UNESCO Heritage sites in Croatia

The historical core of Split, including Diocletian’s Palace and part of the city enveloped by defensive walls, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1979. A must-visit on your Croatia holiday, it features some of the world’s most well-preserved Roman architecture. The palace was constructed over the late 3rd and early 4th centuries as the retirement residence for Roman Emperor Diocletian. Today, many of the historic buildings are home to everything from boutiques and galleries to wine bars, cafes, restaurants, and more. One of the highlights is the Cathedral of Saint Domnius in the heart of the palace. By climbing to the top of the 200-foot-high bell tower you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the entire city of Split.

The largest national park in Croatia at 115 square miles, Plitvice Lakes is renowned for its lakes in brilliant shades of emerald and turquoise. The park’s 16 lakes are interconnected by nearly countless waterfalls and surrounded by picturesque landscapes with forests and lush greenery that have made it another one of the most well-known UNESCO sites in Croatia. It’s also notable for its biodiversity, home to grey wolves, lynx, brown bears, and the European wild cat, whilst the meadows are rich in flora. There are eight designated walking routes, referred to as programmes” or “tours,” varying in length and distance. Scenic wooded paths and footbridges showcase views of the lakes and the cascades with clouds of colourful butterflies often flittering above.

Medieval Trogir sits on a small island connected by a bridge to the mainland, less than 30 minutes from Split. Sometimes referred to as an open-air museum, its historic centre is surrounded by walls and has roots dating to the 3rd century BC when Doric Greeks founded a trading port at the site. Showcasing remarkably well-preserved Venetian architecture, it’s a joy to explore with a labyrinth of narrow stone streets, a grand 15th-century fortress/castle, and a wealth of impressive Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. The imposing Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a Romanesque-Gothic triple-naved basilica, is particularly notable. Located on the main town square, it was built primarily in Romanesque style between 1200 AD and the early 17th century.

The Ancient & Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe are on the UNESCO List of World Heritage, spanning 10 European countries, including Ukraine, Spain, Slovenia, Romania, Italy, Bulgaria, Belgium, Austria, Albania, and Croatia. In Croatia, they can be found in the Paklenica and North Velebit national parks. The trees are recognized for their age, size, and other distinct features, representing exceptionally preserved, undisturbed forest ecosystems. They serve as an important habitat for many species, including some that are endangered, like the lynx, bear, wolf, stag and longhorn beetles, forest orchids, and holly. Explore them by hiking the park trails, such as those that lead to the highest peaks of Velebit Mountain in Paklenica.

The Stećci Medieval Tombstone Graveyards are mostly found in Bosnia & Hercegovina but they’re also located in the border regions of Montenegro, Serbia, and Croatia. Stećci tombstones date to the 12th century and were commonly used through the 16th century. Made of limestone, they can’t be found anywhere else but in this area, although similar tombstones were found in Ireland and Armenia. They were of significant importance to people during the Middle Ages, with inscriptions, symbols, and ornaments representing the region’s unique cultural heritage. There was also a local superstition that said the fields and crops would be destroyed if someone touched them. Their primary religious affiliation is still unknown, although they seemed to be common among both Orthodox and Catholic religions.