https://croatiaexclusive.com RSS feeds for Croatia Exclusive 60 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/327/Valentines-Day-Top-romantic-getaways-in-Croatia.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=327 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=327&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/327/Valentines-Day-Top-romantic-getaways-in-Croatia.aspx If you're looking to whisk your loved one to Croatia for Valentine's Day this year, the selection of handpicked hotel deals is on hand to guarantee a romantic... admin Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:45:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:327 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/290/The-best-New-Years-Eve-party-places-in-Croatia.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=290 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=290&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/290/The-best-New-Years-Eve-party-places-in-Croatia.aspx Countdown to 2010 – Check out the best places in Croatia to celebrate the arrival of the New Year – from clubbing parties, hotel bashes to open air celebrations. admin Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:290 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/82/Medieval-magic--Wedding-vows-in-Dubrovnik.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=82 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=82&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/82/Medieval-magic--Wedding-vows-in-Dubrovnik.aspx Dubrovnik is fast becoming a wedding destination of choice, and Anna Burlow asks why settle for less when you can get married in a medieval palace. webmaster Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:82 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/81/Dubrovnik-extravaganza.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=81 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=81&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/81/Dubrovnik-extravaganza.aspx Whether a fan of theatre, classical music or dance, the perfect setting of Dubrovnik's Summer Festival (10 July - 25 August) is enough to draw anyone to its open-air theatres and stages. webmaster Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:81 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/80/Inside-Split-Dalmatian-capital-of-style.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=80 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=80&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/80/Inside-Split-Dalmatian-capital-of-style.aspx Robin McKelvie explains the appeal of the city packed with beauty and interest. webmaster Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:25:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:80 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/79/River-deep-mountains-high.aspx#Comments 1 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=79 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=79&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/79/River-deep-mountains-high.aspx Adventure in Croatia webmaster Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:21:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:79 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/78/Go-island-hopping.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=78 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=78&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/78/Go-island-hopping.aspx More than 1,000 idyllic islands line the striking stretch of Adriatic coast. Tony Kelly explores the favourites in Dalmatia. webmaster Sat, 13 Jun 2009 14:05:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:78 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/76/The-emerald-isle.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=76 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=76&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/76/The-emerald-isle.aspx Lush with greenery, secluded coves with some of the best beaches in Croatia, medieval towns and vibrant summers, Rab island in the Kvarner bay has something for everyone. Robin McKelvie explores the isle which attracted Greeks, Romans, Venetian and British royalty long ago. webmaster Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:50:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:76 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/75/Picture-perfect-Istria.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=75 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=75&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/75/Picture-perfect-Istria.aspx Istria is the ideal destination for painting holidays, with stunning landscapes, strong colours and perfect light. At least that's the case for the Irish artist and BBC TV presenter Dermot Cavanagh. webmaster Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:75 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/74/Discover-Rovinj.