Croatia is a country with a very rich history and culture just waiting to be explored. According to the Croatian National Tourist Board, cultural tourism accounts for 12% of all tourism in Croatia. This means lots of visitors come to Croatia to learn about its past and appreciate its art and architecture.
Croatia offers a plethora of immersive cultural experiences, from Roman ruins and medieval cities to unique museums and beautiful churches. Its complex history has shaped the country into a fascinating mosaic of influences.
A Long History
Croatia boasts a rich history. People have lived in the area for over 30,000 years. The Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians, and Ottomans controlled Croatia at different times. As a result, Croatia has been influenced by many cultures. Croatia's complicated past has shaped its unique culture. Numerous cultural tours in Croatia allow you to delve into its rich history
High-quality tours in Croatia explore old Roman ruins, medieval towns, and museums. You can see aqueducts, roads, and arenas built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. You can also see medieval palaces, cathedrals, and city walls. Museums show wine-making, art, inventions, toys, coins, and more from Croatian life long ago. Croatia tours let you learn about Greece, Rome, Venice, and other cultures that shaped Croatia over time.
Roman Ruins
One way to learn about Croatia’s history is by visiting Roman ruins. The Romans controlled parts of Croatia from the 200s BCE to the 400s CE. They built roads, aqueducts, temples, walls, and amphitheaters all over Croatia. Many Roman sites are well-preserved and open to visitors.
One of the best places to explore Roman ruins is in Split. Split has the Palace of Diocletian, which was Emperor Diocletian’s retirement home in the 300s CE. Much of the palace is still standing over 1,700 years later! Visitors can walk in the same halls and corridors that Diocletian once traversed.
Medieval Architecture
Many Croatian towns still have medieval walls, fortresses, palaces, and churches. Some of Some of the finest examples of medieval architecture can be found in Dubrovnik, Zadar, Trogir, and Zagreb. These cities have buildings hundreds of years old that show Croatia’s medieval past.
Dubrovnik is known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” for its medieval Old Town surrounded by stone walls. Visitors can walk the 1.2-mile city walls for amazing views of red rooftops and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Inside the walls, marble streets lead to Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches and palaces. No cars are allowed, so visitors can really go back in time while exploring.
Zadar has impressive religious architecture like the 9th century Byzantine Church of St. Donatus. Zagreb boasts the 13th-century Lotrščak Tower and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, constructed in the 1200s.
Venetian Influences
During the Middle Ages, parts of Croatia were under the control of the Venetian Empire for centuries. The Venetians greatly influenced Croatian art and architecture.
Many coastal towns in Istria and Dalmatia have Italian-style architecture from the Venetian rule. Examples include arched city gates, town squares with loggias, towers, and narrow winding streets. These cities still feature Venetian fortifications, fountains, statues, and other artwork from centuries ago.
The Doge’s Palace in Trogir is a 15th-century Gothic and Renaissance palace built by the Venetian governor who rules Trogir. Croatian artists added stone reliefs depicting lions, angels, and coats of arms. Visitors can tour the historic palace for a peek into the Venetian era.
Unique Museums
From ancient times to more recent history, Croatia’s past comes alive in many fascinating museums. Some museums focus on everyday items through the centuries while others highlight arts, industries, and notable people.
Zagreb has several excellent history museums like the Museum of Broken Relationships. It displays personal objects from former couples with stories about their breakups. The unique Nikola Tesla Technical Museum has working models to demonstrate inventions by scientist Nikola Tesla.
Rijeka has the Museum of Toys showcasing toys from ancient Greece to today. The Museum of Shells in Split displays over 1,000 shells from around the world.
The St. James Cheese and Dairy Museum is on the island of Pag. Pag is famous for its cheese made from sheep’s milk that dates back to the 15th century. Visitors can try cheese and tour old cheese-making equipment.
For beer lovers, the Old Brewery Museum in Ozalj is set in a former brewery from 1642. It demonstrates old brewing methods and has exhibits on the history of beer-making in Croatia.
Famous Croatians
Many museums in Croatia focus on famous Croatian artists, scientists, and leaders throughout history.
Zagreb has museums dedicated to sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, scientist Nikola Tesla, and political leader Josip Broz Tito. Split celebrates two famous sons with museums honoring 4th century Roman Emperor Diocletian and scientist Marko Marulic in the 15th century.
The famous inventor of the parachute, Faust Vrančić, is commemorated in Prvic Luka on the island of Prvic. The Memorial Center Faust Vrančić showcases his inventions and features exhibits about his life in the 1500s. Visitors can even experience a parachute simulator!
Spectacular Churches and Cathedrals
Incorporating influences from both Western and Eastern Christianity, Croatia boasts beautiful Catholic and Orthodox churches throughout the country. Interior walls and ceilings gleam with vivid biblical frescoes and mosaics dating back hundreds of years.
The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, with its well-preserved 6th-century mosaics, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik was built over 105 years in the Renaissance and Baroque styles with elaborate stone carvings.
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Zagreb took centuries to complete starting in the 11th century. The facade features intricate details added over time, serving as a record of evolving architectural styles. Inside, you can find colorful restored frescoes, a marble altar, and a statue of the Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus adorned in gold and jewels.
The Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity Icon is adorned with ornate icons painted by medieval Croatian artists. This church is situated on the small island of Krk, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge.
Discover Croatia’s Rich Culture
From ancient Roman ruins to spectacular medieval architecture, Croatia offers visitors an immersive cultural experience. Unique museums, famous Croatians, tasty culinary traditions, and stunning churches add even more for history and art lovers to appreciate. With numerous layers of civilization on display, it's evident why Croatia is often referred to as 'the Mediterranean as it once was.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Croatia known for?
Croatia is renowned for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, medieval towns, and delectable cuisine.
2. Why do people visit Croatia?
People visit Croatia to explore ancient sites like Roman ruins and medieval cities while also enjoying the beaches.
3. What is there to see in Croatia?
Croatia has beaches, islands, parks, waterfalls, historic towns with castles, museums, and old Roman and Greek sites to see.