Have you ever visited Dubrovnik? Then look to inland Istria, terra magica for the Romans, terra incognita for foreigners. Would you like to visit the interior of the Istrian vineyards on the Pelješac peninsula or visit the dreamy Vis where tourism is yet to be? Done Brač and the islands? There are pristine highlands where bears roam and griffon vultures soar; and there is continental Croatia, as picturesque as an eastern European folk tale.

In a country that was created by the legacy of the Romans, the Venetians, and the Habsburgs, many traces of the past invite you to start your tour.

Fall in love with Croatia, fall in love with its 1180 islands.

Rich cultural heritage that ranges from old, historical cities in the European style like the capital city Zagreb to towns of rare beauty, like Rovinj that directly overlooks the sea, and the medieval towns of Trogir and Hvar. And how could one forget Split with its gorgeous Diocletian’s Palace, protected by its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

There are pristine highlands where bears roam and griffon vultures soar; and there is continental Croatia, as picturesque as an eastern European folk tale.

But few of these cities and towns can really compete with the harmony of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik is a Croatian city situated on a southern exclave. It combines medieval and Renaissance architecture.

Last, but not least, for all nature lovers, there are plenty of parks and wild mountains where you can admire geologic formations (like in the National Park of Paklenica) or visit the National Park of Plitvice with its 16 lakes and stunning waterfalls (another site protected by UNESCO), and the National Park of Krka.

It all sounds rather nice, doesn’t it? But what would you say if I told you that this country has one more interesting and shocking fact to offer? That fact is that this country holds the whole world by the neck!

Sounds harsh, but it’s true!

You probably already know that the cravat, or necktie, originated here. According to legend, girlfriends and wives, when seeing off their boyfriends and husbands to many imposed and detested wars, used to tie a kerchief around their neck to remind them of them and give them strength and courage.
Let’s take a leap into the past…
The year is 1630.
The European Thirty Years’ War is raging. Croatian light cavalry, famous for their exceptional bravery, is being recruited into the French Royal Guard. In addition to their military skills and courage, the Croatian light cavalry were also noted for their one original detail – they wore scarves tied around their necks – which was noticed by the fashionably sophisticated Parisians. You see, in that time soldiers wore stiff high lace collars so it’s no wonder that the Croatian scarves – simple, airy, and elegantly tied in a knot – were accepted at the court of King Louis XIII.
Yes, you have guessed it correctly – that was the first tie.