CROATIA

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Croatia is an Eastern European country traversed by the Dinaric Alps, with a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea across from Italy, although they do not share territorial borders. It has more than a thousand islands and borders Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia to the east, and Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro to the south. To the south, Dubrovnik County is split in two by a 20 km strip of coastline belonging to Bosnia-Herzegovina, giving this country its only sea access. The capital is Zagreb.

For English, click → Croatia

The documented history of Croatia dates back to the 7th century AD, when two duchies were formed, later becoming the Kingdom of Croatia. Over time, Croatia formed alliances with Hungary and the Habsburgs, who saw Ferdinand I become the Croatian throne successor in 1527. Croatia remained part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918 when, after World War I, the short-lived Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes was formed. During World War II, the Nazis occupied Croatia. With the defeat of Nazism, Croatia became a socialist state, forming Yugoslavia with strong ties to the Soviet Union. This lasted until 1991, when Croatia declared its independence and joined European treaties. It has been a member of the European Union since 2013.

The official language is Croatian, but many other languages are spoken, thanks to the constant migratory flow of Czechs, Serbs, Montenegrins, Slovenes, Hungarians, and even Italians. Croatia is a secular state with freedom of religion, and over 80% of the population is Catholic.

Croatia's culture results from fourteen centuries of rich history, which has seen the development of many cities and monuments, as well as artistic and culinary traditions. The country boasts seven World Heritage sites and eight national parks. Croatia is also the birthplace of several historical figures, numerous inventors, and three Nobel Prize winners. One notable figure is Josip Broz "Tito," who maintained peace in the region until his death in 1980.

Tourism

Croatia's capital and largest city is Zagreb, divided into three sectors: the upper town (Gornji grad), the lower town (Donji grad), and Kapol. Much of the majestic architecture is in the Austro-Hungarian style from the 18th and 19th centuries. The historic parts should be explored on foot, visiting museums, galleries, and churches, and enjoying a refreshment at an outdoor café or restaurant to experience local and regional gastronomy. The funicular from Tomićeva Street offers an additional attraction with panoramic city views.

Croatia has many other attractions worth visiting and enjoying. The main coastal city is Dubrovnik in the south, also known as the "pearl of the Adriatic," with enormous 16th-century walls surrounding an old city with Gothic buildings like the Rector's Palace, Renaissance structures like the Sponza Palace, and Baroque architecture like the Cathedral of the Assumption. The cathedral features a polyptych (multi-panel painting) by the famous Venetian artist Titian, along with over 200 gold and silver reliquaries from the 11th to 18th centuries and the relics of St. Blaise, the city's patron saint.

In the coastal region of Dalmatia (the origin of the Dalmatian dog breed), Split is a jewel with 4th-century Roman ruins in Diocletian's Palace. The island of Hvar is a recreation center for celebrities. Croatian wines are little known in the global market, but in Korčula, they are produced near the pine forests.

A spectacular place with turquoise waterfalls and lakes, in addition to historical sites, is Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Did you know that the origin of the necktie comes from Croatia?

In 1635, thousands of soldiers from what is now Croatia came to Paris to support Cardinal Richelieu and King Louis XIII. These Croatian soldiers were distinctive for their attire, as they wore a type of scarf tied around their necks with a knot halfway down. This garment caught the attention of the French, who adopted it as a fashionable accessory, gradually turning it into a classist garment used by officials and giving it a more elegant touch.

Around 1650, the necktie was officially approved, gaining success in the court of Louis XIV as a symbol of distinction. It was called "un croate de la" and later "cravate" in French. A few years later, the garment reached England, where it was perfected and spread worldwide through European colonies. However, the modern necktie as we know it today is credited to Jesse Langsdorf, a man who, in the 1920s, modified the design, introducing fine silks, patterns, and colors.

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A visual tour narrated in Spanish to learn more about the riches of Croatia:

And for some traditional music, another hallmark of Croatian identity, with folk dances and the sound of the tambura or tamburitza, a string instrument similar to a mandolin used throughout Croatia, especially in the region of Slavonia:

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Text and image credits appear at the bottom of the corresponding image.

Text adaptation: Homero Adame

Croatia text translation into English: Pat Grounds