Did you know?
LAVANDER
If you would like for your house to smell of the dried flowers of Hvar lavender which extends throughout Croatia.
Ecologically produced, hand planted and harvested, Hvar lavender may without a doubt be considered by far the best quality lavender in relation to other European countries. On the sunniest Croatian island Hvar it is cultivated in ideal climate conditions and on favourable hilly soil.
NECKTIE
The necktie (cravat) originates from Croatia.
"... Around the year 1635, some six thousand soldiers and knights came to Paris to give their support to King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu. Among them were a great number of Croatian mercenaries.
The traditional outfit of these Croats aroused interest on account of the unusual and picturesque scarves distinctively tied about their necks. Later on, during the reign of Louis XIV, the Croatian scarf was accepted in France, above all in court, where military ornaments were much admired. The fashionable expression, ’a la croate’, soon evolved into a new French word, which still exists today: la cravate.
AWARDS
Croatia has been announced as Lonely Planet Staffers' number one destination for 2005. Croatia won the first place, followed by China, Argentina, USA, Italy und Costa Rica.
Michelin Europe Tourist and Motoring Atlas puts Croatia on the front page of its 2005. edition,
USTOA chose Dubrovnik as the host of their 2006. Annual Conference, On July 17th 2005, “New York Times” publishes an article “In Croatia, A New Riviera Beckons”, Croatia was the favourite ''last minute'' destination of German tourists last summer, shows a poll conducted by the European Tourism Institute (ETI), National Geographic Adventure announces Croatia as number one “Hot Adventure Destination” in 2006.
MEDITERRANEAN
When we invite you to Croatia, we want you to share with us:
THE TASTE
THE FEELING
THE COLOUR
THE PASSION
THE HOSPITALITY
THE HERITAGE
THE BEAUTY
THE SPIRIT
OF “THE MEDITERRANEAN AS IT ONCE WAS”
DIOCLETIAN
The Roman emperor Diocletian built a palace in Dalmatia in 305 A.D., which became the foundation of today’s city of Split, one of Croatia’s 7 monuments under UNESCO protection.
MARCO POLO
Croatia is the homeland of Marco Polo, the world-renowned 13th-century traveller, who was born on the Dalmatian island of Korcula.
NIKOLA TESLA
The famous scientist Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), inventor of alternating current, was born in Smiljan, Croatia, died in New York, USA
PENKALA
Croatian inventor, Slavoljub Penkala, invented the first mechanical pen in 1906, as well as the first fountain pen in 1907.
MARBLE FROM THE ISLAND OF BRAC
That the White House in Washington is built of marble from the island of Brac.
PAG ISLAND LACE
The lace from the island of Pag is the "white gold" of the city of Pag and the fondest memory one can take from it. Pag island lace is a handcrafted decorative work from the island of Pag embroidered using a needle and delicate thread. It can be obtained from embroiderers who craft the lace in front of their homes during the summer.
OLIVE OIL
For ages known for its value, both in gastronomy and in alternative medicine, olive oil is one of the important products of our country. Olive oil is produced in Istria, in the Kvarner area and in Dalmatia.
OLDEST COMMUNAL TEATHRE IN EUROPE
That the oldest communal theatre in Europe was built in Hvar in the year 1612.
RICHARD THE LIONHEART
That Richard the Lionheart on his return from the crusades in the year 1192 was saved off Dubrovnik from a storm at sea, and that, to fulfill his pledge, he donated money to the people of Dubrovnik for the start of construction of a cathedral.