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=74 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=74&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/74/Discover-Rovinj.aspx Tony Kelly roams through the town’s labyrinth of cobbled, winding streets lined with galleries, artists’ studios, boutiques, tucked away restaurants and cafes, and a grand Venetian campanile. webmaster Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:74 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/43/Palmizana-Meneghello.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=43 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=43&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/43/Palmizana-Meneghello.aspx Palmizana is a small island in the South Adriatic, renowned for the highest number of sunny hours in the Mediterranean. It is part of the Paklina archipelago, positioned south of the island of Hvar. webmaster Sun, 10 May 2009 21:53:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:43 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/42/The-Orebeach-Club.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=42 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=42&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/42/The-Orebeach-Club.aspx Jacques Cousteau was in this area and gave the following description in his ship journal: “we returned from Rijeka to Otrant and decided to pass along the entire Adriatic coast, which was very interesting. Just as we expected to see a few more islands, there it was in front of us, the perfect channel of awesome beauty, centuries old forest, a mountain of devastating beauty met the eye, with a beautiful colour of the sky as a background. But what intrigued me the most was the colour of the sea. I just had to see what lied beneath the surface, I was pleasantly surprised.   The Orebeach Club Hotel sits at the gateway to the Dalmatian islands, just outside the town of Orebic, on the Peljesac Peninsula. Situated on the beach of the crystal clear water with a beautiful view over the many small islands and to the famous City of Korcula where Marco Polo born . The Orebeach Club Hotel is surrounded by protected centuries old forest of cypress trees this really is an idyllic spot. Renowned for its stunning views, warm Mediterranean climate and clear azur sea, the southern Dalmatian Coast (between Dubrovnik and Split in southern Croatia ) is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world.   Built in 2002, the Orebeach Club is owned by a Dutch couple who pride themselves in offering a western standard of accommodation and service. The hotel is beautifully decorated in a light, airy style and all 30 rooms have a balcony, satellite TV, hairdryers, etc. Besides hotel accommodation the Orebeach Club Hotel has a large range of Apartments & Villa's for rent This can be a ideally stone built typical Dalmatian house on the beach that has its on boat or a luxury apartment with large terraces where you can sit in a big jaccussi overseeing the Korculan Kanal and the ancient City of Korcula. In that same natural canal you can see many sailboats and private luxury yachts some of these owned by word famous people who already discovered this hidden paradise. Dining in the open-air restaurant overlooking the sea is an exquisite experience – sit back and enjoy deliciously combined western European and Balkan dishes or simply enjoy fresh fish and organic wine on the beach terrace. As the sun goes down, the hotels private sandy beach takes advantage of the sultry climate and the beach-bar becomes a cosy night-bar. Indeed, this is a spot you could while away many hours! The hotels beach is the ultimate in relaxation complete with sun-loungers and palm trees. For those who prefer to be a bit more active on holiday, the hotel has a 5 star dive centre. Recently labelled ‘one of the best dive centres in Croatia ' it caters for the absolute beginner right up to the seasoned professional. A long seafaring history in the area has left many treasures and shipwrecks in the crystal waters to be discovered.    If you'd rather stay above the water the hotel can also offer speed boat hire, scooter hire, big game fishing, sailing, snorkelling and windsurfing. Conditions off the hotel beach are perfect for windsurfing and sailing. The dependable summer breeze that arrives every afternoon is welcome and refreshing to sunbathers and ideal for water sports. Children are equally well catered for by the hotels range of water inflatables. Like the 20 feet high iceberg or one of the big trampolines. This is a fascinating area to explore…brimming with historical interest from pre-historic hill forts, to the architecture of the Roman and Venetian occupations, the area retains a mosaic of influences to be discovered. Visit the maritime old town of Orebic and take a romantic wander along the sea front. The grand and ornate mansions belonged to the rich sea captains who once resided here. Or hop over to the Island of Korcula and meander through the walled town of Korcula , the birthplace of Marco Polo. Often compared to the old city of Dubrovnik , this charming walled town has many shops, cafes and bars to visit as well as beautiful buildings and streets to admire. With so much within easy reach, the Orebeach Club Hotel is in a super location for your holiday. The Orebeach Club Hotel is easy to get to get to; Fly to Dubrovnik or Split in 2 hours from the UK . The Orebeach Club Hotel is 120 km north of Dubrovnik and drivable in less than 2 hours. Or, take the hydro-foil from Dubrovnik or Split which takes around the same amount of time. The Orebeach Club Hotel     webmaster Sun, 10 May 2009 21:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:42 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/31/Absolute-adventure-in-Croatia.