The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia. Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal TITO. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands. Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998. In January 2008, Croatia assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 term, and in April 2008 it joined NATO. Croatia is a candidate for eventual EU accession.

Zagreb - the capital and largest city.

Gornji grad

or the Upper Town and Donji grad or Lower Town are the cultural, religious and commercial hub of Zagreb. This is where most of the restaurants, bars and tourist sights are located. The Upper Town, which is the medieval core of the city, developed as two separate (and often warring) towns - Kaptol, the seat of the Bishop (where the imposing Cathedral now stands), and Gradec, the free town where tradesmen and artisans lived (proclaimed by King Bela of Hungary in the 12th century) merged in the 1770s to form the northern section of historic Zagreb. Following this, the city expanded south of today's Trg Bana Josipa Jelacica (Jelacic Square) to the railway station and the Sava River.

Muzej Mimara (Mimara Museum)

Rooseveltov trg 5. Houses some 3,700 works of art donated by Ante Topić Mimara. The collection comprises more than 1,500 exhibits dating from the prehistoric period up to the 20th century. Some of the most famous exhibits include works by Lorenzetti, Raffaello, Giorgione, Veronese, Caravaggio, Canaletto, 60 paintings by the Dutch masters Rembrandt, Van Goyen, Ruisdael, 50 works by the Flemish masters Van der Weyden, Bosch, Rubens, Van Dyck, more than 30 by the Spanish masters Velasquez, Murillo, Goya, some 20 paintings by the German masters Holbein, Liebermann, Leibl, some 30 paintings by the English painters Gainsborough, Turner, Bonington and more than 120 paintings by the French masters Georges de la Tour, Boucher, Chardin, Delacroix, Corot, Manet, Renoir, Degas.

Arheološki muzej, (Archaeological Museum)

Trg Nikole Šubića Zrinskog 19,. Possesses over 400,000 objects, not all of them being exhibited. The holdings include evidence of Croatian presence in this area as well as rare samples which have made the museum known to the whole world. The most famous are the Egyptian collection, the Zagreb mummy and bandages with the oldest Etruscan inscription in the world (Liber Linteus Zagrabiensis), as well as the numismatic collection. A part of the museum is set aside for the collection of stone monuments dating back predominantly to the Roman period.

Muzej suvremene umjetnosti, (Museum of Contemporary Art)

Katarinin Trg 2,. Follows and presents contemporary trends in fine arts. Klovićevi dvori (Jezuitski trg 4) introduces Croatian and foreign cultural and artistic heritage. Umjetnički paviljon (Art Pavilion), Trg Kralja Tomislava 22, by famous Viennese designers of theatres in Central Europe Hellmer and Fellmer is a neo-classical exhibition complex and one of the landmarks of the city center. The exhibitions are also held in the impressive Meštrović pavillion on Trg žrtava fašizma. Hrvatski muzej naivne umjetnosti (Croatian Museum of Naïve Art), Sv. Ćirila i Metoda 3, houses more than one thousand works belonging to Croatian naïve art. The World Centre "Wonder of Croatian Naïve Art" (Trg Bana Jelačića 2) exhibits masterpieces of Croatian naïve art as well as the works of a new generation of artists. Moderna galerija (Modern Gallery) Hebrangova 1, comprises all relevant fine artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Mirogoj is the central cemetery of Zagreb

It was opened in 1876 north of the city center. The mortuary, the impressive and picturesque arcades with the church of Christ the King (architect H. Bollé, 1883-1914) make it one of the most impressive cemeteries in the world. Here stand the tombs of notable personalities (including that of basketball hero Drazen Petrovic) who are relevant to Croatian history. To arrive from the central square, go to the near-by Cathedral and take bus number 106 (Kaptol - Mirogoj - Krematorij). The ride takes approximately 10 minutes. Note: Avoid going on the Croatian Day of the Dead (November 1st) as it may be difficult to catch a bus.

