Roberta Šimunić
A Children’s Guide
Roberta Šimunić: Discover Croatia A Children’s Guide Concept: Kata Ivanković Marić Copyright © Foma, 2014. Publisher: FOMA Studio za nakladništvo, trgovinu i usluge Creska 18, 10110 ZAGREB Cover design: Gordana Ivković Illustrations: Gordana Ivković
Translation: Ivana Brozić Copy editing: Senka Galenić Graphic design: DTP – Naklada Nika Printed by: Kerschoffset Zagreb d.o.o., Zagreb ISBN 978-953-6878-24-6 A CIP catalogue record for this book is available in the Online Catalogue of the National and University Library in Zagreb as 871651 Published in March 2014
Proofreading: Rosanda Kokanović
www.foma.hr
The publisher would like to thank the authors for the permission to reproduce their photographs. A list of the authors of photography by page number: Lisičak Matija (pg. 4) • Butković Silvija (pg. 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 53, 60, 81) • Balaško Branko (pg. 4, 26, 27, 28, 41) • Podoreški Irma (pg. 4, 31, 35, 37) • Galjar Kruno (pg. 4, 5, 41, 79) • Aščić Šimun (pg. 4, 17, 79) • Dugi Domagoj (pg. 4, 17, 21) • Kvajo Gordana (pg. 4, 40, 47, 49, 50, 54) • Zorić Rocco (pg. 30, 63, 69, 82, 84) • Tahmaz Senad (pg. 5, 68) • Šimunić Vladimir (pg. 13, 31, 72) • Marić Nika (pg. 28, 32, 48) • Kokanović Ena (pg. 9) • Jukić Katarina (pg. 41, 43, 45) • Furčić Josip (pg. 15, 22, 67) • Car Željko (pg. 19, 24, 52) • Jaša Ante (pg. 17) • Vodopić Sanjin (pg. 32, 47) • Šarčević Elizabeta (pg. 33) • Županović Ana (p. 40) • Čuljak Mario (pg. 42, 74) • Jukić Petra (pg. 45) • Žagar Ivan (pg. 45) • Štokovac Tea (pg. 47, 59) • Bunić Valentina (pg. 53, 63, 79) • Đukić Vesna (pg. 57, 63, 65) • Vrkić Lucija (pg. 71, 74 ) • Vlačić Branko (pg. 76) • Novalić Mislav (pg. 11) www.123rf.com (pg. 6, 19, 23, 25)
This book was published with the support of the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia.
Roberta Šimunić
The Republic of Croatia
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Population - more than 4 million people National anthem - Our Beautiful Homeland National flag - tricolour: red, white and blue, with a coat of arms Official language - Croatian Currency - kuna
Capital - Zagreb Islands - 1185 islands, 67 inhabited National parks - 8 Nature parks - 11 Strict nature reserves - 2
࿔ Currency
Croatian monetary unit is called kuna. Coins include denominations of kuna (kn) and lipa (lp). A lipa is one hundredth part of a kuna.
࿔ Lipa
Linden (croatian lipa) is a big and long-lived tree. Its flowers have a lovely scent and are used for making medical tea. For ancient Slavic peoples lipa was a sacred tree. They believed that a linden tree branch protects the house from lightning and fire, and the humans from evil and spells. 6
࿔ Kuna
Kuna (eng. marten) is a small carnivore prised for its fur. Marten's fur was used as a medium of exchange before the introduction of money, and it was also used for paying taxes. In the thirteenth and fourteenth century the image of this animal was imprinted on Croatian coins called banovac.
The Legend of Croatian Chess According to a legend, the Croatian prince Stjepan Držislav was once taken prisoner by the Venetians. Their Doge Pietro II Orseolo heard that prince was a skilful chess player. He proposed a wager – they will play three games of chess and if the prince wins, he will be free. Prince Stjepan Držislav won all three games. He went home a free man and put a checkerboard image on his coat of arms.