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=31 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=31&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/31/Absolute-adventure-in-Croatia.aspx Multiactivity is a two-day or weekly active holiday in which you choose activities based on your abilities and preferences. It does not take professional knowledge of any sport, as you are followed, taught, and constantly supervised by experienced instructors. The activities you can choose from are: tandem paragliding and parachute, sailing in a hot-air balloon, mountain biking, caving, speleoadventure in caves with water, free-climbing, hiking, orienteering, paintballing, rafting, canyoning, sea kayaking and horse riding. An adventure challenge in nature, orienteering, conquering the barriers, descending rock, discovering caves, a speleoadventure with water...sound interesting? Keep reading! TANDEM PARAGLIDING You can also take off from the slopes to the bottom of a hill in a tandem-paraglider with an experienced instructor pilot. Tandem flights are intended for those who wish to experience flight without training. The instructor flies the tandem and all you have to do is enjoy yourself. Depending on the atmospheric conditions your flight may be no different than that of a trained solo pilot. No knowledge of flight techniques is required. Tandems are included in the multiactivity arrangement depending on atmospheric conditions. Tandems are possible at different locations in Istria and Kvarner, the take offs: Kastelir - Novigrad, Raspadalica-Buzet, Ucka and Tribalj -Crikvenica. MOUNTAIN BIKING Meet Istrian medieval towns atop hills, lonely churches, and villages. Tracks in Gorski Kotar lead through centennial forests, vast meadows and mumerous peaks. Escape from the summer heat in the shades of the forest or the water of Bajer and Lepenica lakes - a true revelation. Driving through Velika Kapela is unforgettable, and through picturesque Fuzine, Lic, Tribalj and Bribir you can reach the attractive tourist city of Crikvenica. All cycling tours are adapted to your abilities and requirements and are led by experienced guides. You can tour on your own or on our bikes. CAVING/SPELEOLOGY Discover the mysterious folly of nature, formed during thousands of years far from daylight and eyesight... The areas of Istria, Gorski Kotar and Kvarner are abundant with speleological objects. The caves are rich with ornaments (stalactites, stalagmites, crystals...) and you can see them in the caves of Baradine, Vrelo, Biserujka and many more. With speleo instructors, you can get to know the underworld, an experience guaranteed not to leave you unmoved. FREE-CLIMBING Various different climbing styles are in use in Croatian rock, but free-climbing is the most attractive and popular. Depending on the difficulty, routes vary in length from a few to hundreds of metres. The attractive climbing area, Raspadalica, has bolted routes ensuring maximum safety and comfort for climbers, enabling beginners to climb, as well as experts. Recently, an artificial rock was introduced at Raspadalica, and the so-called "boulder" is the ideal place to begin your climbing adventure as well as hone your skills if you are an experienced climber. HIKING/TREKKING If you are a hiker, climber, scientist, researcher, a man yearning for R&R, the beauty of nature, wide horizons, the smell of flowers, and new adventures, we offer guided tours of the Croatian mountains. For your pleasure we have selected several of the most beautiful treks through Gorski Kotar, Kvarner and Istria. They are adjusted according to your preferences. Orienteering in nature is also possible to organizie with a map and the GPS device Absolute Adventure – EKOING d.o.o.; D. Cesarica 43, 10147 Zagreb, Croatia webmaster Sun, 10 May 2009 04:01:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:31 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/30/Diving-Centre-MM-Sub.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=30 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=30&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/30/Diving-Centre-MM-Sub.aspx The MM-SUB diving centre offers instructions according to the CMAS and PADI standards. Our team consists of three divers, of which one is professional diving guide. webmaster Sun, 10 May 2009 03:58:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:30 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/29/Vodice.