“The journey, not the destination matters…”

Having said that, here are a few random snapshots of castles in Europe for you to consider. We reckon they make the perfect travel antidote for that moment when you feel like giving up on normal life and becoming a Medieval princess or knight.

Old Castle – Celje, Slovenia

This 12th-century castle has always been one of the biggest and most magnificent forts in Slovenia, no matter how often its residents have changed. One of the attractions of the castle – Frederick’s Tower – reveals the intriguing legend behind an impossible love story: the romance between Frederick, son of Count Herman II, and a beautiful maiden named Veronika. Count Herman II did not approve of their love, so he threw Frederick in the tower and left him there for more than four years until he died.

Veliki Tabor – Northwest Croatia

The poor maiden from the story of the previous castle managed to run away from the angry count at first, but was eventually caught and imprisoned by his soldiers in Veliki Tabor Castle and later drowned in a large vat in the castle’s yard. Her body is believed to be built into the wall connecting the entrance of the castle and the pentagonal tower.

Centuries after these horrific events, the castle is now a museum displaying old vehicles, ethnographic items, swords and many more interesting exhibits. The building itself stands out as one of the most important historical examples of secular architecture in Croatia.

Brissac Castle – south of the city of Angers in France

The original castle here was built in the 11th century, and in the 15th century it was renovated by the Duke of Brissac. The twin towers, however, remained the same and can still be seen with their original facades. This castle is known as one of the most haunted places in the world – people claim to have seen and heard the ghost of the Lady in the Green Dress, a victim of a double murder that happened here in the 15th century.

Neuschwanstein Castle – near the town of Fussen, Bavaria, Germany

This famous castle was built by King Ludwig II, who is known as ‘The Fairytale King’. The spectacular surroundings of the castle – which sits atop a hill in the Alps of Bavaria – contribute to the fairytale ambiance it exudes. King Ludwig II is known to have admired and supported legendary composer Richard Wagner; the castle is actually built in his honor and the interior is inspired by some of his works.

Fun fact: Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to create The Magic Kingdom.

Birr Castle – Birr, County Offaly, Ireland

Birr Castle was built in the 12th century and now serves as the residence of the 7th Earl of Rosse, which is why the residential part of the castle is not open to tourists. However, you can visit the gardens, which are home to many beautiful rare plants, as well as waterfalls, rivers and lakes. As you explore the grounds you’ll find the ‘Great Telescope’, which was built in the 1840s by the Third Earl of Rosse and for 70 years remained the largest telescope in the world. It is nowadays arguably the largest historical scientific instrument still working.

Castle of Dona Chica – Braga, Portugal

The combination of architectural styles – Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Romanesque – as well as the creative mix of construction materials makes the appearance of this castle unique. The name Chica comes from the nickname of its original patroness, Francisca Peixoto Rego. Over the years the castle has changed hands many times, leading to plenty of discussion as to what should be done with it. However, none of these ideas have been turned into a reality, and the castle remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in the world – a must-see for those into ruins and abandoned sites.

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Old City of Dubrovnik – The Old City is a place you want to get lost in. Numerous narrow streets, small and big squares, marble alleys, churches, beautiful buildings with preserved authentic architecture and stairs leading to the stone walls of the city where the sea welcomes you with its entire expanse. And thousands of boats along the shore, waiting to take you on an unforgettable journey.

Stradun Street (Placa) is the heart of Dubrovnik. This is the main street of the city, full of entertainment, events and catering establishments and shops. The buildings have identical architecture, built of stone and levelled. Each new building in the region should meet the set requirements so as to preserve the stylish look of the environment. Only the Clock Tower, located in the end of the street, dominates over the others with its 31 m height, being one of the symbols of the city.

Big Onofrio Fountain (Velika Onofrijeva Fontana) has 16 sides, each of them having an original mask, the mouth of which is a tap pouring drinking water. This is a perfect place to refresh yourself on a hot day. The fountain was built in the XV century by Italian architect Onofrio della Cava, who built the water supply system of the city. It is located close to the Pile Gate.

