Welcome to Croatia, a land of stunning landscapes, rich history, and hidden wonders waiting to be explored. While the usual tourist spots are undoubtedly captivating, there's a side to Croatia that remains shrouded in mystery and peculiar charm. Join us on a journey off the beaten path as we unveil some of the weirdest sights that many tourists may not know about.
Photo credit:
Vrbnik/ Unsplash.com
Vrbnik – Croatia's Coziest Street
Vrbnik's got that sweet Mediterranean charm that's sure to win your heart. Imagine a postcard scene that looks almost too good to be true – that's what you'll find here. This tiny old town has all these cute little squares and twisty, narrow streets. And guess what? There's this one street, Klančić Street, that's only 40 cm wide and a measly 3.8 meters long. Not many folks dare to stroll through, but would you be brave enough to take on the challenge?
Bunari Rajčica – Nature's Mystical Wells in Dalmatinska Zagora
Head deep into the heart of Dalmatinska Zagora, and you'll uncover the captivating Bunari Rajčica – ten natural wells encircled by age-old dry stone walls. Varying in depth from one to eight meters, these wells weave a spellbinding atmosphere, with visitors describing scenes that could easily be plucked from the most captivating science fiction films.
Love-Built Bridge – Kudin Most's Romantic Tale
Just a skip away from Golubići near Obrovac, you'll find Kudin Most, also known as Kuda's Bridge, a bridge that's as beautiful as the story behind it. Legend has it that Kude, a young miller, fell head over heels for Manda, a girl he spotted on the other side of the river. To close the gap between them, Kude built this amazing stone bridge with 12 arches. Today, after some careful restoration, Kudin Most proudly stands over the scenic river, drawing in nature lovers and day-trippers alike. Take a short half-hour hike to the bridge during the day to ensure a safe trip back.
House Within a House – Bol's Fascinating Monument Tale
On the island of Brač, a quirky legend unfolds within the walls of the 'house within a house.' The story tells of a clash between three wealthy brothers and a man who owned a house. The rich siblings, looking for political help, kicked the owner out and started building their house around his. Fate took a turn when a storm claimed the lives of the brothers during a boat journey. The original owner came back to live in the house within a house, now a protected cultural monument that captivates visitors in the town of Bol.
Grič Tunnel Air-Raid Shelter – From War to Rave to Walkway
Dive into Zagreb's wartime history with a visit to the Grič Tunnel, first built as an air-raid shelter in 1943. After the war, the tunnel went through an interesting transformation, hosting one of Croatia's first raves before once again serving as a shelter during the country's independence war. Today, it's turned into a public pedestrian route with six separate paths leading to different city streets, providing a unique and historical stroll beneath the city.
The Pag Triangle – Croatia's Roswell Puzzle
Although you won't spot any aliens here, the Pag Triangle, discovered in 1999, is a geological oddity forming a perfect isosceles triangle, making observers wonder if something otherworldly left its mark on the ground. The rocks within the triangle are significantly different from those in the surrounding area, showing unique properties and signs of superheating. While some speculate about ancient UFO landings, no scientific evidence has surfaced to back these claims. The Pag Triangle on island of Pag remains a mysterious anomaly, inviting curious minds to ponder its secrets.
Photo credit:
Shutterstock.com, Pixabay.com, Mario Jurina