Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings in Croatia'

Have you always wanted to swim in the Dead Sea? Well, why not do it while you’re on vacation in Croatia? While you’re enjoying a sun holiday in this gorgeous part of the world you can also take in some rather extraordinary and unexpected sights...

If you have found a villa in Dubrovnik-Neretva and are exploring the region, it is likely that a day-trip to Dubrovnik will be on the agenda. Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan looking to take a tour of iconic filming locations from the beloved HBO show or you simply want to discover the endless charms of this stunningly beautiful historic city with its cinematic good looks, there is plenty to see and do. However, if you want to add an extra-special little excursion to your trip, then we suggest hopping on a ten-minute ferry out to the island of Lokrum. Highly visible in the bay of the city, this small island is a lush gem steeped in history and natural beauty.

The historic centre of the charming coastal town of Zadar in Croatia is an exceptionally picturesque place with a pretty city beach, plenty of trees and greenery, sweet squares set with bistro tables under canopies where locals and visitors alike sip on coffee and wine, lovely churches and architectural gems from various periods and in different styles, and much more besides. Among all these photogenic sights and beautiful buildings, the distinctive circular shape of the Church of St. Donatus stands out in the city and in the context of European ecclesiastical architecture.

Originally the Church of the Holy Trinity and later renamed the Church of St Donatus in the 15th century, this is the largest pre-Romanesque building in Croatia and an example of the centralised building of the Carolingian period of the dynasty of Charlemagne’s family. Dating back to the 9th century, the building is a symbol of the city of Zadar itself, making it a must-see for those who book a holiday rental in Zadar. 

Paying a visit to the incredible Krka National Park is already a good enough reason (along with the lush landscapes, gorgeous coastline, towering peaks, endless vineyards, and hundreds of islands) to book a vacation rental in Šibenik-Knin County and delve into the immense natural beauty of the region. 

This stunning national park is composed of impressive waterfalls, lakes, rivers, forests, hills, and mountains with hiking paths, trails, and boardwalks winding through it all. Rich colours also characterise this lovely landscape with deep green foliage that turns an array of golden hues in autumn, aquamarine water, the white of the frothing falls, and the occasional terracotta of a traditional roof. The result is a landscape that can seem unreal and is as pretty as a painting. 

Then, in the midst of this already lovely scenery, one comes upon another picture-perfect sight: right in the middle of the Visovac Lake is the pretty little Visovac Island, topped by a charming monastery by the same name. 

If you’re looking for a scenic and walkable city that is packed with history, culture, excellent restaurants and bars, nearby beaches, and more, then few places could truly hope to compete with a vacation rental in Dubrovnik. A serious looker of a city with the kind of incredible historic centre and impeccable landmarks that made it become a filming location for the cinematic fantasy setting of the medieval towns of Game of Thrones, it is a magical place to come and wander about. In fact, we’ve previously highlighted how you can go on a tour of the key spots from the beloved HBO series as you explore the city.

However, even if you’re not a fan of the show, there are endless reasons to go strolling about the centre and endless incredible gems that you might stumble upon on your travels. From little family-owned eateries, to unique boutiques, to pretty squares with cafes, to architectural gems, to charming streets that are beyond picturesque, as you walk around historic Dubrovnik, you never know what you might find! You might even find wonderful things in surprising packages. For example, you may well wander past the 15th century Dominican monastery and church of Saint Sebastian, which looks like many other churches in the city from the exterior. However, there is much more to this fascinating building. It is, in fact, home to a rather remarkable collection of artworks and more by Croatian artists and designers.