Croatian Travel: UNESCO Sites
Can't Miss UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was created in 1945 and its main goal is to build bridges of peace through education, preservation, and culture. One of the ways that this is done is by designating historically important landscapes, architecture, archaeology, and monuments as World Heritage Sites that should be saved for future generations. Because of Croatia’s rich history and historical significance, the country has nabbed several of these coveted spots on the list.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town with its ancient walls that surround the entire town, Renaissance arches, and drawbridge gates is something that can’t be missed when visiting southern Dalmatia. You will feel as if you were transported back to ancient Rome as well as 15th century Medieval Times as you wind your way through the cobblestone paths past ancient monuments and architecture.
In Split you will find Diocletian’s Palace, the well-preserved ruins that were once home to the Roman Emperor Diocletian. With 220 buildings inside its walled confines the palace is more of a small village than a palace.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is located directly between Zagreb and Zadar in the middle of the coastal region of the country. This beautiful wooded park holds 16 crystal clear lakes, multiple waterfalls and streams, and wooden footbridges to explore the park. It became a World Heritage site in 1979 and great pains are taken to keep it on the list.
The Eufrasian Basilica in Porec on the Istria peninsula is considered the home of one of the greatest examples of Byzantine art and architecture in the world today. Built in the 6th century it is one of Croatia’s most popular attractions.
The town of Trogir is a remarkably well-preserved medieval town that dates back to the 3rd century BC when it was originally an ancient Greek settlement. Over the centuries it has remained culturally expressive and today many pieces of Roman and Renaissance art and architecture are preserved here.
The Cathedral of St. James in Sibenik is the pride of the Dalmatian coast and well worth the visit. It features an unusual display of 71 sculptured heads of ordinary 15th century citizens expressing a myriad of emotions on the exterior walls that were created by the Zadar sculptor, Juraj Dalmatinac.
