Croatia is a country that is often underrated as a travel destination. The landmarks of Croatia offer so much to visitors, from stunningly beautiful coastline and islands to the impressive mountain ranges.
There are also plenty of cultural Croatian andmarks to discover, with a fascinating history and heritage that is unique to this part of Europe. Croatian food and wine are also something special, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy some quality time away from home.
Here are some of the most famous landmarks of Croatia that can help plan and inspire your trip to this amazing Balkan country.
Most Famous Man-made Landmark Of Croatia
The Dubrovnik Old Town
The Dubrovnik Old Town is the most famous Croatian landmark and one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the country.
The old town was built in the Middle Ages and it is famous for its beautiful architecture and well-preserved buildings. The Dubrovnik Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an excellent example of medieval architecture
The old town is a pedestrian zone, so you can wander around the narrow streets and explore the many shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Dubrovnik Old Town is also home to many museums and art galleries.
The main reason for its international fame in recent years is due to Game of Thrones. This was the location of King’s Landing, and that has drawn a multitude of tourists to visit.
It is important to note that Dubrovnik already had a strong tourism industry before the Game of Thrones era. It is certainly worth diving deeper into other aspects of the city’s history and culture when visiting.
The Dubrovnik Walls
The Dubrovnik Walls are the highlight structure of the Old Town. They are a series of fortifications that surround the city of Dubrovnik, and you can get a complete view of the charming old town from here.
The walls are made from limestone and date back to the 13th century. They were built to protect the town from the Venetians.
The Dubrovnik are up to 25 meters (82 feet) high and encircles the old city. You can walk around them, or take a boat tour. The walls are one of the most photographed landmarks in Croatia.
The city of Dubrovnik is in southern Dalmatia, on the Adriatic Sea coast.
Most Famous Natural Landmark of Croatia
And because there is a toss-up between two options for the most famous landmark in Croatia, it is only prudent to split it into Natural and Man-made landmarks for equal recognition.
Plitvice Lakes
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is a Croatian national park in the Lika-Senj County. The park was founded on April 8, 1949 and is one of the oldest national parks in Southeast Europe.
It is also one of the largest national parks that Croatia is known for, encompassing an area of approximately 298 square kilometers (114.25 sq mi). In 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The lakes are famous for their stunning colors, spanning from azure to green, grey and blue. The colors change visually depending on the angle of sunlight and the clarity of the water. They are caused by millions of algae that grow on the bottom and sides of the lake.
The best time to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park is during spring or autumn when the crowds are smaller and the weather is milder. Although parts of the park will close during the winter for safety reasons, you get a chance at catching a magical snowscape at the falls.
Zagreb, Croatia Landmarks
St. Mark’s Church in Zagreb
Situated in the Upper Town of Zagreb, St. Mark’s Church is a Parish church that dates back to the 13th century. The church is dedicated to Saint Mark and it is one of the most important landmarks in Zagreb.
The main highlight of the church is the colorful tiled roofs featuring coats of arms from medevial times.
The Zagreb Cathedral
The Zagreb Cathedral is the main Roman Catholic cathedral in the Croatian capital. The cathedral is a Neo-Gothic structure that was built in the mid 13th century. It is one of the tallest building in Croatia and an important landmark in the city.
The cathedral is home to several artworks, and has a treasury storing various historical objects through its time.
Ban Jelačić Square
Ban Jelačić Square is the city center of the capital and thus an iconic landmark of Croatia. The square is named after Josip Jelačić, a Croatian ban from the mid-19th century who played an important role in Croatian history. You can see his imposing statue right in the middle of the square, and is a popular resting spot for pigeons.
The square is surrounded by important historical buildings, including the Croatian National Theater and Zagreb Cathedral. The square is also a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
Maksimir Park and Zoo
Maksimir Park and Zoo is one of the most popular nature destinations in Zagreb, Croatia. The park is over 200 years old and it is the oldest park in the city.
The zoo is home to over 350 species and 7,800 animals from around the world, making it one of the largest zoos in Europe. The park and zoo are open every day of the week, and they are a popular destination for families with children.
Croatian National Theatre
The Croatian National Theatre was built in 1885 and is one of the most important Croatian cultural institutions. The theatre hosts a variety of performances, including opera, drama, and ballet.
The Croatian National Theatre is also home to the Croatian National Ballet.
Split, Croatia Landmarks
Diocletian’s Palace
Located in the city of Split, Croatia, is the magnificent Diocletian’s Palace. This palace was originally built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD as his retirement home.
The grounds is also home to other famous Croatian landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Vestibule, and temple of Jupiter.
The palace is a beautiful example of Roman architecture and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. The palace is open to the public and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Marjan Park
Split, Croatia is home to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, Marjan Park. Apart from the beautiful coast and beaches in Split, the city also has stunning green paradise.
The park was founded in 1573 and it is the oldest park in the city. It is also one of the largest parks in Croatia, covering an area of 130 hectares (320 acres).