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=29 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=29&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/29/Vodice.aspx For many years now, this tourist destination has been given flattering comments. This is now one of the most famous tourist spots on the Croatian coast, and it is famous not only for its mass number of visitors, but also for abundance in the entertainment it offers to its customers. Situated on the coastline, in a beautiful cove, it is only 12 kilometres away from Sibenik by the Adriatic tourist road. It is not necessary to list all the possibilities Vodice can offer to a visitor, because it has everything for everybody, including everyday bus and ship cruises, a rich cultural and artistic life, entertainment, sport facilities etc. There are thousands of beds in private rooms, apartments, hotels, apart-hotels, auto-camps, villas, and there is also a first-class big marina in the very centre of the town with all the necessary facilities and over 400 moorings for yachts. Abundance in facilities and entertainment, and a true passion for tourism have turned Vodice into a destination that attracts more and more customers each year. Surrounded by islands and islets like Zlarin, Prvic, Tijat and Logorun and Kornati archipelago, which do not leave anyone indifferent, by the noise of the Krka falls and in the vicinity of the old Croatian cities Sibenik, Zadar and Split, Vodice offers more than anyone could wish for.   Tourist Board Vodice webmaster Sun, 10 May 2009 03:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:29 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/28/Zadar-The-life-of-the-city.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=28 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=28&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/28/Zadar-The-life-of-the-city.aspx Zadar has two faces of tourism. We have spoken of one previously, the “panoramic” cut which is characterised by a rich and varied fund of cultural inheritance, attractive spaces and surroundings, high-quality receptive touristic structures, peaceful, intimate, small inkeeping, shopping, servicing, accomodating, recreational and intellectual capacities and contents which spiritually enrich and relax the psyche during spare time, which is all the result of the general development and perspectivity of this city. Today, it is the city of cultural institutions and happenings: periodical exhibitions, galleries, musical evenings in St. Donat, puppeteers, as well as entertainment and sports spectacles, water sports, festivals and basketball. The second face is just as interesting to citizens of Zadar and to their guests and friends because it offers the surroundings and experiences of intense and varied day and evening entertainment which take place in many places in the city and its surrounding area, and are in conjuntion with many small and large “feštas” and spectacles, along with many traditional and culturally authentic, sports and entertainment manifestations as for example, the mega-project “Night of the Full Moon” held the 1st of August every year, along with disco and night clubs, casinos, dance evenings, excursions and similar projects which are constantly being created. This is why it is said that Zadar is as beautiful as a large city. We conclude by mentioning that Zadar has been compared to Venice and Dubrovnik by many travelers, famous people and artists. Accomodation and attraction Zadar is traditionally touristically energetic and full of interesting and picturesque details. The touristic attractiveness of Zadar is built on a foundation of culture and tourism as well as other original and high-quality contents, autochtonic and specific touristic-hotel offerings, which are found: 1) inside the historic city on the peninsula, 2) in the city as a whole and 3) in its attractive spatial, socio-cultural and economic surroundings. Hotels and other lodgings and the property of Zadar and the surrounding area, especially tourist settlements, marinas and camps, are a recognisable symbol of the quality of Zadar's tourism which is moving towards taking on elite characteristics. Both in the coastal area of Zadar and in the hinterlands there are ideal and autochtonic tourist towns as well as original and traditional eco-settlements, ideal for tourists who like contents and surroundings which are “small”, “quiet”, “mild” or “nostalgic”. There are exciting places as well, places which surprise and which hold many events and thus attain a large and selectively well-kept range of tourist lodgings and contents. Ambiental happenings, farm, ecological, cultural-entertaining, sports-recreational, gastronomic, religious, health, fishing, hunting, hiking, excursional, elite, adventure, retirement and family tourism, especially different forms and manifestations of summer-swimming and hotel, camping and other forms of tourism. Here (especially on the islands) we single out the development and opportunity of nautical tourism, which is becoming the OLYMPUS of the tourism of Zadar