ZAGREB
Charming Traditions: Experience the enchanting Old Town, where the tradition of lighting gas lamps still persists. Each evening, around 246 gas lamps are lit by dedicated gas lighters, creating a magical atmosphere.
Historic Cannon Fire: Don’t miss the daily tradition since 1877, when a cannon is fired from Lotrščak Tower at noon—a must-see for every visitor!
Unique Public Transport: Ride the world’s shortest and steepest funicular, a mere 66 meters long, that whisks you up the hill to the Old Town. It’s an experience like no other!
Wine Lovers’ Paradise: Zagreb is the only EU capital with its very own wine road, inviting you to explore local vineyards and savor exquisite wines.
Museum Capital: Home to the world’s most franchised Museum of Illusions, Zagreb also boasts an array of quirky museums, including the Museum of Hangovers, Museum of the 1980s, Museum of Selfies, and the Museum of Lost Tales. A Cosmic Journey: Discover Zagreb’s unique solar system installation on Bogovićeva Street, featuring a grounded sun and nine planets, accurately scaled and positioned within the city limits.CROATIA
Croatia, or Hrvatska (pronounced [xř̩ʋaːtskaː]) in its native language, is a Central European and Mediterranean country situated along the Adriatic Sea. Its diverse geography stretches from the fertile plains of Slavonia to the rugged Dinaric Alps and the stunning Dalmatian coastline dotted with over a thousand islands. This strategic position has shaped Croatia’s rich cultural and historical heritage, blending influences from Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans.
Throughout history, Croatia has been a land of explorers, scholars, and inventors. The Glagolitic script, one of the oldest Slavic alphabets, was widely used by Croatians from the 9th century. Pioneering scientists such as Ruđer Bošković and Andrija Mohorovičić have left their mark on global science, while Nikola Tesla, born in the village of Smiljan, remains one of the world’s most renowned inventors.
Croatia is also credited with innovations like the modern necktie, fingerprint identification, and the torpedo.
Two Croatians, both organic chemists, Leopold Ružička and Vladimir Prelog, made significant contributions to natural product chemistry during the twentieth century. Both made their careers in Zürich, Switzerland, and both won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Ružička in 1939 and Prelog in 1975.
Nature lovers find Croatia to be a paradise, with nearly 10% of its territory protected as national and nature parks. The breathtaking Plitvice Lakes, with their cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear waters, are one of its most famous natural wonders.
The Adriatic coast, with its idyllic islands, enjoys more annual sunshine than some of Europe’s most famous summer destinations.
The country’s architectural gems span centuries, from the Roman amphitheater in Pula to the medieval walls of Dubrovnik, famously dubbed “The Pearl of the Adriatic.” More recently, this historic city gained global recognition as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Sport is an integral part of Croatian identity, with football, handball, basketball, skiing and water polo among the most celebrated disciplines. The country’s passion for sports has resulted in remarkable international successes, making Croatia a small but mighty contender on the global stage.
Despite its deep historical roots, Croatia is a modern and vibrant nation where tradition meets innovation, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
