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
The city-fortress of Palmanova is well known to us at Extinguished Countries and to our eager readers. But how many of you know that, some 300 km further east, there is another star-shaped city? A city that was attacked by the Ottoman Empire six times, and managed to repel it just as many times? We… Continue reading The Habsburg’s boat return
The story of Yugoslavia is a fascinating one, full of unique cultural and societal complexities. This now “extinguished” country was once an unparalleled example of coexistence, bringing together different cultures, religions, and languages to create a distinctive and rich blend of art, music, and movies. But although many academics and Yugoslavia enthusiasts are familiar with… Continue reading Yugo-journey: A Road Trip Across Former Yugoslavia
In the South of Germany, nestled within the mountainous Black Forest, flow two small streams: Brigach and Breg. Their names may not ring a bell, but the river they give life to just a few kilometres downstream certainly will: the Danube. Europe’s longest waterway winds through ten countries before emptying into the Black Sea. Since… Continue reading From Istanbul to the Alps: the journey of a window along the Danube
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