Cultural infusion
Historical Overview
Croatia has been inhabited since ancient times; the first known inhabitants of the area were Illyrians, who stayed from the 7th century BC to when Romans arrived in the 2nd century BC. The Roman Empire controlled Croatia until the 4th century AD and left behind many structures, such as Diocletian’s Palace in Split which is significant sight today.
Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Croatia was seized by a variety of forces, including the Goths, Huns, and Avars. Then in the 7th century came an influx of Croats who created their own nation-state within two centuries. During this period, several Croatian principalities slowly united to form what we now knew as The Kingdom Of Croatia in the 11th century.
Throughout the centuries, Croatia has been under the dominion of different empires and kingdoms, such as the Ottoman Empire, Habsburg Monarchy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Each of these rulers left their mark on Croatian culture in many forms – music, architecture and cuisine. As a result, this tiny country is an intricate mix of cultural influences from around Europe!
The cultural infusion in Croatia is evident in various aspects of the country’s heritage, including its architecture, music, literature, and cuisine.
Architecture
Croatia is renowned for its magnificent architecture throughout Europe, a testament to the nation’s extensive cultural heritage. Diocletian’s Palace in Split stands out as an unparalleled example of this trend; constructed at the beginning of the 4th century and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace exemplifies how Roman, Byzantine, and Croatian styles have blended together over time into something truly extraordinary.
Croatia is home to many remarkable architectural sites, including the awe-inspiring fortified city of Dubrovnik (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Trogir – an old town featuring a compelling blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Music
Music has long been embedded in the Croatian culture and is heavily influenced by a spectrum of cultural components. Of all its musical legacies, perhaps one of Croatia’s most distinguished traditions is klapa-close harmony acapella singing which originated from Dalmatia. UNESCO itself declared it an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity due to its sentimental lyrics and captivating harmonies!
The country’s classical music landscape is impressive, having been shaped by iconic composers Ivan Zajc, Boris Papandopulo and Jakov Gotovac. These creative minds have offered tremendous contributions to the genre which continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Literature
Croatia’s literary tradition is centuries old, with illustrious authors such as Marko Marulic – the father of Croatian literature – and Miroslav Krleza widely celebrated. This impressive legacy has been profoundly affected by multiple cultures, proving that writers can draw inspiration from a variety of different literary conventions. Today, these ancient influences are still evident in Croatia’s writings, making it an incredibly vibrant nation to explore through words.
Cultural Events
Dubrovnik Summer Festival
From July to August, the ancient city of Dubrovnik is brought alive with the vibrant and colorful activities at the yearly Dubrovnik Summer Festival! Spectacular live performances featuring music, theater and dance fill various locations across town. Explore different cultures from around world while discovering local customs as you explore this incredible event.
Split Summer Festival
Join us in the city of Split this July and August for the annual Split Summer Festival! Revel in a plethora of spectacular performances, from music to theater to dance. The festivities will be hosted at an array of sites throughout town, ensuring that all visitors get the chance to experience something new. So don’t miss out – come join us and celebrate culture with style!
Zagreb Film Festival
Every November, Zagreb pulls out the red carpet for its annual Film Festival! Held in Croatia’s enchanting capital city, this cinematic celebration showcases a fantastic array of international and local films, captivating workshops, and conversations with their talented creators.