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