Top Historical Places to Visit in Croatia

Four of the best known historical places in Croatia

Croatia is a democratic republic with 20 counties. It covers 21,851 square miles and its climate is mostly continental and Mediterranean. It has a population of about 4.3 million with Roman Catholics being the most common religious domination. The country is frequented by tourists from all over following its historical sites. These are some of the most interesting sites you would love to visit the next time you are in Croatia.

Dubrovnik

This beautiful city is found in Dalmatia, on the Adriatic Sea. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations following its extreme historical heritage. It even joined the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979. Although the city's formation history is not clear, there's a hypothesis that indicates that it was founded around the 7th century in Laus, a rocky island which is believed to have sheltered refugees from Epidaurum. Another theory claims that the city was established by Greek sailors who settled largely in the area.

Red tiled roofs give a spectacular view of old Dubrovnik city, including the nearby Lokrum and Elafiti islands group.

The city holds many old buildings, including the Arboretum Trsteno (Which is the oldest arboretum in the world, dating back to 1492) and the Oldest European pharmacy, which is located at Little Brothers Monastery in Dubrovnik. The city also hosts the famed Lokrum Island, where -according to legend- Richard the Lion Heart was cast ashore after the shipwreck in 1192. Unfortunately, most of the city's renaissance buildings were taken down by the 1667 earthquake. Some of the surviving structures include; the Sponza Palace, the Rector's Palace (now a museum) and the St. Savior Church. The city also features beautiful windy beaches and spectacular gardens.

Pula Arena

Pula Arena is located in Pula, Croatia. This amphitheater was constructed in 27 BC-68 AD by the Romans. The arena is famed for its size and unique design. Its exterior wall is constructed with limestone with a total of 15 gates. The general design of the site is from a rare ancient building technique, consisting of stories, underground passageways and heights as high as 90 feet! However, initially, the amphitheater was built in timber, which was replaced by stone arena that stands today. It was used for gladiator fights and public occasional execution. Today, the arena is used to stage concerts and cinematic works, including the oldest international film festival in Croatia, Pula Film Festival, held annually for over 60 years.

The Roman amphitheatre, Pula Arena, is the only remaining amphitheatre in the world with four side towers and well preserved three Roman architectural styles.

Salona

This ancient city is located in Solin, five kilometers from Split, Croatia. The remains of the city walls are indicative of the many times they went under reconstruction after attacks, particularly in the 7th century. Behind these walls, stands the city of Salona, which holds a magnificent amphitheater, a number of baths, basilicas, entry gates and a forum. The city is said to have been a great administrative base, being the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. It is also said to have been a religious hub, with several basilicas and shrines to honor martyrs.

Originally a Greek marketplace, (hence the name) Salona became the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia (Dalmatae in Latin).

Diocletian's Palace

This is an ancient palace in the 4th century CE. It is named after Roman emperor Diocletian who built it as a military garrison. It is located in the southern of a short peninsula stretching out from the Dalmatian coast, 4 miles from Salona. The palace evolved to become the city of Split, with the People of Salona being the most inhabitants. The city's architectural design is intricate with fortified walls and carefully structured access points.

Diocleatian's Palace is one of the main attractions and the key historical site in the city of Split, in Dalmatia, with many inclusive historical monuments.

Croatia is a definite destination for anyone who loves reconnecting with history. There are many more historical places in Croatia, on its coastline, its islands, as well as in Continental parts of the country. Similarly, the outdoor atmosphere in Croatia makes a visit here a memorable one.

Author

A guest article by Ruth Anoya, a passionate blogger from the UK.

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