Medvedgrad

The imposing mountain overlooking Zagreb contains a preserved fortress (Medvednica) and fascinating views of the city. There is no public transport to Medvednica, but it is possible to walk downhill from the top of the mountain-gondola, and then continue your journey to the public bus system back into Zagreb. Being respectful in the fort is a good idea, since it is the site of the Altar of the Homeland memorial, dedicated to Croatian soldiers who died in the Homeland war.

Dubrovnik - historic coastal city and UNESCO World Heritage site.

Roland's Column

In front of the Bell Tower, A slender stone flag staff of the legendary knight. Also known as Orlando's Column. Ever since its foundation in 1950, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is officially opened by raising a flag (carrying the city's motto LIBERTAS) on Orlando's staff.

Bell Tower

After the Ploče entrance to the city, On top of the tower are the famous 'Zelenci' (The Green Ones), bronze statues which strike the gigantic bell every hour. They have been recently replaced with copies and the originals are in the atrium of the Sponza Palace.

Sponza Palace

West of the Bell Tower, Gothic Renaissance palace, one of the few buildings that has maintained its form from before the catastrophic 1667 earthquake. Hosts historic archives. Memorial room of defenders. Open 10AM-10PM. 20 KN

Rector's Palace

Pred dvorom 1,. Formerly the palace of the Major Council, now houses a museum dedicated to the city's history.

War Photo Limited

Antuninska 6. An exhibition center of war and conflict photography. Exhibits change during the season. Stunning images by world renowned photo journalists. Open 9AM-9PM

Pile Gate

At the beginning of the Placa Thoroughfare (Stradun) (Old town),. The most convenient starting place for your stroll through the City is Pile. Before entering the Old City, Lovrjenac Fort is the first among many sites worth seeing in Dubrovnik.

Placa Stradun, (Old town)

The Stradun (Placa) is the central street of the city of Dubrovnik and is the place where the old city comes to life. During the day, explore the shades of the peripendicular streets and alleys on its sides, and during the night, take walks up and down the Stradun with an ice-cream in hand. The uniform Baroque architecture of the houses in Placa, with shops on the street level and their 'knee-like' entrances, got its present-day form in the restoration of the City taking place after the disastrous earthquake in 1667, when a large number of luxurious Gothic and Renaissance palaces had been destroyed. The architectural design of Placa reveals effective solutions and the business sense of the Dubrovnik Republic in those difficult times. Today, Placa is still the shopping centre and venue of major events.

Big Onofrio´s Fountain

In the western (Pile) entrance of the old town, The fountain stairs are nowadays a favourite meeting place of the youth, where both the tourists and pigeons take rest and refresh themselves with cool water.

Old Port, (Old town)

Old City Walls

8-19. Walk on the walls around the old town, great views! Warning - it's extremely recommended to visit the walls during the early morning hours or the late afternoon hours, as it can become hot during the day!

Fort Lovrijenac

The monumental fort rises above 37 meters high rock. It changed roles in the course of history. The main purpose of its construction was defense, and the main idea was to protect the freedom of Dubrovnik.

Aquarium

Franciscan Monastery

Placa 2, 9AM-6PM. This beautiful monastery with Baroque Church, houses a Romanesque cloister and the third oldest pharmacy in the world.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Kneza Damjana Jude 1, M-Sa 8AM-8 PM, Su 11AM-5:30 PM. This impressive building is in the Poljana Marin Držić. Supposedly, the original church was built with money donated by Richard the Lionhearted who survived shipwreck on his way home from the Third Crusade. The current Roman Baroque cathedral dates from the 18th Century.

Church of Saint Blaise (Crkva Svetog Vlaha)

Baroque Church dedicated to the city's patron saint.

Church of St. Ignatius and the Jesuit College

Beautiful Baroque church located on a small hill within the old city.

Dominican Monastery

This is an exceptionally valuable historic complex, which, besides its religious purpose, also represents the important artistic treasury of ancient Dubrovnik. Open 9AM-6PM.