and Croatia. The islands The islands of Zadar, three hundred in all, of a lace-like structure, making a part of the whole of the valuble pearl touristic necklace are a true gift and an incredible rarity, a phenomenon which enchants all of its visitors. The islands are a rarity and the most precious value of the touristic area of Zadar: Here modernity and globality are fused with the personal, the traditional, the source and the native-national. The islands of Zadar are, along with being a challenge and a temptation, an Eldorado with a large number of touristic and economic possibilities: they must be developed and kept safe for generations to come who will ensure their optimistic future by means of a maintainable concept. Excursions Arrivals and departures to and from Zadar and the surrounding region incite very positive reminiscences: of a good traffic infrastructure, of the beauty of the region, the prominant capacity for nautical tourism, marinas and charters, the modern service at the new touristic port for cruisers, the mega-polivalent sports-touristic centre on Višnjik, to the fascinant surrounding region of Zadar inside of which there is the touristic riviera which goes toward the first royal Croatian city of Nin in the north and towards Biograd in the south. The opportunities are endless as around Zadar gravitate the historic towns of Nin, Pag, Biograd, Obrovac, Benkovac and others, about 50 small touristic towns blessed with tradition, and national parks: Paklenica, Plitvice, Kornati, Krka, Velebit and the natural parks Telaš c ica and Lake Vrana. There are an endless number of excursional programs and various touristic itineraries in place in both the coastal surrounding area of Zadar and the hinterlands, as well as various hiking, adventure, horse-riding, wine-tasting, gastronomic, diving and other events. Visit them and discover for yourself!   Zadar Tourist Board webmaster Sun, 10 May 2009 03:36:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:28 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/26/History-of-Zadar.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=26 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=26&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/26/History-of-Zadar.aspx Zadar is the centre and the watershed of the Croatian Adriatic. Placed on the Mediterranean diagonal of Europe and on the Adriatic-Ionic joining point, as close to the Croatian metropolis Zagreb as to the rest of the cities in Dalmatia, the city is in constant natural and circulatory communication with the city of Ancona on the Italian side of the Adriatic. It is made well-accessable by high-quality and comfortable road, air, sea and railroad travel. Rich in attractions, exceptional in material and spiritual culture, strong in sailing, original in tourism, it is well developed and special. During its existence it was for many centuries the home of the Illyrian Liburni and for 1000 years the capital city of Dalmatia. Rich in history, it is currently a focal point in civilisation, and most of all a city with an unquestionable future: its accepted concept of development into an international, Mediterranean and Adriatic metropolis is being realised. It is a city with a rich Croatian national identity created in the present, which successfully adheres to the newest trends in globalisation and informatisation. Zadar is a city rich in spiritual and material culture, as well as in a touristic identity created in the present. It was created around the Roman forum, a city inside well-kept walls, a city of old Croatian monuments. Full of archives, museums and libraries, it is the keeper of literary and musical treasure. It is the city with the oldest University among Croatians (1396). It was long ago the place where the first Croatian novel and the first newspapers in the Croatian language were created. It is protected by four guardian saints: Zoilo, Simon, Grisogone and Anastasia. Cities, as well as languages, are the most beautiful works of art of mankind. Zadar is also a unique treasury of acheological and monumental objects from the classical, medieval and Renaissance periods. Zadar truly affirms this fact, showing its identity which has been safeguarded for centuries. On Zadar's peninsula alone there are 70 cultural monuments and in other areas of the city and in the surroundings area there are more than 600. Let us take note of some of them: The Church of St. Anastasia The centuries old church of St. Anastasia is the largest church in Dalmatia. It had already been founded during the early era of Catholicism but took the form that it has today much later. During the time of the seiges of the crusades and their occupation of Zadar in 1202 the cathedral had been damaged and was later restored and extended. The main portal has a relief done in the Gothic style and a dedication to the archbishop Ivan from the year 1324. It was shaped into a Romanesque church in the 12th century, and its belfry was built in the 15th and 19th centuries. The church is the best representative of the late Romanesque style of the