࿔ Croatian national anthem
Croatian author Antun Mihanović, one of the poets of the Croatian national revival, wrote a patriotic poem Horvatzka domovina in 1835. Four stanzas from this poem were used for the Croatian national anthem Lijepa naša domovino (Our Beautiful Homeland). It was set to music by Jospi Runjanin and first performed as an anthem in 1891.
࿔ Croatian national revival
Croatia had long been ruled by other countries. Even the official language was German or Hungarian. In the 19th century Croats began fighting for their identity – their language, culture and heritage, which was called a 'revival'.
࿔ National flag
The national flag consists of three horizontal lines: red, white and blue. There is a coat of arms in the middle.
࿔ Coat of arms
The coat of arms is shaped like a shield made up of 25 red and white fields, crowned by 5 historical coats of arms: the old Croatian coat of arms and those of the Dubrovnik Republic, Dalmatia, Istria and Slavonia. 7
ŕż” Kravata
Croatian soldiers used to wear specially tied scarves around their necks. When they arrived in Paris in 1635 the French immensely liked the way the Croatians wore their scarves. It seemed elegant and much more comfortable than the stiff lace collars they were wearing at the time. Croata, the French word for a Croat, was the source for the new Croatian word for this type of tie – kravata! Did you know that 18 October is the day of the tie? In 2003 the biggest tie in the world was tied around the Arena in Pula!
Find the same ties and circle them!
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Eastern Croatia Virovitica Daruvar
Našice
Osijek
Vukovar
Požega
Vinkovci Slavonski Brod Đakovo
Eastern Croatia stretches between the rivers Drava, Sava and Danube. It is also called Pannonian Croatia or Lowland Croatia. It is mostly flat and suitable for agriculture, which is why it is
known as the granary of Croatia. Eastern Croatia encompasses the regions of Slavonia, Baranja and western Srijem. Osijek is the largest town in the region and Vukovar is the largest port.
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² Osijek is the largest town in eastern Croatia. It lies on the plains by the river Drava. In Roman times it was called Mursa and since 1196 it has been known as Eszek. This is the root of its present name. Osijek has the largest quantity of green areas and the largest number of parks of all Croatian towns: there are 17 parks there, covering 394.000 m2. Do you know how much that is? That is almost like 56 football pitches! ²
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࿔ The Citadel
Tvrđa, an ancient fortress raised after the end of Turkish occupation, is the historical heart of Osijek town, but people still live there today. Of course, Osijek is very nice outside of Tvrđa, too. Take a sightseeing tram and have a look around. As early as 1884 Osijek had a horse-drawn tram, the first tramcar in Croatia. It was replaced by a red electric tram called munjovoz in 1926. It has been renovated and is now running again! If you get lost anywhere in the town, ask a police officer (pandur) for help. Do you know who pandurs are? They used to be members of the Town Guard forces watching over order and security, just like the police, but today they only look after the tourists!
࿔ Bridges
Osijek has been inhabited since the Roman times and all its inhabitants used to build bridges over the river Drava. The Romans had built a stone bridge and a solid road through the marshes of Baranja. The Turks built the famous wooden 8 kilometres long Suleiman Bridge. Did you know that 25,000 workers built it in just 17 days! In the Europe of the time it was considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. There are several
bridges over Drava today and the most beautiful is the pedestrian Suspension bridge. It gives you the best view of the town and the surrounding area, and when you cross it you arrive at the Osijek’s Copacabana beach. Don’t you know it? It is a famous beach and a sandy one, too! There is a lot to do there!
࿔ Kužni pil
࿔ The Church of St Peter
On the Square of the Holy Trinity you can find Kužni pil – a monument raised as a pledge against the Black Death. The townspeople call it the Plague Statue. Europe had often been hit by plague in the Middle Ages. It was a difficult and infectious disease that killed many people. Zeko Festival
and St Paul
The Church of St Peter and St Paul was built on the site of the old church that had become too small for Osijek. Did you know that the spire of the Church is 94 metres tall?
A children’s music festival Zeko takes place in Osijek every June. It was named after a wellknown children’s song Zeko i potočić (A Bunny and a Creek). Alongside new songs for children, there are other children-related events here during the festival. Come and see for yourself!
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Vukovar Vukovar is situated at the estuary of the rivers Vuka and Danube. By inland waterways it is connected with Budapest and Vienna, as well as with Romania further downstream! It has been inhabited since the ancient times, but was heavily devastated during the war in 1991. It is still undergoing recovery and reconstruction, but you must visit the Eltz Manor and the old water tower. Have you heard of Lavoslav Ružička? He was awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1939. He was born in Vukovar – you can visit the house in which he was born.
࿔ Vučedol
Near the banks of Danube you can also see the archaeological site Vučedol. About 5000 years ago first Bronze Age people lived here. The famous items found at this site include the Vučedol dove and Orion – a vessel with the oldest European calendar inscribed on it. The Vučedol dove is a symbol of peace and of Vukovar.
Vinkovci Vinkovci is one of the oldest settlements in Europe! This is the site of the Sopot culture, which is over 6000 years old. Visit the Sopot Archaeology Park. There are houses there that have been built like the houses from 6000 years ago. Go inside and see how people lived at that time! There are so many archaeological sites in that area that the citizens of Vinkovci jokingly say it is better not to do any digging in the vicinity. Refer to the constellations shown on the Orion vessel and make your own calendar of the night sky!
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Did you know that two Roman Emperors were born in Vinkovci – the brothers Valentinian and Valens?
࿔ Orion vessel
The Orion vessel, a ceramic pot with one of the oldest calendars, was found in Vinkovci. In the town centre there is the Orion Roundel – a display of calendars on the square!
Orion Cygnus an empty Cassiopeia field
the Sun
Pisces/ Pegasus
Gemini
Baranja Baranja is flat, and if you look around, the tallest thing you see will be a tree! This is not entirely true, as the highest point is actually Kamenjak, a 244 meters high peak of the hill Bansko brdo. There are numerous tiny villages here, looking almost the same as a hundred years ago! One of them is Karanac, known as an ethnic village. You can find beautiful castles, too – various noblemen used to build their castles here for recreation and hunting. You can start with Tikveš castle... in the woods around it you will hear deer bellowing in autumn – that is their love call!
࿔ Kopački rit
Kopački rit is a nature park – a flood area between the rivers Drava and Danube. There are 44 species of fish living in Kopački rit, many species of mammals – deer, wild boar and beaver – and it is most famous for its bird sanctuary. 285 bird species live there. You could certainly use binoculars in Kopački rit – for bird-watching! Try to spot a White-tailed Eagle, a Great Egret or a Black Stork – and enumerate all the birds and animals you have seen!
࿔ Valpovo – Prandau Castle Find the dragon in the tower!
In Valpovo there is Prandau-Normann Castle. It is a real medieval fortress. There is a dragon hiding in one of its towers!
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Našice The Pejačević family was very rich. They had two castles in Našice – the big and the small castle.
Đakovo The town of Đakovo is known for its cathedral, horses and embroidery. Did you know that 7 million bricks were used to build the cathedral? What else could be built with so many bricks?
࿔ Đakovo embroidery
Are you wondering what Đakovo embroidery might be? It is a show of authentic traditional folklore organised every year in June. You can see folk costumes, traditions, songs and dances there, as well as taste some homemade dishes and drinks. Did you know that Lipizzaner foals are dark when they are born and turn white only when they grow up?
࿔ Lipizzaner horses – a Croatian breed There is a stud farm in town for white strutting horses of the Lipizzaner breed. A bigger farm with herds of mares and foals is located only a couple of kilometres further away. Don’t forget to take apples or carrots with you, the horses love them!
Ergela is a Croatian word denoting a herd of horses, usually of the same breed, but also a breeding site.
Bizovac Spa Lipizzaner Christmas Ball During Advent you can see the Lipizzaner Christmas Ball – a special show where they display their skills.