The City Walls of Dubrovnik – the entire city is surrounded by defensive stone walls, some 2 km in diameter. There are 12 forts, 15 bastions and 4 round and corner towers. Fort Bokar was built to protect the Gate Pile. Nowadays it hosts some of the events within the Summer Festival held in the city. The walls were constructed in the Middle Ages – XIII-XIV, to protect the city from attacks. While taking a walk in their unique atmosphere, you will also enjoy an incredible view to the shore and the seaport.

Sponza Palace was built in the XVI century when it served as a customs building, monitoring the trade of goods. Its architecture combines Renaissance and Gothic styles. The first school in Dubrovnik was sheltered here, too, as well as the bank and the armoury. Nowadays it stores the state archives and many historical manuscripts.

The Rector’s Palace (Knežev dvor) was built in the XIV century as the official headquarters of the ruling republic. It is located on Stradun Street and its architecture combines Gothic and Baroque styles. It shelters the Cultural Historical Museum. Here you can see a rich collections of paintings, icons, ceramics, retro furniture, textile, glass and metal pieces of art, as well as many photos.

The Dominican Monastery (Dominikanski samostan) is situated in the northern part of the Old City of Dubrovnik. It is built in a Gothic and Renaissance style. It shelters works of art by Italian and Croatian artists, while the monastery’s garden houses a well from the XIV century, which is still active.

Franciscan Monastery – the Franciscan Church and Monastery complex (Franjevački samostan) is comprised of a monastery, clock tower, XV century well, Baroque church, pharmacy store from the XIV century – the third-oldest in the world, which continues functioning until nowadays, as well as one of the biggest libraries in Croatia with more than 20,000 books, 1,200 of which are old text and musical manuscripts. Generally, there is much to be seen here and there is no risk of getting bored at all.

Fort Lovrijenac is located in the western part of the city, outside the Walls of Dubrovnik, on a 36 m high steep rock that sticks out into the sea. According to legends, the fort was built in only three months to stop the Venetians from constructing their own fort at the same place. Nowadays, it is a scene for many Shakespeare plays performed during the Summer Festival.

Minceta Fortress is the major stronghold of the Old City, placed right between its two gates. It dates back to the XIV century and was reconstructed in the XV century. It is the highest point in the Old City of Dubrovnik and one of the symbols of the city.

St Blaise’s Church (Crkva Sv. Vlaha) was built in 1716. A curious fact is that the previous temple situated at this place survived a powerful earthquake back in 1667 but few decades later (1706) it burnt down to the ground. Venetian Marino Gropelli is the architect of the church. There is a gold-plated statue of St Blaise at the main altar, made by local artists in the XV century. In one of his hands the Saint holds a scale model of Dubrovnik the way the city looked before the 1667 earthquake. St Blaise (Sveti Vlaho in Croatian) is the patron saint of the city of Dubrovnik and there are celebrations honouring the saint organised every year.

Lokrum Island is situated half a kilometre away from the coastline of Dubrovnik and its green hills can be seen from afar. There is a botanical garden with plants from all over the world on the island. Your memories from this place will be sweet with eucalyptus. The island is around 100 m above sea level. There is an old French stronghold atop of the hill. The way up to it is very exhausting but the nice view to the shores of Dubrovnik seen through the green trees is worth it.

The Elaphiti Islands (Elafitski otoci) is a small archipelago with a dry and warm climate, long summer and very short winter. A perfect place to lie under the shadow of the palm trees with a cocktail in your hand. The Elaphiti Islands include the islands of Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep, Daksa, Ruda, Misnjak, Jakljan, Kosmec, Golec, Crkvina, Tajan and Olipa. Sometimes Lokrim is considered part of the Elafits, too. Here you can also find dense forests and spacious beaches. You can reach the island by ferryboat from Dubrovnik, running at regular intervals few times a day.

With a cable car to Srd Mountain – Please yourself with this unforgettable experience – take a ride to the Srd Mountain with a cable car. The top of the mountain offers a beautiful view to the shore. You can reach Srd Mountain by bike, too, riding amidst the rich mountain greenery.

