall with 110-seat capacity, 12 fully-equipped lecture rooms, spacious Atrium for networking events, and on-site restaurant services. (See our complete Fact Sheet for detailed facility specifications)
View Complete Fact SheetWe will be pleased to help you in organizing: