Discovering Croatia’s Ancient Cities

Croatia is a country full of history, culture and natural beauty, and its ancient cities are no exception. From the walled city of Dubrovnik to the Unesco-listed Diocletian’s Palace in Split, these ancient cities are some of the most well-preserved in Europe and are a must-see for anyone visiting Croatia. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most impressive ancient cities in Croatia, and explore what makes them so special.

1. Dubrovnik

The walled city of Dubrovnik is one of the most famous ancient cities in Croatia. Situated on the stunning Adriatic coast, Dubrovnik dates back to the 7th century and is home to some of the most impressive medieval architecture in Europe. The city’s walls, which stretch for about a mile around the city, were built in the 13th century and are still standing today. Inside the walls, you can explore the old town, which is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, Gothic and Renaissance buildings, churches, squares and palaces.

Dubrovnik is also home to some of the best beaches in Croatia. From the secluded beaches of Lapad to the turquoise waters of Banje, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the city’s history, Dubrovnik is a great place to visit.

The city is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is a foodie’s paradise.

2. Trogir

The beautiful city of Trogir is located on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, it has been ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans, and has been an important trading port for centuries. In 1997, the city was listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site and is now one of the most popular cities to visit in Croatia.

Trogir is home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe. From the 12th century St Mark’s Cathedral to the 13th century Town Hall, the city is a living museum. There are also plenty of museums, galleries and churches to explore, as well as an array of bars and restaurants serving up some of the best food in Croatia.

Trogir is also a great place to explore the Dalmatian coast. The nearby islands of Šolta, Čiovo and Brač are just a short boat ride away and offer stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

3. Split

The Unesco-listed city of Split is one of the oldest cities in Croatia and the second largest after Zagreb. Founded by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, Split is home to some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in Europe. The most impressive of these is the Diocletian’s Palace, which covers an area of around 3km2 and is home to some of the city’s most important monuments, such as the Peristyle, the Cathedral of St. Domnius and the Temple of Jupiter.

Split is also a great place to explore the coast of Croatia. From the bustling markets of Riva to the pebble beaches of Bačvice, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby islands of Šolta and Brač are just a short boat ride away and offer stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Split is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Split is a foodie’s paradise.

4. Zadar

The city of Zadar is located on the Adriatic coast of Croatia and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD, it has been ruled by the Venetians, Ottomans and Austrians and is home to some of the best-preserved Roman and medieval architecture in Europe. The city is also home to some of the most impressive churches and monuments in Croatia, such as the 9th century St. Anastasia’s Cathedral and the 12th century St. Donatus’ Church.

Zadar is also a great place to explore the coast of Croatia. From the sandy beaches of Nin to the stunning cliffs of Paklenica National Park, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby islands of Ugljan and Pašman are just a short boat ride away and offer stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Zadar is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Zadar is a foodie’s paradise.

5. Sibenik

The city of Sibenik is located in the heart of Dalmatia and is one of the oldest cities in Croatia. Founded by the Croats in the 10th century, it has been ruled by the Venetians, Ottomans and Austrians and is home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe. The most impressive of these is the 15th century Cathedral of St. James, which is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Sibenik is also a great place to explore the coast of Croatia. From the bustling markets of Vodice to the secluded beaches of Šibenik, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby islands of Kornati and Murter are just a short boat ride away and offer stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Sibenik is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Sibenik is a foodie’s paradise.

6. Šibenik

The city of Šibenik is situated on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded by the Croats in the 10th century, it has been ruled by the Venetians, Ottomans and Austrians and is home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe. The most impressive of these is the 15th century Cathedral of St. James, which is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Šibenik is also a great place to explore the coast of Croatia. From the bustling markets of Vodice to the secluded beaches of Šibenik, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby islands of Kornati and Murter are just a short boat ride away and offer stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Šibenik is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Šibenik is a foodie’s paradise.

7. Pula

The city of Pula is located in the Istrian region of Croatia and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it has been ruled by the Venetians, Ottomans and Austrians and is home to some of the best-preserved Roman architecture in Europe. The most impressive of these is the 1st century Arena, which is the sixth-largest Roman amphitheatre in the world.

Pula is also a great place to explore the coast of Croatia. From the bustling markets of Poreč to the secluded beaches of Rovinj, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby islands of Cres and Lošinj are just a short boat ride away and offer stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Pula is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Pula is a foodie’s paradise.

8. Zagreb

The city of Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded by the Celts in the 5th century BC, it has been ruled by the Romans, Franks, Hungarians, Venetians and Ottomans and is home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe. The most impressive of these is the 13th century St. Mark’s Church, which is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Zagreb is also a great place to explore the city. From the vibrant streets of Tkalčićeva to the tranquil parks of Maksimir, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby city of Samobor is just a short drive away and offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.

Zagreb is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Zagreb is a foodie’s paradise.

9. Osijek

The city of Osijek is located in the eastern part of Croatia and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD, it has been ruled by the Franks, Hungarians, Venetians and Ottomans and is home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe. The most impressive of these is the 12th century Tvrđa, which is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Osijek is also a great place to explore the countryside. From the rolling hills of Baranja to the tranquil waterways of Kopački Rit, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby city of Vukovar is just a short drive away and offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.

Osijek is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Osijek is a foodie’s paradise.

10. Rijeka

The city of Rijeka is located in the northern part of Croatia and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD, it has been ruled by the Franks, Hungarians, Venetians and Ottomans and is home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe. The most impressive of these is the 13th century Trsat Castle, which is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Rijeka is also a great place to explore the countryside. From the rolling hills of Gorski Kotar to the tranquil waterways of the Kvarner Gulf, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby city of Opatija is just a short drive away and offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.

Rijeka is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Rijeka is a foodie’s paradise.

11. Varaždin

The city of Varaždin is located in the northern part of Croatia and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Founded by the Croats in the 13th century, it has been ruled by the Austrians, Hungarians, Ottomans and Venetians and is home to some of the best-preserved Baroque architecture in Europe. The most impressive of these is the 18th century Varaždin Castle, which is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Varaždin is also a great place to explore the countryside. From the rolling hills of Papuk Nature Park to the tranquil waterways of Lonjsko Polje, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby city of Krapina is just a short drive away and offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.

Varaždin is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, Varaždin is a foodie’s paradise.

12. Šibenik-Knin County

The Šibenik-Knin County is located in the central part of Croatia and is one of the oldest counties in the country. Founded by the Croats in the 10th century, it has been ruled by the Venetians, Ottomans and Austrians and is home to some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in Europe. The most impressive of these is the 15th century Cathedral of St. James, which is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The Šibenik-Knin County is also a great place to explore the countryside. From the rolling hills of Krka National Park to the tranquil waterways of Kornati National Park, there’s something for everyone here. The nearby town of Drniš is just a short drive away and offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities.

The Šibenik-Knin County is also a great place to sample some of the best food in Croatia. From the traditional dishes of ćevapi and burek to the fresh seafood of the Adriatic, the Šibenik-Knin County is a foodie’s paradise.

Croatia is a country full of history, culture and natural beauty, and its ancient cities are no exception. From the walled city of Dubrovnik to the Unesco-listed Diocletian’s Palace in Split, these ancient cities are some of the most well-preserved in Europe and are a must-see for anyone visiting Croatia. From exploring the stunning Adriatic coast to sampling some of the best food in Croatia, these ancient cities are sure to leave a lasting impression.