Cities in Croatia

When Croatia gained its independence in 1991, Zagreb became the political and administrative capital of Croatia. It is also the hub of the country's business, academic, cultural and artistic world, with fifteen theatres, over a dozen concert halls and many first rate galleries and museums. It has a population of over one million people.

Zagreb offers visitors the Baroque atmosphere of its picturesque open-air markets, diverse shopping facilities and delightful regional cuisine. The Upper Town, which is the heart of its old city, swells with life. It has numerous coffee shops, pubs, clubs, crowded streets and squares, boutiques, markets and fairs. Visitors to Zagreb are pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the hotels and the hospitality of the people.

In spite of the rapid development of the economy, it has retained its individuality and charm, and has a relaxed feeling that makes it genuinely a city on a human scale. Zagreb abounds in parks and green spaces. The forested mountain called Medvednica extends just above the city. This is a protected nature reserve and a favourite excursion area for the city's people.

Seventeen hundred years ago, Split was marked on the map of the Roman Empire when the Emperor Diocletian chose to have his residential palace erected there. Today, the well-preserved Roman architecture is interlaced with several layers from later ages. Split is now the second largest city in Croatia and also the busiest city on the Adriatic coast. It is a city of genuine southern spirit; the liveliest old-timer among all Croatian cities, and among the first to be proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Aside from its cultural and religious heritage, Split is also the sporting centre of Croatia and has produced many sporting greats like tennis champion Goran Ivanisevic, and the soccer team Hajduk.

Besides being a tourist destination in its own right, Split is the also the gateway to the many islands and coastal resorts of the Adriatic. A beautiful coastline with many magnificent islands, as well as Roman, medieval and Renaissance architecture make this one of the most attractive towns in Croatia.

Falling in love with Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic coast and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, will not take more than a glance. Enclosed within thick medieval walls and fortresses protecting it from the sea, it shines with astonishing beauty. Winding little streets, small shops and street cafes in an inexpressibly beautiful old town, your visit to Dubrovnik will be unforgettable.

Immaculately restored since the war, many of the old buildings are now under special protection of the World Cultural heritage.