The park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It is a nice getaway from the city for exercising and immersing in nature. There are also a few great viewpoints to catch the sunset throughout the park.
Klis Fortress
Klis Fortress is a medieval stronghold near Split, that sits on the cliff overlooking the amazing Dalmatia landscape. From the surroundings, it is immediately obvious why this landmark in Croatia is perfect as a filming location for the popular TV series Game of Thrones. The fortress is an ancient structure that is built by the Illyrians.
The fortress is open to the public and offers great views of both civilisation and nature surrounding the region. There is also a small museum on-site with some interesting artifacts from the fortress’ history.
Other Famous Landmarks In Croatia
Trakošćan Castle, Varaždin
Trakošćan Castle is a Croatian national monument and one of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Croatia. The castle was built in the 13th century by the feudal lords of Trakošćan, and it later became the summer residence of Croatian kings.
The castle has been through many reconstructions, but it still retains its original Gothic style. There are many interesting things to see inside the castle, such as a collection of Croatian medieval weapons, armor, and tapestries.
The castle is also located in a stunning natural setting on the shores of a lake. Visitors can enjoy walking through the gardens and forests that surround the castle.
Medvedgrad Fortress
Medvedgrad Fortress is a Croatian landmark that is located in the city of Zagreb. The fortress was first erected in the 13th century and served as a means of protection from invaders.
Medvedgrad fortress has been rebuilt and renovated over the years, and now features exhibits on Croatian culture and history. The fortress is open to visitors year-round.
Cathedral of St. James, Šibenik
The Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik is a Croatian national landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral was built in the 15th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of Croatian Renaissance architecture.
St James cathedral is famous for its intricate stone carvings, which were done by master craftsmen from Venice. The cathedral is also one of the largest in Croatia, and it can hold up to 12,000 people.
Sea Organ, Zadar
Sea Organ is a Croatian landmark that is located in Zadar, Croatia. It is a unique musical instrument that was created by Nikola Bašić. The Sea Organ consists of a large number of pipes that are installed in the marble steps of the stairs on the Riva promenade in Zadar. It plays music by the waves. The Sea Organ was officially opened on April 2005.
Zadar is a Croatian city located in the region of Dalmatia. It is the second-largest city in the region and has a population of about 75,000 people. Zadar is known for its historical architecture, which can be seen in the old town
Rovinj Old Town
Rovinj is a Croatian town on the Croatian coast, about halfway between Pula and Rijeka. The town has been inhabited since prehistoric times and it was founded as an Ancient Greek colony named Kallis.
The old town of Rovinj was built from the 6th to the 10th century AD on natural terraces by successive Croatian, Venetian and Austrian rulers. The Croatian National Tourist Board has proclaimed Rovinj to be one of the most beautiful towns in Croatia.
Pula Arena
Rome is not the only place you can see a big amphitheater. The Pula Arena is a Roman amphitheater in the city of Pula. It dates back to 27BC and is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in Europe.
In fact, it is the only Roman amphitheater that still has all four side towers. The Pula Arena has a seating capacity of 5,000 people, and is still in use today for events like the Pula Film Festival, concerts, and more entertainment shows.
Famous Natural Landmarks In Croatia
Skradinski Buk Waterfall
The Skradinski Buk waterfall is a Croatian natural landmark and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
It is located on the Krka River and is the main highlight of Krka National Park. The waterfall is 17 meters high and 75 meters wide, making it one of the largest waterfalls in Croatia.
The waterfall was formed by the erosion of limestone rocks. Visitors to the national park can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, and biking.
Velebit National Park
Velebit National Park is a Croatian national park that was established in 1999. The park is in the Lika region of Croatia and covers an area of 109 square kilometeres. It is part of the Velebit mountains, the largest mountain range in Croatia.
The park is famous for its rugged mountains, beautiful forests, and clear lakes. Velebit National Park is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
The park is also home to many rare and endangered animal species, such as the brown bear and lynx.
Mount Biokovo
Mount Biokovo is the highest mountain in Croatia and is located in the Dalmatian hinterland. The mountain is made of limestone and dolomite, which has led to the formation of many caves and karst formations.
The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. There are a number of challenging, hiking trails that lead to the summit of the mountain at 1762m. It is one of the most impressive natural landmarks of Croatia.
Zlatni Rat Beach
Zlatni Rat Beach is a Croatian beach that is located on the island of Brač. The beach is famous for its unique shape, which is said to resemble a golden horn.
The beach is a popular destination for tourists and has been voted one of the best beaches in Europe. Zlatni Rat Beach is also a Blue Flag beach, which means that it meets the highest standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Discovering The Landmarks Of Croatia
The landmarks in Croatia are some of the most beautiful and fascinating in Europe. The Croatian landmarks listed in this article are just a small sample of what the country has to offer. From ancient amphitheaters to soaring mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this stunning country.
What’s more, Croatian landmarks offer travelers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Croatia. So if you’re looking for an exciting vacation destination with both nature and culture, Croatia is certainly one place to be.