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Springs of hot therapeutic water were discovered in 1970 and are now being used in medical treatments. Apart from a swimming pool with therapeutic water, there is a real water town here – the Aquapolis! If you crave waterslides, water-mushrooms, musical caves or any other kind of fun on the water, don’t hesitate to dive in the Bizovac Spa!
² Slavonski Brod is situated by the river Sava, bordering with Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is the seventh largest town and an important junction. It is also very old. 2000 years ago there was a Roman settlement in its place by the name of Marsonia. Slavonski Brod was not named after a ship (brod). In Slavic languages brod stands for a shallow, a place where you can cross a river easily! Even the Romans knew that this was the easiest place for crossing the Sava! ²
ŕż” Royal fortress
Slavonski Brod used to be one of the defence towns on the border with the Turkish Empire. Have a look at the royal fortress that protected the town. The fortress also houses a tamboura museum. You can learn how this instrument is made and you will probably be shown how to play it, too! Did you know that military authorities did not allow houses to be built from solid materials, so that they could easily demolish the town and have free space for defence in case of an attack? For this reason all houses in Brod were for a long while being built of wood and covered with planks.
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࿔ Ivana Brlić Mažuranić Ivana Brlić Mažuranić wrote stories for children. She was nominated for the Nobel Prize on two occasions and has been referred to as ‘Croatian Andersen’. Her most famous book is Croatian Tales of Long Ago – a collection of fairy tales she based on the ancient Slavic mythology. Her children’s novel The Marvellous Adventures of Hlapić the Apprentice was adapted for both animated and feature films!
Požega Požega is a town surrounded by five hills. Can you name them? (Papuk, Krndija, Dilj, Požeška gora and Psunj). The Sovsko Lake is also there, the only trace of the Pannonian Sea.
Daruvar Daruvar has been long known for its springs of therapeutic water. The people who used to inhabit this area were called the Healers, and the springs were called Aquae Balissae – ‘the powerful wells’. Roman Emperors used to visit them, too. If you would like to have an imperial bath – visit the water park! There is a Roman forest nearby, with a spring called Julius Brum. Once you have tasted the water from that spring, you will fall in love – or so the legend says… 16
In the fairytale world A children’s manifestation In the fairytale world is held every April in the memory of Ivana Brlić Mažuranić. Should you visit Slavonski Brod at that time, you will be able to experience the fairytales of the famous author.
࿔ Brodsko kolo
Brodsko kolo is the name of the oldest folklore show in Croatia. It has been held every June since 1963. It is important to preserve old traditions. We will preserve everything we learn and remember! You will certainly like the children’s show and the cake fair. It is both interesting and delicious!
࿔ Pannonian Sea
Around 20 million years ago the sea rushed into the Pannonian plain. It stretched across a part of central Europe and was called the Pannonian Sea. Around 5 million years ago the Sea eventually dried up leaving a few pieces of evidence of its existence: the Sovsko Lake, some remains of a whale, various shells and fossils.
࿔ Virovitica – Pejačević castle Did you know that there is a Pejačević castle and a Pejačević palace in Virovitica? The castle was built in 1804 on the remains of an old burgh and it is surrounded by a lovely park. The palace was built in the second half of the 18th century and is currently being renovated.
Dalmatia
Zadar Ĺ ibenik
Sinj
OmiĹĄ Trogir
Split PeljeĹĄac
Makarska
Dalmatia covers the area of the Croatian coast and islands from the Velebit mountain to the south, and its name is one of the oldest region names. Dalmatian coast is around 1200 km long,
Dubrovnik
and the region also includes the largest number of islands. Tourism is particularly well developed due to the beauty of the coast and nice weather. Split is the largest town and port in the region.