Church of St. Sebastian

Serbian Orhodox Church and Museum of Icons

Franciscan Monastery Museum

Placa 2, 9AM-6PM. Check out artifacts from one of the world's oldest pharmacies. Entrance fee:30 Kn

Sigurata Convent Museum

Od Sigurate 13 , Opened upon request. Entrance fee:10 KN

Synagogue and Jewish Museum

Zudioska 5, Open :10AM-8PM Entrance fee:15 KN

Dominican Monastery Museum

Sv. Domina 4, 9AM-6PM. Paintings and artifacts from Dubrovnik's past. Entrance fee : 20 KN

The Sponza Palace Museum

 (Museum of the State Archives)Entrance fee :20 Kn

The Rector`s Palace Museum

Pred dvorom 1, 9AM-6PM. Artifacts, paintings and furniture dating back from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. Entrance fee :40 KN

The Treasury of Cathedral

Kneza Damjana Jude 1, 9AM-6PM. The Treasury has 138 reliquaries which are carried around the city during the Feast of St Blaise. Entrance fee:15 KN

Maritime Museum

St. John Fort . Open:9AM-6PM Entrance fee:40 KN

The Home of Marin Drzic

Široka 7, M-Sa 9AM-1PM and by appointment. Memorial house of Marin Drzic, one of Croatia's most famous writers.

The Museum of Icons (Serbian Ortodox Church)

Open:9AM-2PM Entrance fee: 10 KN

The Etnographic Museum (Rupe Granary)

Open:9AM-6PM Entrance fee :40 KN

Split- ancient port city with Roman ruins.

Diocletian Palace (UNESCO heritage site)

The historic center of Split is built around the remains of this Roman palace. You only need to wander around to experience it but you can also pay to visit the excavated remains of the basement of the palace. The palace has well preserved main streets cardo and decumanus. Roman palace is enriched with some gothic and reinassance buildings which makes a perfect match. Palace has 4 monumental gates Porta Aurea (Zlatna vrata, Golden gate), Porta Argenta (Srebrna vrata, Silver gate), Porta Ferrea (Željezna vrata, Iron gate) and Porta Aenea (Mjedena vrata). It is probably the best preserved Roman palace in general.

St. Duje's cathedral

Originally built around 305. A.D. as a mausoleum of Roman emperor Diocletian (the oldest cathedral building in the world). Cathedral is also a very beautiful mixture of Roman temple and Catholic church. It also has a beautiful belltower which provides you a great panoramic view of Split, nearby islands and Marjan hill. It was nearly destroyed during a Serbian army attack on Split in November 1991 when rocket missed cathedral for just a few meters.

Peristil square (Peristylium)

Main square of Diocletian's palace with well preserved Roman architecture.

Jupiter's temple

Ancient Roman temple which became St. John's church.

Two original Egyptian sphinxes

One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.

Riva

The main city promenade. Since 2007. Riva has a new, "modern" look, which is not accepted by most of the people.

Marjan

A hill situated on the west of Split. Marjan is an oasis for many people who look for a natural stress relief, a great place for long walks, jogging, and bike rides. Marjan's peak, Telegrin is 174 m high and gives a wonderful panoramic view of Split. South cliffs are popular within alpine climbers. St. Nicholas church is situated on the east of Marjan, on it's south side are beautiful St. Jeronimus church and "Gospe od Betlema" church(Madonna of Betlehem). House building is strictly forbidden in order to save Marjan - the lungs of Split.

Varoš

One of the oldest parts of town. A place where lived most of the city peasants and fishermen. Charming streets and and beautiful small houses.

Galerija Meštrović

Gallery contains works of Ivan Meštrović, famous Croatian sculptor.

Archaeological Museum

The oldest museum in Croatia(1820.), about 20 minutes walk north of the old town (entry 20 kn). Many artefacts and monuments from Roman colonies Salona and Narona.

Salona

Ancient Roman colony, one of the biggest towns of Roman Empire. It had a population of nearly 60000 people. It was a capital of Roman province Dalmatia. Well preserved amphitheater, theater, basilica, cemetery and many other Roman buildings. Situated near town of Solin, 10 minutes bus ride from Split.