A boat trip – After a long day of strolling down the streets, a boat trip will have a very relaxing effect. You will enjoy the shores of Dubrovnik from the sea and pass by some of the beaches. You may take a boat from the old port and reach the new one, or the other way round, or you may sail to one of the nearby islands. One of the best ways to enjoy your boat trip is by traveling in super luxury yachts and discover the magnificent waters of Dubrovnik. Feel the sea breeze into your hair. Full steam ahead!

Dubrovnik Summer Festival – every year the city turns into a big scene from the start of July until mid-August. Dances, music, opera, ballet, theatre – every single day. The citizens of Dubrovnik never give up and even when there are no available places they enjoy the shows from the windows of their homes. Everyone is invited, feel welcomed to the festival!

Beaches of Dubrovnik – there are both central and numerous hidden beaches where you can find peace and privacy. Most of the beaches in Dubrovnik are rocky. Babin Kuk beach is the most popular one and if you want to visit it, you should go there early in the morning because later on it will be impossible to find a place. There are several smaller, picturesque beaches in the Old City but they are hardly accessible. The Plat beach is located few kilometres away from the city, it is rocky, wide enough and not too crowded.

Have some seafood – squids, clams, white fish, crabs, cuttlefish, octopus, shrimps, whatever you order, it will be the right choice because Croatia is famous for its tasty, mouth-watering seafood, while the locals do their best to provide fresh products every day. Don t forget a glass of nice wine. Cheers! Or Živjeli! in Croatian.

Try orahnjaca – a traditional Croatian sweet dish with walnuts, a perfect end to the delicious lunch or dinner. Bon appetit!

Shops in Dubrovnik – the streets in Dubrovnik are full of stands selling souvenirs, spices, lace, tea, textile, jewellery, and everything you can imagine. The fashion stores for clothes, shoes and accessories are found in the Old City, as well as on Stradun Street. DOC Kerum, on the other hand, is the biggest trade centre in Dubrovnik where you can buy everything, including home appliances and furniture.

Night life in Dubrovnik – Latino and jazz clubs, discotheques with electronic music, cocktail bars with live music, Irish pubs – whatever you like. There are many entertainment establishments in the Old City, too, as well as on Stradun Street and along the beaches.

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Anybody who has visited Zagreb once always looks for a way to come back. There is some inexplicable magic in the charming streets, old churches and the feeling of seething life in the Croatian capital. Here is a list of the most important things you have to see, do or taste while you are there:

Zagreb Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary (Zagrebačka katedrala) – You will notice its high towers from any point in the city, while its beauty seen from a close view will definitely enchant you. It is the highest building in Zagreb, as well as in all of Croatia. The cathedral can seat up to 5,000 people. Inside it is adorned with stained glasses and massive statues, while its Gothic architecture creates a very specific atmosphere. It has almost twin towers, with only 1 meter difference. The northern one is 105 m high, while the southern – 104 m. The cathedral is situated in the central part of the city, at the Kapitol Square.

St. Mark s Church (Crkva svetog Marka) – What is impressive about it is its unusual roof – a colourful tiling representing the coat of arms of Zagreb and of the Habsburg Kingdom of Croatia. The Habsburg parochial temple dates back to the XIII century. The bell tower was built in 1725. There are three sumptuous altars in the church. A sculpture of the crucifix stands over the major one, while the on the altar dedicated to Virgin Mary there is a gold-plated sculpture of the saint. The church is located in the heart of the Old Town of Zagreb – Gornji Grad.

Mimara Museum (Muzej Mimara) – More than 3,500 pieces of art from different places and periods are exposed here. The exhibits are donated by a private collector. The archaeological collection is comprised of items from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, Greece, Rome. You will see exhibits made of glass and textile, as well as a rich furniture collection from the Middle East. There are also works of Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Goya, Velazquez, and many others. The museum is sheltered in a Renaissance school building close to the Croatian National Theatre, in the central part of Zagreb. You will find your way following the numerous skateboarders in the area.

Maksimir Park – This is the largest park in Zagreb. It was constructed in an old British style. Here you can have a well-deserved rest or just have great fun amidst the rich greenery and crystal lakes. You can even keep fit by jogging and cycling or sit in the cafes and restaurants with your friends. Kids, on the other hand, can enjoy the zoo sheltering pandas, lions, kangaroos, crocodiles and other animals.