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² In the old times this area was inhabited
by the tribes of Iadera. The tribes no longer exist, but Zadar has probably inherited
their name. Until 1918, it was the capital of Dalmatia. The first Croatian university was
founded in Zadar back in 1396, the first Croatian newspapers were printed here,
too, and today the town is famous for the first sea organ in the world. ²
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࿔ Saint Donat
Zadar has been inhabited of old, but the old town on the peninsula dates from the Roman times. You must visit the Church of Saint Donatus from the 9th century. Did you know that the upper gallery was reserved for women only? Walk over the Forum, visit the Roman excavations and turn into the Kalelarga. This street is said to be older than the town itself. There are numerous churches, gates, walls and towers there. When you get tired, you can always find a place for dipping into the sea.
࿔ Sun Salutation
The sunset in Zadar is said to be the most beautiful in the world. For that reason the Sun Salutation installation has been set up on the Istrian coast of the Zadar peninsula. It consists of 300 glass plates arranged in a circle. As the sun sets, the lights in the circle come on, creating a fascinating play of light in the rhythm of the waves and the sound of the Sea organ.
࿔ The Square of Five Wells
When you have a wish, you should whisper it into a well. Did you know there was a Square of Five Wells in Zadar? Have you got so many wishes?
In one of the wells My wish dwells. For five wishes I will strive Because the wells there are
And what is the sea organ? Can the sea really play? Of course! Take a seat at the steps of the organ and listen to the sea’s music. Specially built tubes enable the sea to create music with the help of the low and high tide.
(five)
࿔ Sea organ
.
࿔ Another sphinx
Zadar also has a sphinx! In the courtyard of Villa Attilia you will find a sphinx. It is not real; it has been made at the beginning of the 20 century. But, as the legend says, this sphinx makes lovers’ wishes come true!
The Maraschino liqueur is one of the symbols of the town. It is made of a special sort of wild cherry, which is also used in the making of the Maraska fruit juice. So if you would like to know how Maraska cherry tastes, you can try some juice.
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࿔ Kalelarga
Did you know that the Zadar archipelago consists of as many islands as there are days in a year? Just imagine how many amazing beaches you can find in such abundance! Besides, there are three national parks nearby you could visit: Paklenica, Kornati Islands and Krka.
Kalelarga or the Wide Street is the main and the most famous street in the town, allegedly older than the town itself, stretching from the People’s Square to the Forum.
࿔ Zadar boatmen
Would you like to cross to the other side of the harbour? You can use the bridge or you can walk around, but the easiest way is to cross it by boat. The boatmen have been carrying passengers across the bay in small boats for 600 years.They have been rowing for so long – it is as if they have sailed around the world at least twice.
Obrovac The small town of Obrovac crouches in the picturesque Zrmanja canyon. In its upper flow Zrmanja is full of cascades and waterfalls but once it passes Obrovac, it calms down, which is why it is sometimes referred to as ‘the beauty and the beast’. The fresh and sea water mix before Zrmanja meets the sea, so you can find sea fish in this river!
Connect the dots and discover what is hidden in the picture! 5 3 2
5 6 9
3
4
7 8
1
8
16
12 11
13 14
10 16
12
15
15
20
9
1
2
7
10
6 4
13 14
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What are these sights called? Where can you find them? If you don’t know, find them in the book!
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In which part of Croatia have you seen these animals? What are their names?
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Contents 29
21 10
54
48
35
15
36
57 60 64
75 67 70
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Roberta Šimunić
Discover Croatia in an interesting and fun way! Take a journey through the pages of this book and find out a number of things you did not know about Croatia. You can learn something new and find out things not known to others... ² Inspiring illustrations bring to life the streets of largest Croatian towns, fascinating scenes from the past, as well as all the features that make Croatia attractive, special and wonderful. ² Games, labyrinths, puzzles and a quiz represent an easy way to get to know the country and discover things such as: • Who are picoki and what are German miles? • Where is the meeting place of witches and where do giants gather? • Are there deserts in Croatia? • How can you adopt a dolphin or a bat? • How can you write a letter using the Glagolitic script? • Why is Varaždin not the capital of Croatia and when was the Republic of Dubrovnik abolished?
Let your wonderful journey through Croatia begin!
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