region. The Church of St. Donat St. Donat is the most monumental Croatian building from the early Middle Ages. It is the most well-known monument of Zadar and indeed a symbol of the city. It was constructed on the intiative of the bishop of Zadar, Donat, who between the years 801 and 814 played an important role, visiting both of the reigning European courts, the Frankish and the Bizantine. The church is mentioned for the first time in the middle of the 10th century in the documents of the Bizantine emperor Constantine Porfirogenet. Today its interior and the area connected to the Forum are used for various cultural-theatrical and musical programs, especially during the summer months of the tourist season. Churches and monasteries The church of St. Simon was originally an early Christian three-aisled basilica, then a Gothic edifice, and later an interesting example of a provincial baroque monument. The biggest attraction of the church is the sarcophagus of St. Simon. Is would not be an exaggeration to say that the opus represents the most monumental work of our Medieval goldsmiths. The chest was commissioned by the Croatian-Hungarian queen Elisabeth (born Kotromanic) and made during the period 1377-1380 by the goldsmith Francesco De Sesto from Milan with the help of domestic collegues. The monastery, church and belfry of St. Mary is considered one of the most well-known and important monuments of the city of Zadar. It is believed that the monastery of St. Mary was founded in 1066 by C ika, a noblewoman of Zadar. The same woman granted the construction of the three-aisled church of St. Mary in 1091 in an early-Romanesque style. The church of St. Grisogone is a three-aisled basilica done in the Romanesque style. Along with the church, there used to exist a monastery of the same name whose Benedictine monks played a role in the 400-year-old combat between Zadar and Venice. At that time, the image of St. Grisogone was placed on the coat-of-arms of the city. The church and monastery of St. Francis and Our Lady of the Health (Gospa od zdravlja), the church of St. Andrew and St. Peter, the church and monastery of St. Michael, the church of St. Elias as well as much newer churches have even to this day a great artistic and spiritual value. PERA - Permanant Exhibition of Religious Art (SICU - stalna izlozba crkvene umjetnosti) Within the structure to the church of St. Mary, or more specfically her monastery, whose property was heavily damaged during the Second World War a representative exhibition was formed in 1972 - the Permanant Exhibition of Religious Art, one of the most worth-while exhibitions in Croatia, popularly called “The Gold and Silver of Zadar”. As has been said, Zadar is a treasury of monumental and cultural inheritance, which has been encriched in 2003 by the recently restored church of St. Demetrius which, along with the University of Zadar, the Faculty Library and the Historic Archive helps to make up the unique campus of Zadar. Archeological museum The archeological museum, founded in 1832, is one of the oldest museums in this part of Europe. It exhibits archeological relics from the 7th to the 12th century, which are for the most part connected to the material and spiritual inheritance of Croats. Cultural inheritance encircling the city are: The City Library, PERA (SICU), the National Museum, the Archives and library of the monastery of St. Francis, the collection of the Nautical Museum, the archeological collection in the first royal Croatian city of Nin, the HAZU Institute, the Puppet-Theatre, KUD “Zorani c ” and other cultural, sports and amateur institutions. Especially important are the City Sentry, the City Loggia, the National Square, the Roman Forum, well-loved Kalelarga Street and many other spaces used for the holding of various cultural and entertainment programs. Zadar Tourist Board webmaster Sun, 10 May 2009 03:30:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:26 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/25/Gacka-on-your-palm--WELCOME.aspx#Comments 0 https://croatiaexclusive.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=141&ModuleID=554&ArticleID=25 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=25&PortalID=0&TabID=141 https://croatiaexclusive.com:443/Articles/tabid/141/ID/25/Gacka-on-your-palm--WELCOME.aspx Before we make a real journey through Gacka, its attractions and history, it should be said that Gacka the region has regained its historic and territorial integrity, being one of the oldest Croatian regions. It is extremely interesting to get acquainted with Gacka, because of the abundance it offers. The roots reaching to the times of Iapodes and turbulent history documented by the remains from the Roman times make Gacka a distinctive item in the Croatian heritage. In all the four seasons of the year Gacka offers something new and unique, so much more different from urban everyday life. Equally interesting to every visitor, Gacka is a good choice and suitable destination, fulfilling the wishes for rest, recreation, fun and direct contact with nature. Contemporary