Botanical garden (Botanicki vrt) – Placed in the heart of Zagreb, the botanical garden is a small oasis amidst the busy city. Take a walk in the fresh air or simply sit and observe the varied plant collections and flower-lined paths. You will see many different plant species, including some protected ones. In addition, you will notice big number of turtles basking in the sun around the lake.

Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) – It used to be the entrance to the city in the past. Inside the gate itself, there is a statue of Saint Mary with the Child Jesus in a niche surrounded by metal bars. The statue dates back to the XVI century. It is believed that it is a wonder-working statue and that’s why so many people come here to light a candle and say a prayer. Pray from your heart and your wish will come true. The Stone Gate is situated in Gornji Grad.

Lotrscak Tower (Kula Lotrščak) – A loud bang can be heard from its top every day. But don’t worry, it is not an attack alert. As the legend says, King Bela IV of Hungary ordered the cannon he bequeathed to be used every day. And since January 1877, the cannon is fired every single day at noon. It is said that apart from observing the king’s order, the ritual is also used to adjust the clocks in the city. The tower was built in the middle of the XIII century to protect the city. It is made of stones, different in form and size, mixed with bricks. The Lotrscak Tower is situated in Gornji Grad.

Jarun Lake – This is the “sea” of Zagreb because it offers something to everyone. You can swim, sunbathe in the sand with a drink from the numerous bars and cafes, or simply have fun in the water by windsurfing, rowing, water skiing, water wheeling, and you can even go fishing at the quay. On dry land there are big playgrounds for beach volleyball, football, golf, as well as specialised jogging alleys. You can also ride a bike or go roller-skating. The lake is situated in the southern part of the city.

Medvedgrad Castle – This is the most significant architectural complex from the Middle Ages close to Zagreb. The aristocratic town dates back to the XIII century. The castle was built by the Bishop of Zagreb. The fortified walls are like rings, the towers are massive, while the entrances – well-fortified. Take a walk amidst the ruins and feel the spirit of time. Nowadays, knight tournaments and historical festivals are organised here. The castle is situated on the southern side of the Medvednica Mountain.

Archaeological Museum (Arheološki Muzej) – The museum is not very big but it stores more than 400,000 exhibits from different times and ages. Here you can see the world-famous ‘Zagreb mummy’ – a woman from Egypt who was discovered wrapped in a linen book containing the longest and still untranslated text in Etruscan. The collection of stone monuments from Roman times is really impressive. The museum is located in the central part of the city.

Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzej Suvremene Umjetnosti) – The museum presents both Croatian and foreign cultural heritage. It houses paintings, black and white drawings, sculptures, paper art, photos from the XIX and XX centuries, as well as a collection of films and videos produced in the 1960s. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. There is also a café inside the building.

Museum of Broken Relationships – Bring some tissues for a very emotional trip. This museum is one of a kind in the world. Here you will be faced with thousands of stories about broken relationships of couples from all over the world. You will see items connected with different emotions – broken picture frames with photos, broken vessels and vases, wedding dresses, damaged phones, forgotten stuffed toys. The museum has come up with an interesting cure for those overwhelmed with sorrow – a rubber that erases the bad memories. There is nothing to stop you from trying, is there? So take a look at the exhibits at the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Shopping in Zagreb – Fashion stores of world famous brands are lined up on the two sides of the main commercial street in Zagreb – the Ilica Street. There are also big universal stores offering everything. Tkalciceva Street (Tkalčićeva Ulica) is full of stores and galleries sheltered in XIX century houses. Kaptol Centar – the most modern mall in the city, is located in the same area, too.

Dolac Market – This is a popular market where local famers offer their fresh high-quality products – fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, freshly-baked pastries. The market is open every day except Sunday. It is located next to the Ban Jelacic Square, close to the Zagreb Cathedral.

Try some strukli – This is a traditional pastry dish with goats cheese, which can be either baked or boiled. It is similar to Bulgarian banitsa. It is best for breakfast and is offered in almost all bakeries. Bon Appétit!

Taste the paprenjaci – These biscuits will both delight and confuse you at the same time. The sweet-scented baked dish presents an unusual combination of honey, walnuts and… black pepper! This is the taste of Zagreb – original and unforgettable.

