Farewell Croatia

We spent almost two full months in Croatia.  During that time we visited Zagreb, Pula, Ravinj (day trip), Zadar, Split, Klis (day trip), Trogir (day trip) and Dubrovnik.  We really enjoyed Croatia.

Zagreb, the capital, is a typical European city with museums, theaters and public transportation.  We found the prices for food and housing in Zagreb to be very reasonable.

The other cities we visited were mostly along the Adriatic coast.  Most of these cities originated in ancient or medieval times and retain a lot of their historic character.  They benefit from their proximity to the sea and the moderate climate which makes them prime destinations for tourists and provides an excellent source of fresh fish for their restaurants and markets.  Prices for just about everything on the coast are substantially higher than the surrounding regions with Dubrovnik being the most costly.

Here’s our must do list for Split (previous posts included Zagreb, Pula and Zadar)…

• Visit Diocletian’s Palace.  Most of the old town is built within the confines of the palace.
• Walk along the seaside promenade.  The harbor area is very beautiful.
• See the Temple of Jupiter.  It’s also known as the Baptistery of Saint John the Baptist.
• Visit Saint Domnius Cathedral.  It dates from 305 AD and is one of the oldest churches in the world.  Don’t forget to climb the bell tower.
• Visit Diocletian’s substructure.  It’s where the Dragons were chained up in Game of Thrones.
• See the works of Ivan Meštrović.  See the statue of Grgur Minski near the old gate and visit his gallery just north of town.
• Visit the Museum of Fine Art.  Have coffee in their cafe too.
• See the Museum of Archeology.  They have an impressive collection of coins and inscriptions.
• Stroll through Marjan Park.  They have walking, biking and hiking trails.
• Take a bus to the nearby city of Klis.  It appears in Game of Thrones as The Free City of Mereen.
• Take a bus to the nearby city of Trogir.  See the medieval city and its many attractions.
• Shop at the produce market and the fish market for fresh foods at good prices.
• Eat cevapi at Kanteen Paulina.  It’s the best we ever had.
• Enjoy desserts at Luca Ice Cream and Cakes.  You won’t be disappointed.

(Diocletian’s Palace)

Here’s our must do list for Dubrovnik…

• Walk the Old Town Walls.  You get some of the best views of the city (and will have to climb about 30 flights of stairs).  Cost is 150 KN / $23.00 per person.
• Visit Fort Lovrijenac (Fort Lawrence).  You’ll get spectacular views of the old city.  It’s the site of the Red Keep in Game of Thrones.  Many scenes were filmed there.  Cost is 150 KN / $23.00 per person.
• See Sponza Palace.  See the memorial to the Dubrovnik Defenders.  Free of charge.
• See the Rector’s Palace.  It doubles as the home of the Spice King in GOT.
• Walk through the Franciscan Monastery.  See the oldest pharmacy and stroll through the cloister.  Free of charge.
• Visit the Dominican Monastery.  See their collection of medieval and Renaissance art and religious artifacts.  Cost is 30 KN / $4.75 per person.
• Visit the many churches including the Cathedral and the Church of Saint Blaise.  Climb the Jesuit Staircase to Saint Ignatius Loyola.  It’s where Cersei did her Walk of Shame in GOT.
• Eat at Taverna Arsenal.  The food is great and they have an excellent Krema Schnit.  It’s not cheap but if you go back a second time you may get a discount.

(View from the City Walls)