History and culture of North Dalmatia

Natural treasures and ancient and turbulent past…

The area of northern Dalmatia has been populated since ancient times, as evidenced by many historical roman monuments, numerous of ancient settlements and well-preserved medieval town centers.

Zadar is a city with ancient roots with a Roman Forum, the largest explored on the eastern Adriatic Sea, a beautiful Romanesque churches, full of rich archives and library collections. It is a real treasure trove of archaeological a monumental treasures of ancient medieval and renaissance period and many contemporary achievements like the first Sea organs in the world. Numerous of Zadar islands have rich historical heritage, from ancient castles to one of the most beautiful Croatian lighthouse. Sibenik region and the town-the oldest one on the Adriatic coast, are rich in cultural monuments and sights. The most important among them are from the period when Sibenik was ruled by Venice, for a long four hundred years. The city of Knin, in the Dalmatian hinterland, was the most powerful city-fortress in Dalmatia, and because of the excellent view of the whole of Dalmatia and the entire region, one of the residences of Croatian kings. Located between two historical towns of Zadar and Nin, a well known resort Zaton abundant numerous of historical findings, and the most attention is on the centre of the place with its rich Dalmatian architecture.

For tourists, lovers of culture and historical sites, apartments and rooms located in the very centre of these ancient cities will be interesting.

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History and culture of Central Dalmatia

The largest and most famous historical region of Croatia, the cradle of Croatian statehood…

The territory of Central Dalmatia was settled early because of the mild climate, fertile ground and numerous sources of drinking water. The intersection of trade routes of the ancient Illyrians and the Greeks created the first settlements; the Romans built the foundations of many of today’s urban centres such as Split. The 305th Roman emperor Diocletian decided to build his rural mansion right in the heart of Dalmatia, the future city of Split. A unique old core of Split under the protection of UNESCO was made on the foundations of the Diocletian Palace which is today a symbol of Split. In prehistoric times islands of Hvar and Brac were also inhabited, as evidenced by many proofs, such as the oldest drawing of the ship in Europe, painted on the wall of the Grapceva Cave. The hinterland of Central Dalmatia settled the Dalmatian tribe who have been in conflict with Romans for centuries. The history continues with Croatians about which numerous monuments and proofs witness, that right there is the cradle of Croatian statehood. A number of Croatian kings were crowned in Solin, and many are buried there. City of Trogir, often called the museum – city, is one of the jewels of the architectural heritage on the list of UNESCO, a city in which literally every stone is a monument. The historic city of Knin is the old residence of Croatian prince, king, ban and bishop. Among the numerous monuments, the most significant is the Knin fortress. Island of Brac is famous by Brac stone and tradition of stonemason workshops. Hvar is proud of its Stari Grad, the oldest town in Croatia, which was founded by Greeks from island of Paros 384 BC. Imotski, a city below Biokovo Mountain, with turbulent past, lots of stone houses, is a typical small Dalmatian town. On the slopes of Blue Lake there is a tomb of Hasanaginica, about whose love tragedy an unknown poet from Imotski wrote a ballad, which, after the Bible, is a writing that has been translated into most world languages. There are many cultural and historical sites and stories in these parts, and lovers of history and culture can enjoy in the heart of the historic cities in a number of apartments, rooms and hotels.

Culture and history of South Dalmatia

Turbulent and interesting history monuments, preserved traces of ancient times…

The eldest known inhabitants of this destination were Ardiaei, Ilyrian martial nation who lived there in the 4th century BC, and left traces of its presence. Despite gone centuries, numerous forts at strategic places, Ilyrian piles, apropos prehistoric tombs, have preserved their shape. The traces of ancient life on the island of Korcula were discovered on several places. On Badija islet the oldest Neolithic blades were found, and the richest and best explored is Neolithic site Vela Spilja in Vela Luka. Elafiti archipelago in the vicinity of Dubrovnik, besides its beautiful landscapes, attracts travellers with its numerous architectural landmarks. In middle Ages there were more than 50 churches, and they are also rich with other cultural monuments. The town of Korcula is a cultural monument, enclosed by walls from the 14th and 15th century. A great number of tourists visit the house where allegedly a famous medieval traveller and explorer Marko Polo was born, of whose actual origin native there are no written records. But there are some written documents that make Polo every day closer to the town of Korcula. Acording to a legend, on the island of Mljet, Odysseus spent 7 years, while St. Paul shipwrecked. The history richness of Illyrian, Roman and from the time of Dubrovnik Republic is touchable in every corner. St. Mary islet is a special attraction on the Great Lake where the Benedictines built a monastery and St. Mary’s church in 12th century. On Ljuta lake in Konavle a system of mills for flour and oil was built, and is preserved till today and is a protected monument. The birth house of one of the most famous Croatian painters and author of modern Croatian art, Vlaho Bukovac, in Cavtat, with its architecture, gardens and location in the old city centre, makes a memorial of typical civil 19th century house. Dubrovnik, a city – monument, a city of unique history and beauty, whose history dates back to 7th century, is today known for its perfectly preserved historic city centre surrounded by imposing system of defensive walls and fortresses. Representative Knezev dvor palace, St. Vlaho church, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral, the main street Stradun, Orland’s Column, are only some of the rich heritage of one of the most attractive cities of the Mediterranean and worldwide. Lovers of culture and history can find accommodation in the centres of these historical sites in a numerous of apartments, hotels and rooms.