UNESCO World Heritage: magnificent places in Croatia that must be protected
April 11, 2025
Croatia, a country with a rich history and breathtaking landscapes, boasts as many as ten UNESCO World Heritage sites. These unique sites are not only a testament to the region's turbulent past, but are also a remarkable attraction for tourists from all over the world. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through four of Croatia's greatest UNESCO treasures that are a must-see on a family trip. From the turquoise cascades of the Plitvice Lakes, to the majestic Diocletian's Palace in Split, to the charming streets of Trogir and the Byzantine mosaics of the Euphrasius Basilica, each of these places offers an unforgettable experience and a history lesson for small and large travelers. Get ready for a fascinating adventure that will take you back in time and allow you to appreciate the beauty of Croatia's cultural and natural heritage.
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Plitvice Lakes National Park - a natural wonder under UNESCO protection
Our journey through Croatia's UNESCO treasures begins with a place that can boldly be called paradise on earth. The Plitvice Lakes National Park, listed as a World Heritage Site in 1979, is a true natural wonder that delights visitors at any time of the year. This complex of 16 crystal-clear lakes interconnected by hundreds of waterfalls is not only a great place for a family outing, but also a living laboratory of nature.
The park offers several trails of varying difficulty, so there is something for every family. Route E, recommended by many tourists, is ideal for families with children - it takes about 2-3 hours and allows you to see the most beautiful parts of the park. Wooden footbridges leading over the surface of the water are not only an amenity, but also a way to protect the delicate ecosystem of the lakes.
It is worth knowing that ticket prices vary depending on the season. As of November 2023, a ticket cost 10 euros, but summer season prices can be much higher. It is recommended to buy tickets online and arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the tranquility of nature.
For families with children, the park offers not only beautiful views, but also an educational experience. Here you can observe a variety of plant and animal species, and learn about the importance of environmental protection. It's worth taking along binoculars and a guide to the local flora and fauna - it will be great fun for little explorers.
If you are planning a longer stay, consider staying overnight in one of the local guesthouses. This will allow you to explore the park in peace at different times of the day and observe how the changing light affects the colors of the water and surrounding nature.
Remember that Plitvice Lakes National Park is a place that demands respect and protection. Obey the park's rules, don't go off the designated trails and don't leave trash behind. That way, future generations will also be able to enjoy this extraordinary natural wonder.
Diocletian's Palace in Split and Trogir - a a journey back in time to the ancient world
Our journey through Croatia's UNESCO treasures now takes us to the Dalmatian coast, where two remarkable sights await: Diocletian's Palace in Split and the Old Town of Trogir. These two places, just 30 kilometers apart, offer a fascinating lesson in history and architecture that is sure to delight adults and children alike.
Diocletian's Palace in Split, listed by UNESCO in 1979, is not only an impressive monument, but also a living city. Built at the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries AD as the residence of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this huge complex today teems with locals and tourists. Walking through the narrow streets of the palace, you can feel as if you are traveling back in time. Children will surely be delighted to explore the underground chambers where scenes for the popular series 'Game of Thrones' were filmed.
Look out for Peristyl - the central square of the palace, where you can admire the impressive columns and listen to the singing of the klaps - traditional Dalmatian vocal ensembles. For families with children, we recommend an interactive tour with a guide dressed as a Roman legionary - a great way to make history come alive in the eyes of the little ones.
Just half an hour from Split is another gem - Trogir, whose Old Town was added to the UNESCO list in 1997. This picturesque town, located on a small island, impresses with its medieval architecture and atmosphere. A stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets is a real trip back in time.
Trogir's main attraction is the Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its impressive portal by the master Radovan. A climb to the cathedral's bell tower (costing about 5 euros in 2023) offers a beautiful view of the entire city and surrounding islands. For children, a visit to the Kamerlengo Fortress, where they can feel like real knights, may be an interesting attraction.
Both Split and Trogir offer numerous cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy local delicacies. Try a traditional Dalmatian pasticada or fresh seafood - a great opportunity to introduce children to new flavors.
When planning a visit to these places, remember to wear comfortable shoes - the cobblestone streets can be demanding for little feet. It's also a good idea to bring water and headgear, especially on hot summer days. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are lower and crowds of tourists are smaller.
The Basilica of Euphrasius in Poreč - the Byzantine jewel of Istria
Our tour of Croatia's UNESCO treasures ends on the Istrian peninsula, in the charming town of Poreč, where a true gem of early Christian architecture awaits us - the Basilica of Euphrasius. This sacred complex, listed as a World Heritage Site in 1997, is not only a testimony to the turbulent history of the region, but also a place that will delight even the youngest travelers with its beauty and mysterious atmosphere.
The Basilica of Euphrasius, built in the 6th century, is a perfectly preserved example of Byzantine architecture and art. What sets it apart from other monuments are the extraordinary mosaics decorating the interior of the temple. The golden backgrounds, vivid colors and masterful depictions of holy figures create a magical atmosphere that transports visitors to distant times.
For families with children, a visit to the basilica can be a fascinating lesson in history and art. It is worth drawing the attention of the little ones to the details of the mosaics - let them try to find hidden symbols or recognize the depicted figures. This is a great opportunity to awaken children's interest in art and history.
The basilica complex consists of several buildings, including the baptistery, the atrium and the bishop's palace. Each of these places has its own history and unique features. Climbing to the bell tower (ticket about 10 euros in 2023) offers a beautiful view of Poreč and the Adriatic Sea - a great place for a family photo.
After visiting the basilica, take a stroll through the charming streets of the old town of Poreč. This is a great opportunity to taste local delicacies, such as Istrian ham and olive oil. An interesting attraction for children can be a cruise on a glass-bottomed boat, which allows you to observe the underwater life of the Adriatic Sea.
When planning a visit to the Basilica of Euphrasius, remember to dress appropriately - shoulders and knees should be covered. It's also a good idea to bring binoculars so you can get a close look at the details of the mosaics on the vault. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight beautifully illuminates the basilica's interior.
To sum up our tour of Croatia's UNESCO treasures, it's worth noting how diverse and fascinating these sites are. From the natural wonders of the Plitvice Lakes, to the ancient monuments of Split and Trogir, to the Byzantine mosaics in Poreč, each of these places offers unforgettable experiences and history lessons for the whole family. Remember that all of these places require our protection and respect so that we can pass them on to future generations intact. When planning a vacation in Croatia, be sure to include these unique places in your itinerary - we guarantee it will be a trip you won't forget!
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