Archive for 'Tourist Attractions in Croatia'

We are, each of us, the center of our own worlds but if you are from the Croatian town of Ludbreg, you will find yourself truly at the center of the globe...or so they claim.

Of course, this isn't actually accurate and the locals don't really believe it but it is something for which the town has been famous for a long time. The whole idea is an ancient one and goes back centuries but was “proven” in the 19th-century by a Swiss art historian and restorer named Dr. Erasmus Weddigen, who was a frequent visitor to, and fan of, the town. Ludbreg is steeped in legends and myths and he was fascinated by this one, in particular.

More and more often, I find myself writing about cemeteries as tourist attractions and, at first, I was a little disturbed by this. However, upon consideration, I've come to reexamine these spaces. There is, of course, something morbid about visiting them but it is also understandable. As the final resting place of endless loved ones, many cemeteries are lovely and peaceful places filled with architectural wonders, incredible sculptures and beautifully planted gardens. Mirogoj Cemetery in Zagreb is a good example of this. It really is a rather stunning architectural gem so if you have found a vacation rental in Zagreb, be sure to to drop by and wander this peaceful and beautiful space.

Mirogoj is the main cemetery of the city and is located just outside the city centre. It is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe and was established in the 19th century. Built on the grounds of what was originally the summer house and gardens of Illyrian leader Ljudevit Gaj, the cemetery was built after he died in 1872 and opened in 1876.

Croatia is one of those destinations where the living during vacations is slow and good, summers are hot, and the surroundings are beautiful. As such, days are often spent wandering, splashing in the sea, eating, drinking and doing very little of anything else.

Specific attractions, museums, historic sites and architectural gems do exist, of course, (and they are great) but the key activity during a Croatian getaway is relaxation. If you have found a vacation rental in Split, there is a great place to do just this.

Marjan Hill is located close to the city centre of Split and extends from Marmont Street, continuing westward. Declared a park in 1964, it is a protected area, covered in beautiful and lush Mediterranean forestry, and acts as the perfect respite from the hot weather at the height of summer. Marjan is a popular spot for hiking, walking, running, jogging, climbing and bike riding.

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.