Archive for 'Curiosities in Croatia'

Tvrdalj is a palace and the fortified summer residence of Petar Hektorović, the Croatian poet (1487-1572). The most famous building in Stari Grad, it was built over the course of the poet's life and it had the same importance for him as his literary work.

In fact, it is actually a literary work in its own right and is engraved with more than twenty stone inscriptions in both Latin and Italian as well as inscriptions in the Croatian language. One particularly important inscription is the Italian, “Fede e realtà o quanto è bella!” (“Oh how lovely faith and reality are!”), which was Hektorović's life motto.

In addition, the building boasts beautiful views, pretty grounds and gardens and is richly steeped in local history. To spend time wandering this incredible architectural gem, just find a vacation rental in Hvar.

Varazdin is a grossly underrated Croatian tourist destination. Known as “Little Vienna” among Croatians, due to its stunning Baroque character, it was actually briefly the nation’s capital, from 1756 to 1776. It was during this time that the UNESCO awarded cobblestoned, pastel-hued Old Town (though it was new at the time) was born, the highlight of which is the Castle.

A small city, it is home to around 40,000 and is located 80km away from today's capital of Zagreb so all you have to do is find a vacation rental in Zagreb and it is an easy day trip. And a perfect day trip it is. This incredible city and castle are both rather well-kept secrets and well off the beaten track. While there is little infrastructure for tourists to rely on, there is also an air of authenticity and an unhurried way of life that allows for greater appreciation of your rather picturesque surroundings. A trip to the city and castle is a little like stepping right into a fairy tale.

The Blue Cave on Bisevo Island in Croatia is one of the world's most beautiful and intriguing natural phenomena. It is like a stepping (or should we say floating, as you enter by boat) into an entirely different world or an alien world, in particular. The rocky grotto, only recently opened to the public, is a cave that is famous as one of the great natural beauties of the Adriatic. At certain times of day, sunlight enters the cave through a crack in the stone and creates a light effect by refracting, illuminating the whole cave with a magical blue light. A visit is definitely a highlight of any holiday in the are,a so find a vacation rental in Dalmatia (perhaps a vacation rental in nearby Split) and pencil in a trip.

Croatia has blown up as a tourist destination in recent years, at least partially because of Game of Thrones. Before this larger crowd descended upon the country, it was visited by tourists – largely close European neighbours – who were in the know. People who have found a vacation rental in Croatia and are coming today for the iconic television show tours, picture-perfect beaches, architectural gems and incredible historic quarters of her cities, might be a little less informed on what they can really expect and one of the things that they may not know as much about is Croatia's cuisine.

There is nothing fun about breakups and they are the last thing you want to think about while on holidays. However, there is something bleakly fascinating about the breakups of others and we can't help but be a bit nosy but there is also a sense of camaraderie and a bond that grows from sharing our heartbreaks with each other. Heartbreak, loss and nostalgia are very human things that we all feel and understand. As such, the Museum of Broken Relationships really is a fascinating place and a must-see for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Zagreb.

Permanently located in the beautiful baroque Kulmer palace in the Upper Town, a historic part of the city that you most likely would end up in anyway, as it is full of tourist attractions. However, among all of these attractions, the Museum of Broken Relationships is, undoubtedly, Zagreb's quirkiest museum.