History & Culture

The story and women behind Pag lace is as interesting as the lace itself! 

Pag lace has fascinated for centuries – it used to be valued by emperors and now it is valued by the whole world. Probably mainly due to the fact that only a few women know how to make it. Pag’s lace-makers say that not even a computer could repeat the pattern they create each time. It comes from a time long before computers – the 16^th century. The Benedictines of Saint Mary were the first teachers in the town and they formed a school for girls where they taught, among many other things, lace making. Since then, they have been praised for their hard work which was passed on from generation to generation. If you are looking for a different kind of souvenir, this is it! The lace can be purchased in one of the gift shops in the town of Pag, and we recommend you visit the Benedictine nuns at the Convent of Santa Margherita, who were the main initiators of the lace craft in Pag and its style.  The nuns have always been protectors of heritage and besides lace, they also protected a rich collection of sacral art presented in a Permanent exhibition. In honour of the 700th anniversary of the establishment of the Benedictine Convent of St. Margarita in Pag, a permanent exhibition of sacral art was opened. Besides being able to see lace and interesting exhibits such as relics, paintings and sculptures at the Benedictine convent in Pag, this is also the ideal opportunity to experience the lifestyle of the Benedictine nuns who follow the motto "ora et labora". For example, they make the famous baškotin, which is a type of sweet toast made according to the Benedictine nuns' special recipe, which has been made for more than 300 years. Sweeten up your excursion of traditional Croatia art with an authentic Croatian delicacy!

The Gold and Silver permanent exhibition in Zadar is definitely a must. But, while there, look for another type of treasure – the history behind the story.

The treasure was not kept by kings and emperors – but by nuns! The treasure of Zadar history is inseparable from the Benedictine convent of St. Mary and its nuns guardians. Their shared history goes back to the time of the Byzantine Empire. In newer history, the Benedictines once again proved essential when they hid the treasure in a deep hole under the church bell tower during the bombings of the Allies in 1943. Many items that have been preserved with love, knowledge and pride have great value. But for the people of Zadar, the most valuable item is the so-called Čika’s cross. Although small in size and without gems, it has held a special meaning for the people here since the 8^th century. Find your favourite item while you find out more about the history of this treasure.

Explore the funeral cult known in the parts of Velebit passes and its background story!

If you take a walk through Velebit, you will surely spot unique, miniature monuments along your way. They are called mirilas, and their task was to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives on the mountain sides. Mirilas were created during the time when the residents of Velebit were mostly animal farmers and the bodies of the deceased were carried to the village church and graveyard. There was a rule during these difficult journeys: only one stop could be made to rest. This place would mark the last place where the deceased said goodbye to the sun and his/her measurements (mira) were taken. This is how these monuments got their name. These fascinating stone monuments made between the 17^th and 20^th century can be found along the steep and rugged mountain paths near Starigrad and Ražanac. As the final resting place of the deceased people’s souls, Mirila were adorned with artistic markings and venerated even more than the graves themselves!

Holy moly, what a story! Find out about Saint Simeon and his story about Zadar!

The legend says that, in 1203, a merchant who was carrying the body of St. Simeon from the Holy Land to Venice sought shelter in Zadar because of a storm. He didn’t reveal the identity of the body he was carrying, but when he became ill and before he died, he gave the nurses a hint. That is why they dug up the grave with the local priests. Simultaneously, three city rectors had the same dream the night before the body of Saint Simeon was to be excavated. St. Simeon has been revered in Zadar ever since. The Chest of Saint Simeon, a masterpiece of medieval art, is a rectangular cedar wood sarcophagus in the shape of a chasse, overlaid with silver and silver-gilt plaques, said to hold the relics of St. Simon the God-receiver. On Oct. 8^th, the Patron’s Day, the chest is opened and the mummy of the saint is displayed for a week. But you can visit the Church of Saint Simeon any day of the year!

Croats are known for being party people. That is why every village has its own festivities. The feast of Iž stands out. Even among Croatians.

The feast of Iž is summer entertainment that presents cultural programs and sporting events along with food, drinks and plenty of joy during a three day period. The traditional folklore entertainment of the Island of Iž reaches its peak with the final event of the festival entitled "Election of the King of Iž". It is a custom from the ancient times related to the Roman tradition of bacchanalia and saturnalia where the oldest people from the village drew straws (zbice). The person who pulls the longest straw becomes the king. The old king sails into the Veli Iž harbour accompanied by his “entourage” in national costumes with a song, fireworks and “luncijanj” of bells. The new king is then crowned on the stage with the presentation of the traditional island folklore. Every good party also features good food. “Iški lopiž” is popular around here, a meat dish with vegetables and aromatic Mediterranean herbs. What makes it special is the clay pot it is prepared in which is not surprising since this area is known for its pottery traditions. If you want to have a good time, head to Iž!