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Croatia, Greece & Italy
  • Debi Shaw
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  • Debi Shaw

Croatia, Greece & Italy

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  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Cathedral of the Transfiguration, Zagreb

    September 9, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    After breakfast we made our way to the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord, a church we visited the other day but were unable to fully admire as there was a blessing going on. It was a lovely experience listening to the priest chant and sing but I did want to return to admire the fresco covered walls.

    The Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Lord is a Serbian Orthodox cathedral built in 1865–66 according to designs of architect Franjo Klein. While the exterior is quite simple, the interior is covered in wall to wall paintings of Christian saints and the life of Jesus. Most of the paintings are brightly coloured compared to other churches we have visited and are very eye-catching. The iconostasis comprises a total of 34 icons and 4 free-standing walnut pillars, with the Annunciation and the Last Supper placed in the central positions.

    Sadly, the church was badly affected by the 2020 earthquake and is under repair. The interior is filled with scaffolding to provide support and some of the wall paintings do show signs of cracks, but paintings are still visible. Even with the red scaffolding framing the interior of the cathedral, it was still worth a second visit to admire the artistry.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Otto & Frank… again, Zabreb

    September 9, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    We woke to pouring rain but did not let that deter us from venturing out. I’m not sure if it was due to the weather, or being a Monday or the “early” hour but there wasn’t much open when we hit the streets. So it was an easy decision to return to Otto & Frank for another delicious breakfast.

    This time I ordered the Zagreb Breakfast which is a modern version of traditional Zagreb Breakfast with two crispy baked, crumb covered poached eggs served with cottage cheese, sour cream, horseradish, grilled ham, spinach and spring onions on toasted bread. It was delicious!!!

    Brad chose Sunny Side Up which was fried eggs with bacon and tomato served on grilled white bread with whipped feta and peppers. It was also a delicious meal.

    While we know we should try different places it is hard to pass up a place we know we will get a good meal at.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

    September 8, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    A short drive later we arrived at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia's largest national park covering almost 30,000 hectares.
    The waters flowing over the limestone and chalk have, over thousands of years, deposited travertine barriers, creating natural dams which in turn have created a series of beautiful lakes, caves and waterfalls. These geological processes continue today. The forests in the park are home to brown bears, grey wolves, lynxes and many rare bird species. Thankfully we didn’t see any of the former.

    The magnificent Plitvice lake system is interconnected by many waterfalls and watercourses above and below ground, the lakes are grouped into the upper and lower lakes. We spent the next four hours exploring these. The National Park is amazing and so well set out with natural walkways, wooden paths over the endless waterways, mini bus options to ensure we can see as much as possible and boat rides across the lakes. 12km of walking later, up and down many steps and steep paths, we are exhausted but it was worth it. The amazing turquoise colours of the waters, the crystal clear lakes and the many many flowing waterfalls, it is a very special place to visit. One we would strongly recommend to anyone visiting Croatia.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Rastoke, Croatia

    September 8, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    What an exhausting but amazing day. We did a 10 hour tour to the village of Rastoke and then onto the UNESCO listed national park, Plitvice Lakes.

    After an informative and entertaining 1 1/2 mini bus ride with our guide Renato we arrived at Rastoke. Located in the town of Slunj, it is known for the Slunjcica River which flows into the Korana River at Rastoke.

    At Rastoke, similar natural phenomena are occurring as at the Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke is sometimes known as "the Small Lakes of Plitvice", and is connected to the Plitvice Lakes by the Korana River.

    During the Homeland War on November 1991, Rastoke was completely destroyed and devastated. They were renewed with the help of the Ministry of Reconstruction and Development. Today, all the households have returned to Rastoke and 30 residents live there now.

    We had time to stroll through the small village, admiring the many waterfalls and waterways. And even though it wasn’t yet 11am, we did enjoy a local wine and beer before making our way to the Plitvice Lakes.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Ban Jelacic Square, Zagreb

    September 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    The central square of Zagreb, Ban Jelacic Square, is one we walked through regularly, going from site to site. Named after Ban Josip Jelacic, a Croatian lieutenant field marshal in the Imperial Austrian army and politician, its history began in 1641 as a marketplace. Now surrounded by beautiful historic buildings it is easy to see why it is the place to hold events, markets and of course, the site for the city’s Christmas tree.

    In the centre is an impressive equestrian statue of Ban Josip Jelacic, installed in the square in 1866, it represents one of the best known statues in the county.

    With the sun shining against the buildings or the rain cleaning the cobblestones, this square was impressive in all weather. And it certainly helped us with our bearings every time we ventured out.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Zagreb Cathedral

    September 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Next on the plan was a visit to the Zagreb Cathedral. Those of you that have followed our previous travels would be aware that we love a good church and while doing the research this cathedral was added to our “must see” list. Sadly what my research did not mention was that the cathedral was badly damaged in the 2020 earthquake when one of its two spires was damaged. The cathedral is still under repair so we could only admire the exterior, the parts not covered in scaffolding.

    Zagreb Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and to kings Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus. It is the second tallest building in Croatia and its prominent spires are considered to be landmarks as they are visible from most parts of the city. The cathedral is 108.4 meters high, making it one of the tallest churches in the world.

    Across from the Cathedral is the Monument of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At the foot of the pillar are figures of the four apostles - members of the New Testament. Miriam is considered a symbol of renewal and victory and the history of Zagreb is related to King Ladislav - the founder of the monastery on arrival Kaptol and in fact so, the founder of the city.

    The glistening golden statues on the white marble against the brilliant blue sky were very striking. Even though a lot of Zagreb is still under repair, it is great to see that it is happening and progress is being made.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler
    1

    Traditional Food at La Struk, Zagreb

    September 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    After the morning spent walking we decided to try another of our host’s suggestions and stop for lunch and a well deserved drink at La Struk. This typical Croatian restaurant only offers one dish, strukli, a Zagreb speciality prepared in a whole host of different variations.

