See yourself as a connoisseur of Croatia? Holidays there starting to become slightly repetitive? All of us at Prestige love nothing more than discovering the lesser-known gems of a seemingly familiar destination; surely that anticipation of exploring new places is what makes travel so appealing in the first place. So here’s our guide to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites which, despite their standing and eminent beauty, have still yet to draw in the crowds of Split and Dubrovnik. Šibenik The Cathedral of St James in the medieval city of Šibenik is one of the country’s most attractive sites, a view shared by a couple who had been there recently with Prestige – they told me it deserves to become a firm fixture in all Croatia holidays. Both externally and internally, the cathedral astounds. The barrelled roof and cupola, held together in breath-taking fashion by interlocking stone slabs, dominate the skyline of the Old Town, while within lie medieval and Renaissance treasures, such as the 71 stone head sculptures that line the walls. For a contrast, we also recommend visiting the Medieval Mediterranean Garden at the St Lawrence Monastery: its orderly rows of medicinal plants and herbs are arranged in the shape of a cross. Porec Reminders of Roman rule in the region remain visible to this day, and no more so than in the town of Porec. Walk around Marafor Square, and you’ll notice the preserved pavement of the old Roman forum as well as the remains of temples to Mars and Neptune. Undoubtedly the key attraction of Porec, though, is the Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica, a Byzantine complex whose stunning architecture and ornamentation garnered the town its UNESCO status. All of us at Prestige are sure that you will be left marvelling at the mosaics of biblical scenes that adorn the basilica’s floors and walls. In my mind all Croatia holidays should feature a visit here. Trogir Perched on a small island, the medieval town of Trogir is blessed by both a stunning location and a beguiling blend of architectural styles, including Romanesque churches and Gothic palaces. Such is the well-preserved nature of the town that it’s as clear as the waters of the Adriatic why the town was awarded its UNESCO status. St Lawrence’s Cathedral epitomises the various historical and cultural forces which have exerted their influence on the city. Built by Venetian settlers, its centrepiece is the magnificent chapel dedicated to the local saint Ivan, while the Romanesque sculptures of Adam and Eve also vie for attention. Once you’ve finished your wanders for the day, unwind at the Pantan or Okrug beaches nearby. We pride ourselves on organising Croatia holidays that offer something a little different, so if you can’t wait to discover these off-beat cultural gems, get in touch with our friendly advisors today and they’ll be happy to help create your next adventure. Author Plate John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury Croatia holidays, as well as holidays to Bermuda, Sicily and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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