Day 3: Croatia - Rovinj and Pula

Dobro jutro!

It took me three days, but I’ve finally remembered it—though "buongiorno" will always be just fine, too. Good morning, everyone!

"Dobro jutro" means "Good morning" in Croatian, a Slavic language spoken primarily in Croatia. Most Croats are multilingual, with a strong command of English and often Italian, particularly in coastal regions like Istria and Rijeka. Italian has historical roots in Croatia due to centuries of Venetian influence, and it remains an official regional language in some areas, taught in schools and used in governance. English proficiency is widespread, especially among younger Croats and in tourist hubs such as Dubrovnik and Zagreb. This is largely because English is a mandatory subject in schools, contributing to Croatia's high ranking in global second-language proficiency.

ROVINJ 

Rovinj (pronounced as Roween) feels like a perfect blend of Venice and Cinque Terre! The Italian influence is evident throughout the town, thanks to its rich history as part of the Venetian Republic. From its charming streets to the beautiful architecture, it’s a place that effortlessly captures the essence of Italy’s coastal beauty.

Venice meets Cinque Terre

Balbi's Arch (Balbijev luk)

This is the most iconic and well-preserved town gate in Rovinj, marking the entrance to the old town. Built in the late 17th century, it features notable decorations, including a Venetian lion at the top, symbolizing Rovinj's historical ties to the Venetian Republic. This arch serves as a key landmark for visitors exploring the town.

Rovinj’s main square Trg Marsala Tita

Boy with a Fish

 "Boy with a Fish," is a popular symbol in Rovinj, representing the town’s deep connection to the sea and its fishing heritage. Installed in the early 20th century, the fountain showcases Rovinj’s maritime culture, as fishing was historically a mainstay of the local economy.

This bronze relief on the fountain depicts water carriers, honoring a vital profession from the town's past. Before modern plumbing, these workers hauled fresh water through Rovinj's hilly, narrow streets to supply homes and businesses. This sculpture serves as a tribute to their hard work and keeps the memory of this essential role alive in the town's history.

Rovinj was originally an island. In 1763, the channel separating it from the mainland was filled in, transforming it into a peninsula that is now part of the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia.

I love the colorful buildings in Rovinj. The mix of pinks, yellows, and oranges gives the place such a lively, welcoming vibe. It really captures the town's Mediterranean allure and makes the streets feel so warm and full of character.

Archways and stone tunnels echo the past and evoke a sense of intrigue and adventure.

Clothes are often hung out to dry, adding a unique character to the town. It gives the sense that the place is truly lived in, not just a destination for tourists, and creates a warm, authentic atmosphere that reflects the everyday life of its residents.

Lunch @ La Vela gostionica

The people are what make a place special and memorable, and Rovinians (or Rovinjané?) are warm, welcoming, and full of character, adding a distinctive appeal to Rovinj’s enchantment.

Parting ways with this picturesque town is no easy task—it’s a place that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left.

PULA

Our next stop was Pula, a city steeped in ancient history and Roman heritage. Just a short drive away, Pula offers a striking contrast with its impressive amphitheater, stunning coastal views, and vibrant atmosphere.

Arena di Pula

While visiting Rome, we unfortunately missed the opportunity to explore the interior of the Colosseum due to the long queues and massive crowds. However, we were thrilled to finally experience the Pula Amphitheater, which was practically empty during our visit. Both are magnificent Roman-era structures, but it was a delight to marvel at the Pula Arena’s grandeur in such a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

The Pula Amphitheater, commonly known as the Pula Arena, is one of the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world and the only remaining one to have all four side towers fully intact. Constructed between 27 BCE and 68 CE during the reign of Emperor Augustus and later expanded under Emperor Vespasian, it could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators.

The amphitheater was primarily used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, similar to the Colosseum in Rome. Today, it serves as a venue for various cultural events, such as concerts, film screenings, and the annual Pula Film Festival.

The Hypogeum

The hypogeum, or underground network, was used to house wild animals and gladiators before their battles. This intricate maze of passages allowed for the efficient movement of animals and fighters to the arena floor, adding to the spectacle of the gladiatorial games.

Today, the hypogeum of the amphitheater has been repurposed as a museum. Part of this space is also dedicated to various exhibits, showcasing items such as ancient tools used in the production of olive oil and wine, along with distinctive amfora (amphorae) that were once essential for storage and transport.

As I wrap up my reflections on Pula, I leave you with a  mosaic of its mesmerizing vistas as the sun takes its final bow.

Day 2: Slovenia – Bled and Ljubljana

On Day 2 of our adventure, we explored the enchanting beauty of Slovenia.

BLED

Our first stop was the magnificent Bled Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking Lake Bled. 

Bled Castle was built by the Bishops of Brixen around 1011 as a fortress and administrative center. It was originally constructed to assert the power of the Holy Roman Empire over the region and to protect against invasions. The castle served as a feudal stronghold, and its strategic position atop a steep 130-meter cliff overlooking Lake Bled made it an ideal site for defense. Over the centuries, it evolved from a primarily military fortification into a residence for aristocracy and a center of regional governance. Today, Bled Castle is Slovenia’s oldest castle and a popular tourist attraction, showcasing its history through museums, artifacts, and glorious views of Lake Bled and the surrounding Alps.

A turret of  the castle against the breathtaking backdrop of the Julian Alps

Gothic chapel in the upper courtyard, dedicated to Bishop St Albuin and St Ingenuin. It was built in the 16th century; a baroque image was added to it at the end of the 17th century and was decorated with illusionist frescoes.

