Archive for 'Curiosities in Croatia'

One of the top Croatian landmarks, the Zadar Sea Organ is a truly extraordinary attraction. The organ was constructed as part of a project initiated by architect Nikola Bašić with the help of a team of experts including: Professor Vladimir Andročec, a sea hydraulics consultant; Goran Ježina from Murter, a well-known organ art workshop; and professor Ivica Stamać, who tuned the sea organ.

Located on the western end of Zadar´s Riva, it consists of several sets of stairs that descend down into the sea and, then, just below the surface of the water, there is some incredible engineering.

The lower steps allow water and air to flow in, which is then funneled into pipes under the steps, pushed out through the upper stairs, and then produces chime-like notes.

Naïve art is an international art movement beginning in the 20th century that has been defined by the Tate Britain as art that is “simple, unaffected and unsophisticated” and “usually specifically refers to art made by artists who have had no formal training in an art school or academy” and the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art is a rather special art museum that is located in the town of Zagreb in Croatia. It is entirely dedicated to the work of naïve artists of the 20th century and it boasts holdings of over 1,900 paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints by Croatian artists as well as some well-known international artists. Fascinating, diverse and very interesting, it is a must-see for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Zagreb.

Dubrovnik is a stunning city with an incredible preserved Old Town. Wandering around its pretty streets and touring the old walls (or dining on them), all offer beautiful views and ample opportunity for incredible photographs. However, if you have found a vacation rental in Dubrovnik and are exploring the city, there is one way to see it that stands out above the rest, literally: the Dubrovnik Cable Car.

Originally established in 1969, the cable car was, sadly, utterly destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence. Happily, however, it was restored and reopened in the summer of 2010, once again offering unparalleled views of the city to visitors.

One of the best things about Dubrovnik is the landscape of the city itself. The old town, by the harbour, as made so iconic by Game of Thrones, is charming and atmospheric. The rich blue of the waters is set against the bright grey stone walls and buildings and red rooftops. It is quite the sight to behold and reason enough to visit the city. If you have found a vacation rental in Dubrovnik and are planning on exploring her streets and taking in those views, then I have a recommendation: make sure to try out Restaurant 360.

Tvrdalj Castle is a well-preserved Renaissance palace that was built in the 15th century but is best known for its alterations and ownership under Petar Hektorović, a famous Croatian Renaissance poet, in the 16th century. It was during Petar's time in the castle that the building was fortified, expanded and became a sanctuary to travellers, locals in times of war, religious women, animals and plants. Both he and building are rather fascinating and extraordinary. Just find a vacation rental in Hvar and spend some time exploring and learning about this wonderful building and its incredible history.

Built across one storey, the building surrounds a fishpond that was created as a habitat for grey mullet, with a system to ensure a fresh supply of seawater. Above this is a small tower that has a dovecot for birds, and a garden with flowers and trees for land animals and an area in which herbs and medicinal plants were cultivated.