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Croatian History and Culture


church Sveti Kriz in Nin, CroatiaCroatia is unique, not just for its crystal clear and blue sea, but for the veritable treasure lying in the diversity of its rich cultural heritage. From prehistoric times to date, numerous types of monuments have arisen throughout the country, each one selflessly leaving its trace in history.

If you choose the coast as your starting point, you will have the opportunity to see direct influences and legacy of Mediterranean culture, numerous ancient monuments, monuments from the Roman era or early Middle Ages, roman sacral heritage, and a series of preserved characteristic Mediterranean urban wholes. Some of them are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as Diocletian Palace in Split that Roman Emperor Diocletian had built near his birth place of Aspalathos in Dalmatia.The Town of Trogir represents the best preserved medieval urban whole, not just in the Adriatic, but the entire Central Europe. The City of Dubrovnik, a city of unique culture and political history, gained its independence after the 14th century when they developed the Dubrovnik Republic, widely known for the largest navy in the Mediterranean. At the time, Dubrovnik saved its freedom by commercial and diplomatic relations, as well as strong protective walls (25 in height and 2 km in length) and towers that are now the greatest attraction in the city. The Euphrasius Basilica in Porec, its apse luxuriously decorated with figurative mosaics that are, in addition to the San Vitale mosaics in Ravena, among the most exceptional examples of mosaic art in Europe, and without a doubt represent and impressive example of sacral buildings from the 6th century.

One should not miss the renaissance St. Jacob’s Cathedral in Šibenik, as well as the Arena in Pula, one of the most preserved Roman amphitheaters in Europe. The UNESCO World Heritage pages are merely the beginning of a wonderfully inspired voyage through Croatia. The Church of St. Cross (Sveti Kriz) in the town of Nin is also interesting – it is widely known as the smallest cathedral in the world. The City of Zadar, also a historical jewel, which has been attacked and destroyed and attacked again throughout its turbulent history, offers architectural features of each era – according to the tourist guides: ‘There are few places in the world where different influences intermingle in such small space’. The Zadar Sea Organ, an architectural wonder recently built in the submarine part of the city quay, has become a modern icon of the city. The currents of waves passing through the musical pipes mounted beneath the sea create an amazing sound, the so-called ‘sea music’. The Greeting to the Sun now shines at the very top of Zadar peninsula. The Greeting to the Sun consists of three hundred multilayer glass panels set at the same level as the paved quay, designed in the shape of a circle with a 22-meter diameter. It is conceived as a spatial installation in the form of an amphitheater, surrounded by stone blocks displaying all Solar System planets and their ways. Croatian Islands Korcula , Hvar and Vis are also examples of small cultural treasures..

As part of the Central European cultural circle, the widespread continental Croatia and Slavonia (Slavonia Culture) is also an interesting destination to visit. It features numerous prehistoric finds of global significance, old towns, forts and late medieval castles, cultural monuments and baroque architecture, offering an interesting presentation of the time and life as they once were in the region. The most distinctive monumental features of Hrvatsko Zagorje are without a doubt its castles. Zagreb, the capital of Croatia is currently among the top European cities in the number of concerts, exhibitions,cultural events and festivals. The ‘Saturdays in Zagreb’combines promenade concerts, Saturday Folklore Scene and Uptown Music Panorama. Every Saturday from mid-April to early October, these three musical delicacies represent an overview of the rich culture and customs from the past of Zagreb and the surrounding area. The Autumn in Zagreb – International Multicultural Encounters combines the World Theater Festival, Zagreb Film Festival, Queer Zagreb, New Circus Festival, VIP Zagreb Jazz Festival, as well as major exhibition projects like the German expressionism project in Klovicevi Dvori, Zagreb Philharmonic concerts, and even some repeat performances of the Orfej opera at the Croatian National Theater. More about Zagreb’s Culture..

below are list of pages that covers various aspects of culture in Croatia

Art

Architecture

Croatian Culture Directory

Food and Wine

  • Extra Large Risotto for everyone in Split
  • Croatia The New Foodie Frontier
  • A Taste of Croatia, from Karmela’s kitchen to yours – cookbook
  • Fish and Fish Specialities of Dalmatia
  • CD ROM “The wine resources of Croatia – the homeland of Zinfandel”

Gay Croatia

  • Lesbian and Gay Friendly Accommodation in Croatia
  • Lesbian and Gay Weblinks Croatia
  • Magazines and Articles of LG Croatia
  • Gay News Croatia
  • Gay Croatia Blog

History

  • Directory of Museums in Croatia – selection of best croatian musem links

Music Croatia

Photos People in Croatia

Sport

Dubrovnik Photo Album – see small selection of photos from Dubrovnik – Dubrovnik is the city located at the south end of Croatia. It has it’s own airport as well as ferry terminal so it can be reached by air from vast range of European cities as well as by various ferries from Croatian cities, towns and islands as well as from Italy…. Dubrovnik Photos