LAKE BLED

Lake Bled is like a fairy tale come to life! Nestled in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, this glacial lake is famous for its emerald-green waters, a charming island with a historic church, and the stunning Bled Castle perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake. The island, Bled Island, is home to the Church of the Assumption, where legend says if you ring the bell three times, your wishes will come true.

 A mysterious veil envelops the island, as if hiding its secrets from view

The veil is lifted, and Bled Island stands proudly in full view. 

The image of Bled Island has appeared as the background on my laptop a few times, thanks to Bing's random wallpaper feature. It’s surreal to finally see it in person. 
There is a captivating legend behind this beautiful bell tower that goes back to the 16th century. A young widow named Polixena was heartbroken after her husband was murdered by bandits and his body thrown into Lake Bled. In her grief, she collected all her gold and silver and had a bell cast in his memory for the church on Bled Island. However, a storm struck while the bell was being transported to the island, and the boat sank, taking the bell with it to the bottom of the lake. Devastated, Polixena sold all her possessions and moved to a convent in Rome. The Pope, touched by her devotion, had a new bell made and sent it to the church. According to the legend, if you ring this bell three times, your wishes will come true. It's said that on quiet nights, the original sunken bell can still be heard ringing from the depths of Lake Bled!

The Pletna boat is a traditional Slovenian wooden boat unique to Lake Bled. This flat-bottomed boat, with colorful awnings and a distinctive design, has been used to transport visitors across the lake for centuries. The tradition of the Pletna boat dates back to the late 16th century, and it's said that the right to operate these boats has been passed down through generations within certain families, almost like a heritage trade. One of the most interesting aspects of the Pletna boat is its unique rowing technique. The boatman, called a "Pletnar," stands and rows with two oars, using a technique similar to the Venetian gondolier. This method of rowing requires great skill and balance, allowing the Pletnar to maneuver the boat smoothly across the lake. Riding in a Pletna boat is the only way to reach Bled Island.

Lunch @ Restavracija Chilli, Bled

Kremšnita - the famous Bled cream cake. 

This delightful dessert is a well-known specialty of Bled.

After lunch, we made our way to Ljubljana, enjoying about an hour’s drive through the scenic countryside.

LJUBLJANA

Nestled along the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, Ljubljana is a charming European capital of Slovenia known for its pedestrian-friendly streets, colorful baroque architecture, cozy riverside cafés, and lush greenery. 

Ljubljana (pronounced as Lu-bee-yana) is often referred to as the "City of Dragons," a place steeped in history and mythology. The dragon, a powerful symbol of the city, is prominently featured on the iconic Dragon Bridge, where four majestic dragon statues stand guard.

These dragons are not just decorative; according to local legend, they wag their tails when a virgin crosses the bridge, adding an enchanting, mythical touch to this Art Nouveau masterpiece.

The legend behind the city's dragon connection dates back to the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, who are said to have defeated a fearsome dragon in Ljubljana while journeying home with the Golden Fleece. This ancient tale, woven into the city's identity, gives Ljubljana a mystical and unforgettable allure.

In addition to the dragon, Saint George holds a special place in Ljubljana’s history as the city’s patron saint. The legend of Saint George, who famously slew a dragon, is deeply intertwined with the city's dragon symbolism. This connection is celebrated in the Church of St. George, located on a hill near the city, reinforcing the theme of good triumphing over evil. The image of Saint George and the dragon remains a powerful and enduring symbol of Ljubljana's cultural and religious heritage.

Prešeren Square

Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg) is one of the city’s most famous and central squares. The area is a key meeting point and a popular spot for both locals and tourists, situated right at the entrance to Ljubljana's old town.

The Prešeren Monument

The Prešeren Monument honors Slovenia's national poet, France Prešeren, whose work significantly shaped the country's cultural identity. The statue of Prešeren is flanked by a figure of a woman holding a laurel wreath above him, symbolizing the muse of Slovenian poetry and the recognition of his literary contributions. The laurel wreath represents honor and achievement, highlighting Prešeren's enduring legacy in Slovenian culture. The monument celebrates his role as both a poet and a national symbol.

The Ljubljanica River, once called the Leybach in the Middle Ages, flows through the southern area of Slovenia's Ljubljana Basin. Ljubljana is situated along its banks.

The pink building is the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, a beautiful Baroque-style church. In front of it are two of the Triple Bridges, a unique architectural feature designed by Jože Plečnik.

The Cooperative Business Bank Building

The Cooperative Business Bank Building, designed in 1921 by architect Ivan Vurnik and his wife, artist Helena Vurnik, is an iconic example of Slovenian "National Style" architecture. Completed in 1922, the building showcases a blend of Art Nouveau and the Vienna Secession style, adorned with vibrant decorative ornaments in the colors of the Slovenian tricolor—red, blue, and white. Helena Vurnik crafted the intricate patterns and floral motifs that cover the facade, symbolizing Slovenian cultural pride and traditional artistry.

Butcher's Bridge aka Love Bridge

 Similar to the Pont des Arts in Paris, couples leave padlocks on the bridge as a symbol of their love.

FUN FACT

I learned from my tour guide that Slovenia is the only country with "love" in its name—a perfect fit for its romantic landscapes and warm, welcoming culture.

Slovenia’s national brand, I feel sLOVEnia, emphasizes the love hidden in its name, reflecting the warmth and hospitality of its people. It’s more than a slogan—it captures the country’s spirit, where stunning natural beauty meets a genuine sense of belonging.