Pula - biggest town in Istria with the Roman amphitheater (commonly called Arena)

The Arena

The 6th largest surviving Roman amphitheatre. Towering over the nearby buildings this huge structure was barely saved from destruction several times during its life, mostly by various Venetians with plans to take to to Venice stone by stone as demonstration of the might of the Venetian empire. Many stones were taken to build houses and other structures around Pula, but fortunately this practice was stopped before the whole structure was destroyed. Entry (20 kn) gives you access to wander the inside of the Colosseum and visit the caverns beneath. The audio tour is very worthwhile.

The Forum

The Forum is the main square in the center of the city. The square is built on the place of the ancient Roman forum. On the square there is city hall that was built in 10th century (parts of an old temple were used for the building as it can be seen on the rear side of the hall) and the Temple of August, from the first century.

Archeology Museum (12 kn).

Zlatna vrata

 (Triumphal arch, 1st century BC), Dvojna vrata (Twin gate, 2-3rd century), Herkulova vrata (Hercules gate, 1st century BC).

St. Francis church and monastery

14th century

Orthodox church

6th century

Kaštel

A Castle from the 17th century features Istrian history museum

Malo rimsko kazalište

Little Roman theatre behind the Archeology museum

Mornaričko groblje

Sailors' cemetery (1866. - about 150 000 soldiers of Austro-Hungarian nations were buried there) and Mornarička crkva, Sailors' Church

Osijek - capital of Slavonia and an important city.

Kino Europa

Modernist architecture

Kino Urania

Secessionist architecture

Europska Avenija (Europe Avenue)

Magnificent secession style buildings

Tvrđa

Tvrđa is the self-contained 18th-century Hapsburg defensive fortress just east of the city centre. This immaculately-preserved baroque military compound, designed by Maximillian de Gosseau in 1721, contains many fine buildings to view by day, and at night becomes the hotspot with bars and clubs. Luckily there was no damage during the recent conflict to the site, ensuring great viewing and photos. Tvrđa is based around the main square, Trg Svetog Trojstva, and the Museum of Slavonia is located here with artefacts throughout history as early as Roman times. There are also situated high schools, and university of Osijek. On the main square is also Archeological museum, and Music school. Fortress is also the place for a good night-life with numerous bars, discos and restaurants.

Co-Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul

This is the tallest church in Croatia and has a spire of 90m. The Co-Cathedral was planned by Josip Juraj Strossmayer, and the internal stonework is by renouned Austrian sculptor Hauser. The church contains many stunning stained glass windows and a large, fine-sounding pipe organ constructed by the Walcher firm of Linz, Austria. Co-Cathedral is often place for big concerts of classical and religious music.

Croatian National Theatre

Zupanijska Ul. A beautiful building designed in 1886 and severely damaged in the recent conflict. A painstaking restoration has restored it to its former glory, though shortly afterwards a McDonald's restaurant opened up on the ground floor. Shows, concerts and opera are performed weekly.

Promenada

Located along the banks of the Drava River and is a pleasant walk past the marina, cafes, and parklands. In the Winter port are also many bars, and the second tallest building in the city, Hotel Osijek (4 star hotel)

Pejacevic Castle

Located on the edge of the Upper Town and on the enterance to Retfala district. Part of the castle is owned by Little siters of St. Mary, and they will be delited to show you the whole castle and around it. Do not be afraid of the dog in the yard, which is a pet of the nuns. There are around 10 sisters in the convent, with few candidates.

The Municipal Park of King Petar Krešimir IV

The Municipal Park of King Petar Krešimir IV and the Tomislav Park date from the beginning of the 20th century, and are protected national landmarks. They are excellent place for a relaxing break after walking around the city.

Church of St. Roch

A little church in the Upper Town, and it is the first Catholic church built after Ottoman Empire ruled the city.

Church of St. Michael

The second biggest church in the city, built in high baroque and royal style, by models from Vienna and Budapest. Priest lives right next door, and he will proudly take you inside the church, and explain everything about the past, style, and some interesting facts about the church. On the square in the front of the church can be seen traces where was before over hundred years ago a Muslim mosque.

