A Walk Through History

A Walk Through History: A Small Mediterranean Region Rich in Culture

If you’re the type who loves the sea, sun, and vibrant cities steeped in ancient history and UNESCO monuments, Croatia is an ideal destination—specifically the Central Dalmatia region. This area includes the coastal stretch of historic cities from Trogir to Makarska, with Split as the heart of Dalmatia. It also encompasses some of the world’s most beautiful islands, such as Hvar, Brač, Šolta, and Vis.

Beyond its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, islands, and top-quality gastronomy, Dalmatia is a European region rich with UNESCO heritage sites and one of the world’s most culturally significant histories. Dalmatia has more than ten UNESCO sites within a few hundred kilometers—a global rarity. Here, we’ll focus on its most popular cultural destinations.

Split

Split is the capital of Dalmatia and, along with Dubrovnik, serves as a major gateway to Croatian tourism. Its remarkable cultural heritage is bound to captivate you. Even the ancient Romans were enchanted by the beauty of this region; the powerful Roman emperor Diocletian built a residential palace at the heart of the city, which is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture worldwide. The central square is dominated by the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, officially the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world.

On the 1,700-year-old ancient squares and narrow stone streets, visitors can enjoy authentic local dishes and some of the finest varieties of local wines in the bars and restaurants that line the area. The Riva, the city’s main promenade, offers a vibrant atmosphere with upscale restaurants, prestigious shops, and a spectacular view of yachts and the sea, all set against a backdrop of lush palm trees. Split is a lively port city full of color, charming noise, and Mediterranean architectural heritage, with a wealth of ancient monuments and relics. Nearly everything you see and touch here has historical significance and has played an important role throughout history.

You’ll experience the Mediterranean as it once was, with the scents of the
sea mixing with the southern ambiance of the homes and streets. Split also
offers a respectable number of museums, galleries, souvenir shops, and
libraries, and for those wishing to immerse themselves in local culture, the
city’s summer music and theater festivals are a must.

Trogir

Trogir is the cultural gem of Croatia, with numerous monuments and landmarks packed into a compact area. This makes it unique worldwide, especially since its entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The spirit of antiquity, Mediterranean lifestyle, and excellent cuisine make Trogir a perfect destination for an unforgettable, active vacation.

Archaeological research has shown that humans have lived in this area since prehistoric times. Every step among Trogir’s stone houses and palaces, often called a “museum city” for its thousand-year history, is a unique experience. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Saint Lawrence, one of the finest Renaissance monuments in Europe, built over four centuries. It houses the Radovan’s Portal from 1240, the most important medieval portal in the eastern Adriatic and in this part of Europe.

The city walls and Kamerlengo Fortress are also worth exploring, especially
as the fortress becomes a stage for numerous musical and cultural events in
summer. The longevity and prominence of Trogir’s civilization are underscored
by the fact that in 1271, it became home to the first pharmacy in Croatia—and
indeed in all of Europe.

Hvar

This magical island is officially the sunniest place on the Adriatic, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. Aside from its sunny climate, it is one of the few islands worldwide with as many as six UNESCO listings. The famous “Za Križen” procession and agave lace crafted by Hvar’s Benedictine nuns were the island’s first contributions to the UNESCO list. Three years later, the traditional Klapa singing—an a cappella group singing tradition passed down through generations—was also added to the list. In 2013, UNESCO included the Mediterranean diet on this prestigious list, with Hvar and Brač as Croatia’s representatives.

Beyond its intangible heritage, Hvar offers experiences such as the Old Town, the Stari Grad Plain, and dry-stone walls, all UNESCO-protected. These represent the oldest cadastral plot system in the Mediterranean, established by the ancient Greeks. Its beaches, coves, cliffs, and reefs make Hvar one of the most rugged coastlines in the Mediterranean.

The Pakleni Islands, a unique group of islets stretching in front of Hvar
town, are among Hvar’s most recognizable natural beauties. The most famous
beach on the Pakleni Islands, Palmižana, has been named one of the world’s most
beautiful bays by many travel publications. Adding to its charm, Hvar is also
known for its vast lavender fields, which bloom from May to mid-June, and was
historically renowned for its production of lavender oil.