Robinsons, anglers and hikers, nature lovers, athletes and recreationalists, can find their spot of the world here. Excellent possibilities for a pleasant rest from the everyday chaotic life are garanted by the healthy climate, virgin nature, clean water and rich hunting grounds, and are a good reason to revisit the place. Equally delightful are its karst field, river valley, pits and caves, and the Velebit range, separating it from the sea. An unsurpassed natural phenomenon is River Gacka, along which interesting and rare specimen of the plant and animal worlds can be found. This idyll within the reach of the sea, unforgettable for the intense experience of nature, is at the same time an anteroom of the most beautiful pieces of art made by nature playing with water and rock four thousand years ago. When You are in Gacka... ... make the most of the moment and choose from the rich and diverse offer something for yourself, try its cuisine and take souvenirs back with you that shall remind you, until your next meeting, of the Gacka you met and got fond of. Rare are those who have never heard of the River Gacka, its phenomenon; rare are passionate anglers who have not visited this river at least once, but that is not all. Gacka still stores some rarities slowly falling to oblivion. For it is barely known that here the grain is milled into flour in the water mills at the very spring of the river, and that cloth is being felted in autochtonous mills. It is also almost unknown that there are several God Mithras sanctuaries here and that this region was settled already in the late Bronze Age. Gacka is still hiding many things that have not been discovered yet, unknown yet genuine, and offers the opportunity to spend a dynamic holiday in a slightly different way. It is those who come to visit Gacka, that shall be the truest and most successful tourist representatives, who shall testify to the potential and value, to the beauty and uniqueness as well as to the hospitality that they met here, having a sound reason to come again. THE GACKA REGION A unique subregion of Gacka, gravitating to the river of the same name, is a kind of oasis of nature, culture and folk customs that have been quite forgotten in most other parts of Croatia. To discover that idyllic corner in the heart of the Croatian mountain region therefore means not only to get to know the balance of natural and cultural sights, but to experience its rare and still undisturbed harmony of people and nature. A compound of tradition and contemporary achievements, the preserved condition and rarity of natural beauties of the Gacka River are some of its comparative advantages that offer future prospects, qualifying the Gacka Region among the rare environmentally unique European regions. The impressive Velebit Massif separates the Gacka Region from the sea in the southwest while in the northeast it is defined by the slopes of Mala and Velika Kapela. The Lika Region defines Gacka in the south, and the Krbava River in the southeast. Its river valley, karst valleys and caves are worth seeing. Located between the famous Plitvice National Park and the North Velebit National Park, in the vicinity of the botanical garden of Zavizan, and the well-known sanctuary of Our Lady in Krasno, the traffic position of the Gacka Region is highly interesting and favourable. The road to Gacka from the Croatian Littoral and Senj leads across Mount Velebit , Croatia's largest mountain. In the north the road leads from Ogulin and the Gorski Kotar Region, in the east from the Plitvice Lakes and the Krbava River , while in the south it leads from Gospic and the Lika Region. If you travel by rail you can discover the representative value of the region – the place of origin of the Gacka River. Its two sources fit harmoniously into the traditional architecture and the peaceful atmosphere of old water mills, which grind grain and roll cloth this very day, withstanding time and oblivion. The Gacka Region still offers many undiscovered and unknown, and yet primeval values. If you choose to take your vacations here, it will be a dynamic, new, and slightly different experience. When in Gacka take the opportunity and choose something for yourself from its rich and diverse tourist attractions. Taste the specialties of the local cuisine, and take along a handful of memories that will remind you of Gacka you got to know and to like until your next visit. O T O C A C This border fort of Otocac lies on the Gacka water; and this part, in which the captain with the majority of garrison live, is encircled by a wall with several towers where there is the church of Our Lady and the chapel of Saints Fabian and Sebastian. Other soldiers and the majority of inhabitants live outside the fortification but in the middle of the water, where they bolted thick piles into water and built houses on them plastered all over the mud. These houses stand beautifully one beside another; and look like a town, having paths and streets in which they can drive in boats. But the houses do not stand exactly one beside the other; but each of them stands