Rich cultural heritage
Rich cultural heritage
Throughout history, Croatia has encountered many cultures, which has resulted in a rich cultural and historical heritage. Numerous historical cities, medieval towns, fortresses, castles, and cathedrals can be found in this small geographical area. Currently, there are ten Unesco World Heritage Sites, both cultural and natural and even seventeen non-material assets are included on its Heritage list.
Image source: CNTBAuthor: Ivo Biočina
Image source: CNTBAuthor: Ivo Biočina
Image source: CNTBAuthor: Ivo Biočina
Istria
The rich historical and cultural heritage of this region is a result of the presence of various nations. Evidences of turbulent history can be seen in every town and village, on the coast and inland. The Šandalja Cave near Pula is a prehistoric site that testifies about the first inhabitants in this region, and the Illyrian settlements and fortifications can be found all over Istria. Ancient Roman monuments are world-class monuments that attract visitors from all over the world. The most famous is certainly the Amphitheater of Pula (Arena), where once gladiator fights took place and today it is the venue for many events - concerts, opera, and popular Pula Film festival. The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, a monument of early Byzantine architecture built in the 6th century, has been part of the World Heritage Site since 1997.
Dalmatia
Dalmatia is a region of diversity and exquisite natural beauties. Every Dalmatian town tells its own story, every small historical place reveals its charm. Zadar is an ancient town, three thousand years old. Symbol of the city, the church of Sv. Donat is a well-known monument and unique Sea Organ is a top attraction. Šibenik enchants every visitor with its medieval houses and palaces. The St. James's Cathedral, a large and beautiful monument of the Gothic-Renaissance period and St. Nichola's fortress are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The rich heritage of Split attracts many visitors, and the symbol of the place, Diocletian's Palace is also part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage List. Trogir is another Mediterranean jewel and his historical center was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, while the Old Town of famous Dubrovnik has been under Unesco's protection since 1979.
Cultural heritage of islands
Croatia is a country with more than thousand islands where numerous historical and cultural sites witness the past times. For example, the oldest Croatian monument written in the Glagolitic alphabet, Baška Tablet, was found on the island of Krk, and the Valun Tablet, an 11th-century bilingual and digraphic tablet was found od the island of Cres. The island of Pag is known for its long lacemaking tradition, which dates back to the 15th century. The Salt Museum is definitely worth visiting because it documents the production of salt and shows the great importance of the salt industry to the history of Pag. The Stari Grad Plain on the island of Hvar became the World Heritage Site in 2008. It has remained intact since it was first colonized by Greeks until today, and locals still grow grapevines and olives. One of the most beautiful Croatian islands is mystical and unspoiled island of Mljet. The Roman Palace and the islet of St. Mary with a 12th-century Benedictine monastery present a very valuable cultural heritage.
Image source: CNTBAuthor: Ivo Biočina
Central Croatia
Central Croatia is full of medieval cities, romantic castles, museums, and thermal spas. Daruvar, with its numerous parks and old trees, is considered Croatia's green oasis. The city’s rich past is related to the healthy thermal spas used by different nations. Traces of the past lead us to Andautonia, the old Roman town where excavations have discovered the remains of streets and spas, numerous coins, some jewelry, sculptures, frescoes, etc. Seventy kilometers northern is one of the most important paleontological sites in the world, the Krapina Neanderthals Site. Ludbreg is an impressive little town in the northwestern part of the country, a city of legends and wonders. It is also well known religious center where the Ludbreg Holy Sunday manifestation is traditionally held every year. Varaždin is perhaps the most famous city of this region, a baroque city that enchants visitors with its architecture. One of the oldest town halls in Europe is located in historical old town , as well as numerous palaces, churches and monasteries. The city is the venue of various events throughout the year, and most known are Musical Baroque Evenings and theŠpancirfest, a street festival of fun, laughter and positive emotions.
Image source: CNTBAuthor: Ivo Biočina
Slavonija - region of golden plains and green mountains
This area is rich folk customs, traditional music, wine cellars, and rural households. Slavonski Brod is known for one of the largest fortresses in Croatia and an impressive Baroque Franciscan monastery. Not far from Slavonski Brod, at the fertile Požega Valley, is located the wine capital of continental Croatia with its famous wine cellars - Kutjevo. The largest Slavonian city Osijek lies on the right bank of the Drava River, along which can be found the remains of the former Osijek fortress-Tvrđa. About 50 kilometers from Osijek is Đakovo, proud of its cathedral dating from the 19th century, the most important sacral building in Slavonia. Vinkovci are situated eastern from Đakovo, and this area is full of wild animals with a long tradition of hunting tourism. Vukovar is best known for its archeological site of Vučedol, where the Vučedol dove was found, nowadays a recognizable symbol of the city.
Image source: CNTBAuthor: Ivo Biočina
Croatian castles
Croatian castles, during the past times the permanent residence of noble families, are also a significant part of the cultural heritage of the country. Most of them were built in the Middle Age, and many are restored and open to visitors. One of the most famous and beautiful is certainly the Trakošćan castle, dating from the end of the 13th century and surrounded by a forest park with a large artificial lake. The beautiful Ozalj Castle was built on a cliff above the Kupa River. It has been upgraded in various periods of time, gaining the final appearance in the 18th century. Mailath castle within the municipality of Donji Miholjac is also worth mentioning as one of the most preserved Croatian castles and one of the last castles built at the beginning of the 20th century.