Have you been dreaming of an off-the-beaten path adventure? Come to Croatia to truly appreciate the natural beauty that can be found all around. Though not as popular as other European hot spots just yet, Croatia is quickly gaining popularity and winning over many travelers.
With a Croatia Pass, travel throughout Croatia, taking advantage of the entire rail network. See beautiful beaches, rocky coast and quaint medieval cities as you journey by train. In this issue of Explorer, we will discover Zagreb and Split, two fantastic tourist spots that are sure to leave you wanting to come back!
Aside from being Croatia’s largest city, Zagreb is also credited with being the political, economic and cultural capital of this spectacular country. When you arrive in Zagreb, you arrive in a thriving metropolis with old-world charm.
Visitors to Zagreb will appreciate the surrounding architecture, alluring parks and charming streets. Having more museums per square foot than any other European city, history and art lovers will be in heaven. No worries if museums aren’t quite your thing, there are tons of things to see and do while in Zagreb, for this issue of Explorer, we’ve chosen our top three favorites!
All visitors to Zagreb MUST see Trg Bana Jelacica (Jelacic Square). A great spot to begin your exploration of the city. Here you will find many cafés and shops. Right in the center of it all you can see the Ban’s statue. The statue stood in the square until World War II, when the name of the square was changed to Republic Square and the statue was removed and stored in pieces. In 1990, the statue was returned to its original spot and the name of the square was changed back to its original name. This square is of great historical importance to the inhabitants of Zagreb, it is here where visitors can get a true feeling for the city.
Next we will visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This church is a dominating attraction in Zagreb, mainly due to its size. 345-ft twin spires rise above the city, announcing its presence. The cathedral was built in the second half of the 13th century. It was modeled after the church of St Urban in Troyes, France. The structure has undergone several periods of reconstruction, however the grace and beauty of the cathedral remain, in tact, still today. Certainly worth a visit during your stay in the city.
Our last stop in Zagreb is a trip to the Museum of the City of Zagreb. Within the walls of this museum, you can find the life of Zagreb illuminated. The exhibits in this museum really help visitors understand more about the history and culture of Zagreb. Be sure to check out the impressive display of weaponry, religious articles, furniture, costumes and the astounding collection of photographs that truly document the history of the city.
Once you’ve finished your stay in Zagreb, hop on the train and head to Split. It takes roughly 5 1/2 hours on the train to travel between Zagreb and Spilt. Along the way you will be able to view and photograph the spectacular scenery all around you.
The city of Split is not only an urban, cultural and traffic center of Dalmatia with road and sea connections to Dalmatia’s numerous summer resorts, but the city itself is a sought after tourist destination.
Split beholds a 1700-year old tradition, a variety of archaeological, historical and cultural monuments. One of the most noteworthy being the well-known Palace of Diocletian, inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1894, the first detailed tourist guide for the town and its surroundings was published. Since that time, the desire to visit Split has increased.
In order to truly grasp the historical significance of Split, you should first visit the museums of Split. Some museums to consider are: the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, a capital Croatian cultural project that was established in 1893; the Archaeological Museum, dating back to 1820, one of the oldest in Croatia; the Treasury of the Split Cathedral, here you will find a valuable collection of religious art; the Museum of Marine History and the Museum of Natural Science, two spots also worth some of your time. These museums will help bring Split to life for you.
The oldest hub of Split is located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. According to its dimensions and level of preservation, the Palace represents the most valuable example of Roman architecture on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Spend some time here and watch the city come to life around you.
Also worth some of your time is Marjan Forest Park. The park is a green oasis that the citizens of Split have been proud of for generations. The grounds are carefully maintained and cherished. The park includes promenades, solariums, nature paths, playgrounds and the Split zoo. A marvelous view is offered from the top of Marjan on the old and new parts of Split.
If it’s an amazing journey you’re looking for on your next vacation, definitely give Croatia some thought. It does not contain the commercialism that other countries in Europe have. It also does not have the crowds that other countries have. Prices are more affordable and the experience in itself is well-worth the trip. You will gain a whole new appreciation for culture, history, art and architecture after your time in Croatia.
Try something different for your next trip! Get yourself a Croatia Pass and explore!
Tags: croatia, rail travel, split, zagreb
