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So, you’re thinking of vacationing in Europe, but you want to make your trip different from other people’s. You don’t want to make another trip to see the London Bridge or the Eiffel Tower. You’re the type of tourist who’s not only travelling to shop or fill your social media feed with pictures—you want to explore the history and culture of the country you’re visiting!
Then you should definitely put Croatia on your must-visit list. The country is one of the most visited tourist destinations in recent times, and is rich with history and culture, making it perfect for travellers who are eager to learn while exploring.
To give you a head start, here are five locations you should visit in Croatia:
#1 Dubrovnik
When you reach Dubrovnik, one of the things you’ll notice immediately is how the city is encircled by stone walls, which used to act as a fort against enemies. Some of them were built as far as back as the 9th century!
The famous writer George Bernard Shaw once called Dubrovnik ‘paradise on earth’. Make your way up Srđ. From the 412m high hill, you’ll see views beyond Dubrovnik, which includes Lokrum and the Elafiti Islands.
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Once you’re done exploring, head over to the Cultural History Museum, where you’ll find portraits, restored rooms, coats of arms and coins that reflect the history of the city.
Besides that, the Maritime Museum is simply unmissable, as the city has a rich seafaring history. There you’ll find archeological remnants of sunken ships, parts of equipment, pictures, and more!
#2 Korčula
Korčula is the birthplace of famous explorer Marco Polo, and is similar to Dubrovnik with its medieval squares, churches and palaces. The locals call it ‘The Black Island’—this is because the Greeks, who once ruled the island, thought the dense forests covering the island gave it the illusion of blackness.
You can learn more about the history of the town by visiting the Town Museum and visiting Marco Polo’s house!
You’re in luck if you visit during the summer, as there are Moreska sword dance performances every week, which depict the battle between a White King and his followers against a Black King accompanied with music!
Image via www.visitkorcula.com
#3 Split
Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, is a buzzing and exuberant with activity!
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A place you have to visit there is Diocletian’s Palace, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments. It was built as a military fortress, imperial residence and fortified town—but now the streets are packed with people, shops and restaurants!
For a dose of culture and history, visit the Archeological Museum, a treasure trove of classical sculpture and mosaics just a short walk from the town centre. Most of its collection comes from the ancient Roman settlements of Split, and there are also displays of jewellery and crowns—plus a room filled with artefacts dating from as far as the Palaeolithic Age!
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#4 Zadar
Zadar is Croatia’s university town, with history around every turn.
There’s the early-Byzantine St. Donatus’ church, which has become the symbol and pride for Zadar, and where you can enjoy renaissance music performances.
Zadar’s Roman forum was built by Emperor Augustus at the turn of the first century. The space was cleared because of bomb damage, and while the temple and basilica are gone, you can still trace the raised ground of its foundations.
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Once you’re done exploring the museums, churches and palaces, go see and hear the almost magical Sea Organ, comprising several stairs that descend into the sea.
#5 Opatija
Opatija is often compared to the French Riviera and is also called the ‘cradle of tourism in Croatia’ as well as ‘pearl of Adriatic’ because of its beautiful natural landscapes. Opatija was also a holiday destination for the elite!
The Church of St. James is the town’s most significant building, as Opatija’s history is related to this church and monastery.
Image via www.visitopatija.com
Villa Angiolina, built in 1844, was the first holiday house in Opatija. It marked a beginning of tourism in the town and has hosed plenty of historical figures such as Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary and the Empress Maria Anna.
Ready to soak up all the culture and history in Croatia… on a cruise?
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