Water Gate

the only remained entrance to the Fortress from Habsburg Empire times. Near the Gate is a path to the Fortress walls which are surrounding 3/4 of the Fortress

City Area Administration Palace

City Area Administration Palace is situated just across the street from the Croatian National Theatre, quite near the main city square.

Slavonski Brod -

The Franciscan Monastery

The Brod Fortress

Rijeka - Croatia's largest and main port

Rijeka is unfortunately more of a transport hub and port city than a destination in itself. Still, if you have time to spare between connections, it can be filled by a stroll along the pedestrianized Korzo (look for the large clock), or a visit to a museum such as the maritime museum. The stunning National Theatre building (similar to the one in Zagreb and Budapest) occupies a prominent location in the city. For a little exercise, climb the stairs to Trsat to visit its recently-restored fortress and several historic churches, or catch the #1 bus to Bivio, with its seaside paths and catwalks.

Varaždin - Croatia's former Baroque capital.

Stari grad (Old city)

A beautiful medieval fortress. Although its construction began in the 14th century, it was greatly expanded in the 15th century when the rounded towers that typify the Gothic architecture of northern Croatia were added by the Earl of Celje. In 1925 it was turned into Gradski muzej (Town museum) which houses paintings, furniture, weapons and decorative objects important for the Varaždin's history. In 1994, it was the first Croatian museum nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award. Tuesday's - Friday's: 10 AM - 5 PM; Saturday's and Sunday's: 10 AM - 1 PM; Closed on Monday's.

Galerija starih i novih majstora (Gallery of Old and Contemporary Masters)

Hosted in the rococo-style Sermage Palace built in 1759 and donated to the museum by the City of Čakovec in 1947. The gallery's holdings include over 3,000 pieces. Many old masters' works served as the basis of today's permanent collection displaying 61 paintings from the 15th to the end of the 19th century. The most valuable pieces are those by Dutch masters from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as the portraits by both local and naturalized masters: A. Moses, M. Brodnik and M. Stroy. The gallery also holds works by the famous Croatian contemporary masters: V. Bečić, Lj. Babić, R. Frangeš-Mihanović, as well as by a number of local painters and sculptors from Hrvatsko zagorje and Međimurje. Particularly valuable are the collections of Miljenko Stančić's and Ivo Režek's works (Tuesday's - Friday's: 10 AM - 5 PM; Saturday's and Sunday's: 10 AM - 1 PM; Closed on Monday's; Trg Miljenka Stancica 3;).

Entomološka zbirka (Entomological Collection)

Located at the early Classicist Herzer Palace in the center of the town. The first collection was established by Franjo pl. Koščec (1882-1968), the local high-school teacher and entomologist. He donated his large natural scientific collections to the City of Varaždin in 1959. His work was, in the 1962-1980 period, continued by his daughter Ružica Koščec. Since 1903 some 50,000 specimens have been collected. The collection also includes enlarged models of certain insect species. Over the years, the holdings have been expanded by entomological material from the territory of northwestern Croatia. Its scientifically valuable collections, including several tens of thousand specimens, bring testimony of natural properties and environmental changes, thus constituting an inevitable source of information for the elaboration of the Croatian fauna inventory.

Zadar - biggest city of north-central Dalmatia with rich history

Walk around the atmospheric streets of the old town, located on the peninsula. There are 34 old churches situated on the peninsula, and all of them with a very rich history. The oldest is St. Simeon (Sv. Šime).

St. Donat's

Remains of The Roman Forum

St. Anastasia (the Cathedral)

St. Mary & St. Simeon

University of Zadar

Originaly founded 1396., which makes it the oldest university in Croatia, and one of the oldest universities in Europe.

The Archaeological Museum

Enjoy the otherworldly sounds of the Sea Organ (Croatian: Morske orgulje) on Zadar's Riva. This man-made organ works with the motion of the waves and 35 pipes to create a musical soundscape.