Archive for 'Tourist Attractions in Croatia'

If you have found a vacation rental in the Croatian city of Pula, you will discover a charming seaside town with a beach-lined coast and, uniquely, dotted with Roman ruins. Historic, beautiful and fascinating, it is a perfect holiday destination.

One of the most interesting examples of a Roman ruin in the city is the Temple of Augustus. Located right at the centre of Pula, in the ancient Roman Forum, it is a well-preserved Roman temple that is dedicated to the first Roman emperor, Augustus. Likely built during the emperor's lifetime at some point between 2 BC and his death in AD 14, it is a typical temple of this period. Based on a plan of a cella, a closed room and an antechamber facing the square, with a tetrastyle prostyle porch of Corinthian columns at the front, it is raised on a podium and measures about 8m in width, 17.3m in length and 14m in height.

The Monument to the Sun, or Pozdrav suncu, is a beautiful monument that must be seen if you find your dream vacation rental in Zadar. Made up of three hundred multi-layered glass plates that are embedded in the pavement on the waterfront of the pier, organised in a 22-meter diameter circle, the monument is turned on at night and produces a beautiful light show. It goes hand-in-hand with the Sea Organ (which we have written about before here) and symbolises communication with nature through light, while the organ uses sound. Next to the main installation, which represents the sum, are smaller installations that represent other planets of the solar system.

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.