Must-Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Croatia
By Jenny Wilson published on 4 September 2017
You don’t need us to tell you that Croatia is incredibly beautiful, and here are some of the most spectacular UNESCO protected locations you can enjoy during your sailing getaway.
The Palace of Diocletian in Split
Built at the beginning of the 4th century AD by Roman Emperor Diocletian for his retirement, this palace and extensive complex later formed the very heart of Split. More akin to a fortress, approximately half the complex was for the Emperor himself, with the rest reserved for the military garrison. One of the most complete architectural constructions on the coast of the Croatian Adriatic, you’ll now find an abundance of boutiques, cafes, and galleries throughout the winding streets, amongst the well-preserved gardens and courtyards. You may also recognise a few locations from Game of Thrones too!
Stari Grad Plain, Hvar
This ancient agricultural landscape was created in the 4th century BC by the ancient Greeks. Meticulous maintenance of the site and its historic stone walls and shelters has been undertaken for centuries, ensuring the site still looks much the same as it did 24 centuries ago. The ancient Greeks divided the land into geometrical sections and included an innovative system to collect rainwater using gutters and storage containers. Careful conservation means the area has been used continuously since its creation and even remains in use today.
The Historic City of Trogir
Shaped by the ancient Greeks, Venetians, and Romans, Trogir is renowned for its rich culture. Home to the most immaculately preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex in the whole of Central Europe, the city’s tower, castle, palaces and dwellings are simply magnificent.
Explore the Old City of Dubrovnik on Your Sailing Getaway
Dubrovnik first began to prosper in the Middle Ages, and was the only city east of the Adriatic to rival the magnificence of Venice. A city of great wealth and advanced diplomacy, the development seen throughout the 15th and 16th centuries was nothing short of extraordinary. Now Dubrovnik is known as one of the world’s best medieval walled cities and affectionately called the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.