Nightlife in Zagreb – Tkalciceva Street (Tkalčićeva Ulica) is the most popular place to start the night fun with its numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes in Zagreb. Most of the discotheques in Zagreb open doors after midnight and close after 4 a.m. During the summer the nightlife in the city is concentrated around Jarun Lake. There is a great variety of cocktail bars, discotheques and clubs where you can have some fun.

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Nessebar, Bulgaria

Situated on the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria, the city of Nessebar has more than 3,000 years of history. It was first inhabited by the Thracians, then it became a Greek colony, then later it was conquered by the Roman Empire and finally in the 9^th century became part of Bulgaria. It’s UNESCO-protected, with remains from all those civilizations scattered and visible throughout the city – from ancient fortifications and medieval churches to 19^th-century wooden Bulgarian houses.

When it comes to beaches, there are three in the city itself – one in the ancient city and two in the new part. Four kilometers away is the most famous Bulgarian sea resort and party destination: Sunny Beach. There are also some less-crowded beaches nearby if you’re not looking for endless party nights – Arapya, Varvara and Silistar just to name a few.

Kotor, Montenegro

Another town on the shore with a lot of history, culture… and cats. Yes, Kotor is a cat-lover’s dream, with many furry animals walking freely on the streets waiting for human affection, souvenir shops full of cat-inspired art, and even a cat museum.

Kotor has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in the Balkans. After walking its cobbled streets you can hike up to San Giovani fortress, which dates back to medieval times and has been used to protect the town by all who have ruled over Kotor, including the Byzantine and Venetian empires. Nowadays its main purpose is to give you some breathtaking views over the town and the bay. It sure does that well.

Though the town itself is not your classic sandy beach destination, it is less than 15 kilometers from Plavi Horizonti beach – one of the best in Montenegro.

When it comes to delicious Mediterranean cuisine, some local specialties include thick fish soup and njoke (a gnocchi-like pasta dish).

 Korčula, Croatia

Often described as mini version of Dubrovnik, the town of Korčula is the main settlement on Korčula island in southern Croatia. Korčula was once ruled by the Venetian Empire, whose impact can still be felt mostly in the old quarter, which takes pride in its rich collection of medieval art and architecture. The whole old town is surrounded by high stone walls and towers that once defended it from enemies, and are today among the town’s tourist highlights.

Korčula is believed to be the home town of Marco Polo, and the house in which he is thought to have lived is open to visitors.

Another thing Korčula is famous for is moreška – a type of dance with swords. It represents a fight between white and black knights for a woman – Bula. In the past this art form was popular across the whole Mediterranean, but today it is preserved only in Korčula.

Coast-lovers can choose between some pebble beaches – like Banje or Zakerjan – or sandy beaches like Luka Korčulanska.

Saranda and Butrint, Albania

Saranda and Butrint are two coastal towns in southern Albania – 20 kilometers away from each other.

The first one, Saranda, boasts some of the best beaches and turquoise waters in Albania – varying from hot tourist spots to more secluded hideaways. The town is located opposite the Greek island of Corfu and there is a ferry running frequently between both.

Butrint is a millennia-old town that has been inhabited by both Greeks and Romans throughout its history. The ruins in the old town are UNESCO-listed and include an ancient Greek theater, public baths, a Palaeo-Christian baptistery and a massive Cyclopean.

From the top of the hill, where the acropolis once loomed, you’ll be rewarded with a great view over the town and the surrounding nature.

The ancient Greek theater in Butrint

Koper, Slovenia

Koper is the largest coastal town in Slovenia, as well as the oldest town in the country. It was part of the Venetian Empire, whose influence can be felt in the old town, the undisputed sightseeing highlight of Koper.

The pebbled Mestna beach, as well as the local marina, contribute to the charm of the town and make for a delightful trip.

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Incredible culture and history

One of the main reasons why you should come and visit Istria with your family is the incredible history this place has. You see, the roots of civilization here go all the way back to ancient times, and that is especially visible in the Roman architecture that remains almost intact to this very day. The best example of that is in the city of Pula whose immense colosseum is in perfect condition and is actually used even today to host concerts or other similar events. Therefore, exploring the heritage of Istria from that perspective can be very enlightening for the whole family, especially for the kids.

