This article originally appeared in Italian on Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Traseuropa. You can find the article here: The birth of tourism in Opatija. In Istria, during the Habsburg period, it was the spas and wellness treatments at local resorts that sprouted tourism. Among the most important localities in the area is Opatija, which soon became… Continue reading Opatija: a tale of sea, spas and railways
The first detailed text on the preparation of strudel, specifically apple strudel, dates back to 1827 and can be found in the“Great Viennese cookbook” by Anna Dorn. In the text, Dorn calls the cake Apfelstrudel, or ‘apple swirl’. The actual origin of the cake, however, does not have such definite roots: Strudel in fact originated… Continue reading Apples’ swirl
The Sachertorte is a delicious chocolate cake, originally conceived by the young Franz Sacher back on 9 July 1832 in Vienna, Austria, for Prince Klemens von Metternich. This exquisite creation came to life during the Restoration period, when Franz Sacher, already a great chocolate enthusiast, was also an apprentice pastry chef under the Austrian chancellor.… Continue reading Mr Sacher’s successful cake
Becoming hugely popular during the Habsburg Empire, the delicious Knödel and Kloß date back to the 18th century. The influence of the Habsburg Empire played a crucial role in spreading the concept, making these dumplings a cherished part of cultural heritage in neighboring countries. In Poland, chefs prepare Kluski kartoflane, while the Czech Republic people… Continue reading Imperial dumplings
Rijeka is one of the most emblematic cities of the former Habsburg Empire. The Kvarner’s capital has a complex identity and intricate history that never cease to intrigue (and confuse) those who visit it. Ivan Jeličić is a professor of contemporary history at the University of Rijeka and one of the researchers who worked on… Continue reading Habsburg Rijeka: from Corpus Separatum to Port of Diversity
Walking through the streets of Rijeka, one can easily notice the many architectural accomplishments that have transformed this coastal city into a Central European one during the 19th century. For example, with the construction of the Modello Palace and the theatre, both opened in 1885, the architecture studio Fellner & Helmer gave Rijeka the whiff of Vienna, while the Governor’s… Continue reading Of Love, Lighthouses, and Layered Cakes: Rijeka’s Sweet Surprises
Pasquale Revoltella (1795-1869) was a baron, economist and entrepreneur; but more than anything, a perfect specimen of the Habsburg self-made man. The son of a butcher, he built his fortune bit by bit until he reached the pinnacle of his career as vice president of the Suez Canal Universal Company, which opened in 1869. We… Continue reading Suez’s dream. The incredible story of Baron Revoltella
The Republic of Venice met its demise in 1797. Today, you can explore its heritage. Embark on a journey from Venice to Dubrovnik to unveil the vestiges of the Serenissima, an extinct country that held sway over the Adriatic and Mediterranean regions for nearly a millennium. Commencing in Venice, the former capital, the voyage proceeds… Continue reading Our guided group tour across the Republic of Venice
On the eve of World War I, the Habsburg Empire was still an important political entity encompassing much of Central and Eastern Europe. From Italy to Ukraine, Poland to Bosnia-Herzegovina, thirteen contemporary states are then part of this multiethnic empire, where dozens of populations of different languages, religions and traditions coexist. Slow, bureaucratic and bent… Continue reading Habsburg Empire and California: different time, similar identities
In the days of classical Greece, the first of the nine muses of the arts was Clio (or Kleio), the muse of history. It is to her that Zagreb’s history festival, Kliofest, owes its name. Kliofest was conceived by Damir Agičić, professor of history at the University of Zagreb and founder, along with Magdalena Najbar-Agičić of… Continue reading 10 Years of Kliofest
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