Zagreb has a rich cultural heritage dating from prehistoric ages. The very first findings of human habitants in the area date all the way to the Stone Age, around 35000 B.C. Zagreb arise from two settlements Gradec i Kaptol. Kaptol developed as a spiritual centre, where clergymen were given land to live on, and where they built curies. Somewhat later than the Kaptol settlement, the settlement called Gradec was established on the west side of the Medvescak creek. In 1242 king Bela IV, in order to thank for the shelter and to strengthen the country's defense, gave the habitants of Gradec the Golden Bull. The Golden Bull was the privilege which excludes Gradec from the governor's rule and obliges them only to army duty for the king. Simultaneously, under the influence of the Cistercians, restoration and fortification of Kaptol commenced. The city of Zagreb, with its cultural and historical legacy and significance, is one of the most vital cities in Europe.
National Park Plitvice Lakes is a special geological and hydrological phenomenon. It consists of 16 lakes, which gradually blend into one another in a long series of more than 5000 m. The vast forest areas of exceptional natural beauty, lakes and waterfalls, flora and fauna, mountain air, contrasting colors of autumn or spring, forest trails and wooden bridges are protected by the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. According to legend the Plitvice lakes formed after the terrible long drought. People, animals and plants have yearned and prayed for a drop of water. Then in the valley appeared mysterious Black Queen with her magnificent retinue and mercy to the people. With strong wind and thunder rain came to the ground. It was raining so long and strong, until the water level has not grown enough to create lakes.
Rovinj is located on the west coast of the Istria peninsula and is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Adriatic. Rovinj was inhabited in the prehistoric period - the Bronze and Iron Age. At that time Histria tribe lived there and their culture flourished while they traded with the Greeks and Etruscans. Since the mysterious dawn (13th July 800) when miraculously sailed marble sarcophagus containing the body of St. Euphemia on the Rovinj coast, Rovinj has become associated with this martyr, whose church is nowadays a symbol of the city. In the 18th century the Church of St. Euphemia was built based on the designs of the Venetian architect Giovanni Dozzija. Rovinj is a city you will never forget.
Opatija is one of the first touristic towns in Croatia. It’s located on the east coast of Istria peninsula and at the foot of the mountain Ucka, Nature Park. Impressively decorated parks and gardens, long promenades, remarkable centuries-old Austrian villas, beautiful beaches and the warm climate are the reasons why tourists come to Opatija, last several centuries. The Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I used to spend in Opatija several months during the winter, because of its incredibly mild micro climate. Opatija is well known for its sculpture Minden with a seagull, which is positioned on a promontory close to the Juraj Sporer art pavilion. Maiden with a seagull is today a symbol of Opatija.
Hum is included in the Guinness book of Record as the smallest city in the world. It has only 23 inhabitants and is situated on the Istria peninsula. Within the city walls this medieval town has two small streets, Church of Mary’s Ascension from 1802 and the Romanesque church of St. Jerome from the 12th century. Hum is famous for its Alley of Glagolitic that includes early monuments of Croatian literacy. Hum’s city gate, through which you enter into the city, is one of the features of the mentioned Alley. If you find yourself in Hum, do not miss the homemade honey brandy.
Motovun is the best preserved medieval fortress of Istria peninsula. It is located on top of the very steep hill and in the foot of the hill flows river Mirna. The town's name is of Celtic origin, derived from the word Montona meaning city in the mountains. The city was built between the 14th and 17th century and it is a typical representative of the Venetian colonial architecture. In Croatia, Motovun is best known for its Motovun Film Festival, held each year at the end of July.
Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia. It lies on the river Ljubljanica and was built in the Roman settlement Emona in 15 year AD. After the earthquake that destroyed the city in the 16th century, Ljubljana was rebuilt in Renaissance style and after a catastrophic earthquake in the 19th century in neo-classical and art nouveau style. Ljubljana architecture between the two world wars was enriched by the well-known architect Joža Plečnik. The symbol of the city is the dragon, which represents the strength and courage. According to the Greek legend, the Argonauts on their way home after having taken the Golden Fleece found a lake surrounded by a marsh somewhere on the present-day city of Ljubljana. It is there that Jason, main Argonaut, allegedly killed a dragon which then became the symbol of the city.
Bled is a town located on Lake Bled, a few kilometers south of the Austrian border and 50 km northwest of Ljubljana. Its location by the lake and at the foot of the Julian Alps provides excellent opportunities for the summer and winter holidays. Bled amazing position, healthy mountain air and a long swimming season is what attracts many tourists during the whole year. Irresistibly beautiful, clear lake, thousand castle and church are places that are definitely worth the visit.
Postojna is a town and a municipality 35 kilometers from Trieste, in southwestern Slovenia. The area is known to have been populated since the Paleolithic era due to the finding of a cave settlement near the town of Postojna, called "Betalov spodmol". One of Slovenia's major tourist attractions is the Postojna Cave that is a home to the endemic animal olm, the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world. The cave was first described in the 17th century by Janez Vajkard Valvasor. Very close to Postojna is Predjama Castle built in 16th century in the mouth of another Karst cave.
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