But Pula is not the only place you can visit for some culture and history. Rovinj is a spectacular example of medieval architecture, and its cobbled streets are a joy to explore. This charming little town is a great place for a vacation, with some lovely villas at excellent locations that can be found on websites like Villsy.com.

Tasty food

If there’s one thing everyone in Croatia will tell you is traditional in this part of the country, it’s fuži. Now, fuži are a special hand-made type of pasta, so the chances are the whole family will be able to enjoy them. They are served with a variety of different sauces, made from things like seafood and various kinds of meat, but you can find them in stews, too.

The adults in the family should taste local wines when on holiday here because Istria is quite well known for the products it can offer. That especially goes for white wine, and one variety in particular – Malvazija – is a symbol of the region.

But if there’s one thing in Istrian gastronomy that can be considered even more famous than Mavazija, it has to be the Istrian truffle. Istrian white truffle is pretty much revered across the culinary world, but black truffles can also be found here. Should you come in autumn, you may even have the opportunity to go truffle hunting with the locals and their specially trained dogs. It’s quite exciting and loads of fun, and who knows – you just might get lucky and find one yourself.

Beaches and nature

The nature in Istria is incredibly mild and serene. It’s just what you’d expect a Mediterranean countryside to look like, with beautiful and picturesque hills and small towns and villages scattered around. And since this is a peninsula we’re talking about, you can be sure that the Adriatic plays a vital role in Istria’s everyday life.

Naturally, you will find plenty of family-friendly beaches here, too. Places like Bijeca in Medulin or Zambratija offer plenty of lovely sand and are quite accessible, so it’s easy to enjoy them even if you have small children with you. Lanterna in Rabac is a pebble beach with plenty of amenities for you to enjoy, and Girandella (also in Rabac) offers plenty of shade thanks to the pine trees that grow there. No matter where you decide to go, though, you will be able to relax and have loads of fun in the crystal-clear sea.

Water parks & theme parks

You’re organizing a vacation to have some good clean fun, and the best place for that in Istria is Poreč. There are two excellent water parks you can visit there – Istralandia and Aquacolors – with plenty of exciting slides and several kinds of pools. Not only that, but you will be able to enjoy a nice lunch in one of the parks’ restaurants. The kids are bound to love it, but the adults will find something for themselves, too.

But that’s not all Poreč has to offer! Just outside of the town is Dinopark Funtana, a great theme park with dozens of real-sized dinosaurs scattered all over the place and some truly exciting rides. There’s even a playroom for the youngest children, and the older ones can learn archery or go paintball hunting for some big monsters. Spending a day at Dinopark Funtana is another thing that will make your children extremely happy while providing a lot of entertainment for the adults, too.

Vacation of a lifetime

Yes, this region really has everything you could possibly want for a pleasant vacation, and if you rent a villa in Istria you will raise everything to a whole new level. These large and luxurious houses are incredibly beautiful and often come with a wonderful garden and a pool in which you can relax completely. So, it’s just a matter of choosing the right location, depending on what you want to see the most, but if you have a car with you, you will be able to reach so many different and exciting places quickly and easily.

To conclude, Istria has something for everyone. No matter if you’re looking to learn about history firsthand, enjoy some incredible food (and wine) or just let yourself loose in a water park or a theme park, you will have a great time. Not to mention the fact that the peninsula is full of great beaches and lovely nature, so you can just take off and find your slice of heaven somewhere. Come to Istria and you’ll never want to go back.

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It’s strange: one day an iron is just an iron. Then you use it to iron your wedding suit and something happens. It’s still an everyday object, but suddenly it oozes sentimentality, not just steam. When that marriage breaks down and the iron is all you have left, it becomes the object around which you frame the entire story of your failed romance.

These tragic mementos are a dime a dozen in the unique Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia.

The idea

Humanity is built around stories — those we hear and those we tell. This museum is a collection of heartbreak stories shared by people all over the world, each accompanied by an object related to that story.

