Archive for 'Castles & Palaces 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.

Once you have found a vacation rental in Split, there is one attraction in the city that is bound to top your list: Diocletian’s Palace. One of the most imposing and important of all Roman ruins, it is the site where Emperor Diocletian, who had voluntarily given up the throne of the Roman Empire in the 4th century, retired.

He built his palace on the beach, in the Illyrian province of Rome, which would later become a part of modern-day Croatia. The whole complex occupied around 30,000 square meters and included the domestic “palace” as well as other buildings, including a military garrison.

These buildings have all become intertwined with the centre of the city and now makes up the Old Town of Split. Shops, cafes, restaurants and apartments housing around 3000 people now exist where the palace once stood alone.