Croatia
Located in the Balkans, the country of Croatia has witnessed much tumult over the centuries, but has remained steadfast in its Catholic faith. Locked in the bitter war in the late 1990’s, it is now peaceful and welcoming to tourists. It is a beautiful country and rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most popular destinations: the Adriatic Coast, with it’s crystal-clear water and enchanting islands, has become a tourist mecca for many travelers.
Dubrovnik (shown on the left) is one of Croatia’s most visited cities and is now a popular port of call for several cruise lines as well.
As of January 2023, the country became part of the European Union’s Schengen Zone, which means that travelers don’t need to go through passport control when traveling between Croatia and any of 26 other E.U. countries. Croatia has adopted the Euro.
Croatia is often the point of arrival for pilgrims going to visit Medjugorje. Most fly (or arrive by overnight ferry from Rome) into either Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik. It should be pointed out that Medjugorje is not in Croatia, it is part of Bosnia & Herzegovina (formerly named Yugoslavia).
Catholic places of interest in Croatia:
Dubrovnik: “the Pearl of the Adriatic”
Ilok: tomb of Saint John of Capistrano
Križevci: Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity
Marija Bistrica: Our Lady of Marija Bistrica
Šibenik, Croatia: The Cathedral of Saint James
Sinj: Basilica of Our Lady of Sinj & site of annual Knights battle re-enactment
Split: Diocletian’s palace & Cathedral of Saint Dominus