It all started when the founders — Olinka Vištica and Dražen Grubišić — broke up after a four-year relationship. While they were trying to split up their furniture, they couldn’t decide what to do with all the small things that they didn’t really need but couldn’t throw away, because each of those items had sentimental value, or as they called it, ’emotional heritage’. They often joked that they should open a museum to display those items. Eventually, that’s what they did.

The ’emotional heritage’ of broken relationships

The concept of emotional heritage resonated with visitors. After all, we’ve all experienced loss in one way or another. That said, this museum is not a pity party, but as the founders themselves describe it: an “art concept which proceeds from the assumption that objects possess integrated fields — ‘holograms’ of memories and emotions — and intends with its layout to create a space of ‘secure memory’ or ‘protected remembrance’ in order to preserve the material and nonmaterial heritage of broken relationships”.

The most random objects reveal stories that can make you laugh, like the toaster a woman took when moving out from her boyfriend’s place to teach him a lesson: “That’ll show you. How are you going to toast anything now?”

Or the frisbee that a boy gave to his girlfriend as a second anniversary present.

There are also stories that will make you cry, like the chaplet left behind by a high school sweetheart who died in a car crash, or the little rubber piggy that symbolizes the impossible love between an Israeli girl and a Danish boy who met on an exchange program in the USA.

Then there are those emotionally ambiguous exhibits, like the axe a German woman used to chop up her ex’s furniture, or the stiletto shoe a prostitute gave to a client who turned out to be her long-lost childhood love.

After all the stories have been read and felt, visitors can share their own tale in the museum’s book of confessions.

You can probably guess only by this view which one is our most popular exhibit 😉 . . . #Brokenships #musuemofbrokenrelationships #permanentdisplay #museum #axe #breakupstories #zagreb #croatia #exhibition

A post shared by Museum of Broken Relationships (@brokenships) on Nov 16, 2017 at 9:43am PST

Helpful info

The museum’s address is Ćirilometodska 2 in the Upper Town in Zagreb, Croatia.

In the summer months (June 1st  September 30th) it is open every day from 9 am to 10:30 pm.

In the winter (October 1st — May 31st) every day from 9 am to 9 pm.

Tickets cost 30 HRK (around 5 USD) for adults and 20 HRK (around 3 USD) for students, seniors and people with disabilities.

In the museum, you’ll also find a cozy cafe with a beautiful summer terrace and a souvenir shop with some unique presents to take back home.

In 2006, a second museum of broken relationships opened at 6751 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

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Only in Zagreb, you can see… The Museum of Broken Relationships.

Stop by and check our redesigned souvenir shop! 🙂 #brokenships #museumofbrokenrelationships #shopdesign

A post shared by Museum of Broken Relationships (@brokenships) on Jun 14, 2017 at 11:43am PDT

When I want to take a walk in nature I go to… Sljeme (the highest peak of Medvednica Mountain, just north of Zagreb); Maksimir Park.

Few people know that… Zagreb is a city of dragons and tunnels. Dragons are well-incorporated into Croatian culture – in Zagreb, there are two sculptures of St George slaying a dragon, a reference to the famous myth in which he saved the princess of Silene from the jaws of the beast. Dragons have found their place in many local brands’ logos, too. And there is even a secret society in the city called the “Order of the Brethren of the Croatian Dragon”.

Another mystical element of the city is its secret tunnels. It’s believed that there are underground passages throughout the whole old city – some of them are open to tourists and you can join an organized tour to explore them.

Zagreb is also home to the shortest cable car in the world. The Zagreb funicular is only 66 m (216 ft) long and connects the Upper and Lower towns.

Make sure you try… zagrebački odrezak (breaded and fried veal steak, filled with ham and cheese); štrukli (dough with different fillings).

Mouthwatering štrukli / Wikipedia

The best place for coffee and cake is… Kava-tava place.

The best view of Zagreb is from… the Zagreb Eye; the Upper Town.

Zagreb as seen from the Zagreb Eye / Zagreb 360°

Whenever I want to enjoy some tranquility I go to…  Zrinjevac Park.

When I was a kid my favorite place to go was… Trg Bana Jelačića (Ban Jelačić Square); the Upper Town.

>>> Read more from our Through the Eyes of a Local series.

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