25 Curiosities about Croatia
25 Curiosities about Croatia
1. Croatia is known as "the country of a thousand islands" because of its open archipelago. If it sounds like a big number, add 200 more islands to the total number of about 1200. Despite the large number, only less than 100 islands are inhabited.
2. Croatians invented a garment that is worn worldwide, the famous necktie. The accessory dates back to the 30 Years War and was worn by soldiers to distinguish themselves. At the time it was red, but later it had many varieties and was called "a la croate", eventually becoming "cravate". The garment even has its own public holiday, October 18.
3. Do you remember the famous black-spotted dog from Disney's 101 Dalmatians? Well, they are the Croatian native breed, named after the coastal region- Dalmatia, where they were bred for the first time.
4. If you have heard of the scientist Nikola Tesla, you will find interesting the fact that he was born in a small Croatian village called Smiljan, where today you can visit his house.
5. In Croatia you will find the Pula Antitheater, one of the three preserved amphitheaters where the gladiator fights of ancient Rome used to take place, as Croatia was part of the ancient Roman Empire. Today it is the perfect place for summer concerts with its spectacular facade.
6. One of two Croatian peninsulas Istria is known for its truffles due to the extensive forests. Even the largest truffle in the world weighing 131 kg was found there.
7. In Croatia you can find the smallest town in the world - Hum with about 20 inhabitants and length of only 100 meters.
8. Croatians are very proud of their bakeries and cafes as it is almost impossible to spend the day without consuming either. In bakeries you can choose from dozens of different products that often replace snacks. The cafeterias, on the other hand, are the meeting point for friends and colleagues. If you want to drink coffee the Croatian way, never go for less than an hour because Croatian coffee is just a pretext for socializing.
9. Croatia is home to the second largest wall in the world, 7 kilometers long, located on the Peljesac peninsula in the south of the country. Today, most of it is walkable and connects two small towns - Ston and Mali Ston. Climbing up, you can see an incredible panorama of the gulf and the nearby medieval salt pans.
10. Croatia is a very safe country and is part of the list of the 30 safest countries in the world, as one can walk around at any time without any fear or worry.
11. The Croatian coast, Dalmatia is one of the sunniest regions in Europe with 2715 hours of sunshine. Above all, the island of Hvar has the most hours of sunshine in Europe and is called 'the sunny island'.
12. One of the most famous beaches in Croatia 'Zlatni rat ' is located on the island of Brac. This beach constantly changes its shape depending on the wind and tides. In addition to its beauty, this beach is ideal for windsurfing.
13. In the town of Zadar, there is an organ moved by the energy of the waves. If you sit there, you will hear the authentic music of the sea while enjoyoing the sunset, once recommended by Alfred Hitchcock.
14. In the very south is the city of Dubrovnik, which centuries ago was even a republic. Today it is famous for the filming of the series Game of Thrones. Fans of the series can take a tour inspired by it and see the famous King's landing.
15. Rice chocolate was invented in Croatia in the sixties, specifically in the city of Pozega, in the region of Slavonia.
16. Croatia is proud of the shortest folk dress in the world, from the island of Susak, very colorful and…short!
17. If you like dinosaurs, on the Istrian peninsula you can find authentic footprints in the Kamenjak area.
18. Croatians tend to be very tall and according to some lists are on the seventh place on the planet.
19. This European country has a real aquatic wealth as 10% of the country is under protection with 11 nature parks, 8 nature parks and 2 nature reserves.
20. With pandemics behind us, it is interesting to note that Dubrovnik was the first place in the world with quarantine introduced as early as 1377 during the plague. That decision saved many lives and the name comes from the Italian word 'quaranta' (number 40) which referred to the number of days of isolation.
21. Below the capital of Zagreb there is a network of tunnels but the only tunnel that is known and used is the "Gric tunnel" built during the Second World War and was used as a shelter. Today it can be visited and is a very famous tourist attraction.
22. Several regions of Croatia are well known for wine production. The interesting fact is that Traminac from Ilok was served at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Iločki podrumi still keep that wine in their cellar.
23. Northern Croatia, Slavonia region prides itself for multiculturalism and diversity counting more than 20 national minorities.
24. The wooden Suleiman Bridge located in Osijek was built in 17 days without nails. At that time it was considered the eighth wonder of the world.
25. The Croatian national flower is the iris, already known in Slavic mythology. If you see it along the way, be careful, as several species are protected.