freely in the water, so that a neighbour must use his boat if he wants to visit another neighbour. J. W. Valvasor, Die Ehre der Herzogthmus Craina, 1689. Otocac is the centre of the whole Gacka province and the centre of the Town of Otocac. This is the one of the oldest settlements of Croatian population. It was mentioned for the first time on the BASCANSKA PLOCA (BASKA TABLET) in 1100 at the time of the Benedictine monastery of St. Lucy (sv. Lucija) on the island of Krk . However, historians consider Otocac to be much older and that Prince Borna probably had one of his seats in Otocac at the beginning of the 9th century. The name of Otocac derives from the Croatian word for “small island”, which was the site of the fortified town in the middle of the Gacka river. The Gacka river also enabled Otocac to survive. It could be approached only by boat, which made it unconquerable so that it has never been occupied in its long history. There are traces of life in old times on the town territory. The Japodes lived in stone dwellings (“gradine”) on Umac and Vinica. The first known deed of gift dates from 1300, when the Neapolitan King Karlo II donated the land and the town of Otocac to Prince Dujam II of Krk. The Krk princes, later called the Frankopans, had the town fortified, built churches and encouraged culture and literacy. The Krk princes stayed in Otocac for three centuries: Dujam III, Zigmund (Sigismund) and Martin Frankopan. Otocac flourished during the time of Zigmund. Pope Pio II established the Otocac diocese on March 5th 1460, and transformed the collegiate church of St. Nicholas into the cathedral, giving Otocac the status of a city (civitas) by papal charter. The Krajina military administration built Fort Fortica in 1619 on the hill above Otocac of the same name thus preventing the Turks from occupation and penetration on towards Primorje and Senj. Otocac began to develop outside its town walls in the middle of the 18th century, when Turkish danger decreased finally and when Otocac bacame the seat of the regiment of Otocac. Empress Maria Theresa transformed Otocac into a big market-town in 1746. She founded there a folk school in 1727, and the main school of Krajina in 1782. In 1870 the school for small boys was transformed into a secondary school. The Croatian general Nikola Mastrovic founded the teathre in 1844 which performed both in German and Croatian. The peoples' reading room was established in 1873 and it is still open. It was supported by the great Croatian Maecenas, and the Bosnian-Srijem bishop Josip Juraj Strossmayer. The Gacka river divides the town into the Upper and Central Towns. The seat of the Upper Town is the church of Holy Trinity, a large one-aisle building with a rounded altar area and with three side chapels on each side. There were seven late Baroque classicist altars, a pulpit, a font and sepulchral slabs from the 18th centrury (of the Degoricija family). The Crucifixion by M. Schieder from 1867 is especially valuable among altar paintings. This church was mentioned in 1684 but it is probably much older. It is supposed to have been built on the remnants of the previous Benedictine church of St . Nicholas, which was the cathedral church of the Otocac diocese. The seal of the Otocac bishop Petar Andreis is kept in the Otocac parish, as well as the mitre of Otocac bishops from the 15th century and feudal legal book from the beginning of the 18th century. The one-aisle chapel of Our Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the Lower town at Poljice in 1723. The polygonal chapel of Seven Griefs of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Mount Fortica from 1725 is much smaller. The Gacka Museum in Otocac holds exhibits of broader surroundings as well. It is placed in the Memorial Home to the 1st ZAVNOH conference (a monument of the grade I category). The Museum has been an active cultural institution for many decades and its task it to collect, keep, arrange, study, present and publish valuable cultural and historical materials of the whole of Gacka. Four permanent exhibitions hold the archeological finds from Pecina in Lesce (mesolithic), the finds from cave of Bezdanjaca near Vrhovine (1400 B.C.) and a rich Japodian collection of bronze, glass and amber jewellery. Also here is the greatest collection of paintings by the painter Stojan Aralica who was born in Otocac. The collection of documents “Otocac Through The Centuries” and the exhibition of the 133rd Otocac brigade from the Croat National War (1991 – 1995) speak about the history of Otocac and its surrundings. The Museum also has an ethnological collection of valuable objects and also the collection of eighty odd aristocratic coats of arms from Gacka. The stone bridge on the Gacka river from 1876 is an interesting attraction of Otocac as well as the facades of civic buildings from the period of the Military Border (the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries). OTOCAC TOURIST BOARD Trg dr. Franje Tudmana bb 53220 OTOCAC     webmaster Sun, 10 May 2009 03:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:25