    Zagorski Strukli is a popular traditional Croatian dish served in Zagreb regions in the north of the country. Made from a pastry rolled out flat and very thin, it is layered with cottage cheese and eggs, sour cream and salt and then various fillings. Once it is baked it is served sizzling hot, ready to eat.

    Brad tried Sir Slani (salted cheese) and I tried Bucine Kostice (pumpkin seeds). Both were very different to anything we had tried before and quite delicious. We paired these with a local wine and beer and spent a lovely afternoon relaxing in the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. It was nice to finally sit, cool down and relax.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Noon Boom at Lotrscak Tower, Zagreb

    September 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    I had planned our daily itinerary to ensure we arrived at the Lotrscak Tower so we could experience the daily firing of Zagreb’s famous Gric cannon.

    Dating back to the 13th century the tower was built to guard the southern gate of the Gradec town wall. In the 19th century a fourth floor was added to the tower and the Gric cannon was placed on top. Since January 1877, the cannon is fired from the tower at midday, to give the sign for exact noon for the bell-ringers of the city’s churches. It has only ever paused twice - once after the First World War and again recently after the 2020 earthquake.

    One of the legends surrounding the cannon is that a shot from the cannon went right over the river and into the camp of the enemy at that time. It landed smack bang on the leader’s dinner and he was so freaked out by the accuracy of the shot that he was too scared to invade. So the cannon saved Zagreb.

    Even though we were prepared for the bang we still jumped as it was very loud. Once the cannon has been fired the man who fires it waves out the tower window afterwards. What a hard job.

    After the firing of the cannon it was lovely to hear the church bells ringing across the city.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Funicular Fun, Zet Uspinjaca, Zagreb

    September 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Zagreb is home to the world’s shortest funicular. At only 66 metres long and with the ride lasting just over 30 seconds, it is obviously a bit of fun and maybe mildly pointless. However in the heat of the day it was the easiest way to get from the lower town (Donji grad) to the upper town (Gornji grad). Built in the 1890’s it was the first public transport in the city and not surprisingly, given its size, has never had an accident.

    It certainly was a great way to avoid the stairs.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    The Iconic St Mark’s Church, Zagreb

    September 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Next stop was the icon of Zagreb, St Mark’s Church with its stunning rooftop. Photos just don’t do the roof of this 13th century church justice. The bright red and blue tiles glisten against the white church and brilliant blue sky and is unlike any church we have seen before (and we have seen many). The tiles feature the medieval coat of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia and Slavonia alongside the emblem of Zagreb. It is one of the oldest architectural monuments in Zagreb and it is stunning.

    Due the devastating earthquake of 2020 access is now limited so we could only admire the exterior this beautiful building.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    The Shrines of Stone Gate, Zagreb

    September 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    First stop of the day was the Stone Gate. Dating back to 1242 and revamped in the 18th century, it is more of a passageway than an open gate and it has a small interior area. This is lit by candlelight and shrines line the walls. There are even some pews for people to go and pray.

    It is believed that a painting of Mary and baby Jesus has special powers as it survived a huge fire in 1731. Stone slabs engraved with praise and messages line the walls.

    Just below the Stone Gate sits a large statue of Saint George and the Dragon. Saint George is one of the first knights to rescue a princess and slay a dragon from his white horse.

    In the story a dragon has made a nest for himself next to a spring that provided water to the city of Silene. In order to get the water the people of the city lured the dragon away from the spring with sheep. When they run out of sheep, maidens would be used. They were picked by drawing lots. So it came one day that the king’s daughter was to be offered to the dragon. As the princess was being offered to the dragon, George stumbled into the city, found out what was going on and rushed to slay the monster wearing the sign of the Cross. After he defeated the dragon, the king and all his peoples turned to Christianity.

    I love these stories that add interest to the town’s many historic sites.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Otto & Frank, Zagreb

    September 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    First stop for the day was finding somewhere to eat as we had slept through a few meal times.

    On recommendation from our host, we started the day with a delicious breakfast at Otto & Frank. I had Domaci Brioche which was coconut crusted homemade brioche French toast with honey, vanilla baked peaches, blueberries and Greek yoghurt. It was sublime! Brad had banana bread with Greek yoghurt, nuts, dark chocolate, raspberry coulis, fresh raspberries and mascarpone cream. Very decadent.

    It was a lovely way to start our day and after filling our bellies we were ready to embrace this beautiful town.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler
    Entrance to our apartment2

    Hello Zagreb

    September 7, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    After an epic travel fail where we decided to have a nap before planning on heading out to explore, we instead continued to sleep, only to wake up at 2am. Certainly not how we usually start our overseas travels. Thankfully we managed to fall back to sleep and hopefully we are now in the correct time zone.

    We were so exhausted from our flight that we didn’t take much in on our way to our accommodation, so walking out into our street was a pleasant surprise. Zagreb is the underrated capital of Croatia and it is beautiful. It has such a relaxing and welcoming vibe. We know we will enjoy our time here.

    We did a quick stroll up and down our street before finding somewhere to eat so we would be ready to start our first day in Zagreb.    Read more

  • Debi ShawCroatia, Greece & ItalyTraveler

    Our Zagreb Home

    September 6, 2024 in Croatia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    We finally arrived in Zagreb and managed to easily find our apartment for the next five days. Located on one of the main tourist streets, it was a fabulous location and a beautiful apartment. Our street is so pretty with and without the crowds and it gave us easy access to everywhere we wanted to visit. We are looking forward to our stay here.Read more

  • Trip start
    September 5, 2024
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