Meet the locals · FICE 35 Congress

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Klapa_Šufit_performing_in_Logatec,_Slovenia._December_2016.

Meet the locals.

SPLIT

Split, one of the Adriatic’s most enchanting cities, is over 1,700 years old and rich in history. Its centerpiece is Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a remarkable example of Roman architecture. Other key attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and Peristyle Square, all within the vibrant old town.

Conference participants will receive promotional brochures, courtesy of the Tourist Board of the City of Split and the Tourist Board of Split-Dalmatia County, offering insights into the city’s top landmarks, culture, and local traditions.

A famous legend tells of a serpent guarding treasure hidden beneath Diocletian’s Palace. It’s said that the serpent was placed by the emperor himself to protect his riches, and some believe the creature still lurks in the ancient stone walls.
Split’s blend of history, natural beauty, and modern charm—whether along the bustling Riva promenade or from the panoramic views at Marjan Hill—creates an unforgettable experience.

MEŠTROVIĆ GALLERY

The Meštrović Gallery in Split, housed in the former residence of the renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, is a symbol of cultural and artistic heritage, making it the perfect setting for our conferential opening. With its stunning architecture, breathtaking views, and rich artistic history, the gallery offers the most beautiful and inspiring venue for events, carefully chosen to enhance this special occasion. Meštrović’s monumental sculptures and timeless designs reflect both local tradition and universal themes.

An interesting detail about Meštrović is his early life in Otavice, where he herded sheep and carved objects from wood and stone. When asked why his buildings had such high ceilings, he famously said, “For many years, the sky was my ceiling,” a tribute to his humble yet creative beginnings.

HOTEL ZAGREB

Hotel Zagreb, located in Split, has a rich history, originally serving as a retreat for members of the Yugoslav National Army (JNA). Later, it came under the management of the Ministry of Defense (MORH), and it is now run by the organization “Pleter Usluge.” The hotel boasts 175 rooms, offering comfortable accommodations for guests. Part of the hotel has been repurposed to provide shelter for Ukrainian refugees, demonstrating the hotel’s adaptability and humanitarian role.

Hotel Zagreb is not only a place of rest but also a hub for various events. It hosts fairs such as the Beekeepers’ Fair and Olive Growers’ Fair, as well as the Youth Sports Games and prestigious international events like the World Chess Tournament. With its spacious facilities and prime location in Split, the hotel is an ideal venue for conferences, meetings, and social events. Its blend of historical significance, modern amenities, and community involvement make it a standout destination for our event.

SOLANE PAG I STON

The Pag Saltworks, located south of the town of Pag, covers 225 hectares and benefits from the region’s ideal conditions—clay soil, abundant sunshine, and favorable winds. These natural advantages help produce exceptionally pure, mineral-rich sea salt, which has earned a designation of origin, marking it as one of the finest salts in Europe and the world.

The Ston Saltworks, one of the oldest in Europe, dates back to the 14th century and still uses traditional methods of production. Salt is harvested by hand in basins named after Christian saints, relying on the natural elements—sun, sea, wind, and human labor—to produce ecological salt and the prized fleur de sel.
As a special gift, we are pleased to offer you small bags of both Pag and Ston salt—symbols of their quality, tradition, and rich history.

MEDITERRANEUM

Something aromatic for supporting event

Mixture of Mediterranean coarse salt (manually harvested after evaporation from sea brine) and aromatic herbs native to Mediterranean basin.

“Mediterranum” takes season salting to another cooking level, combining together gorgeous aromatic flavors and Mediterranean coarse salt. Created with “flavored love” this season salt makes perfect foodie gift and nice add to condiment bar.

All herbs (except black pepper fruit) manually harvested from nature and carefully selected.

Ingredients; Mediterranean coarse salt, oregano (Origanum vulgare herba), rosemary (Rosmarinus officialis folia), sage (Salvia officinalis folia), thymus (Thymus serpyllum herba), fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare samen), black pepper (Piper nigrum fructus), dry spicy/hot peppers (Capiscum annum fructus) and orange peel (Citrus x sinensis).

POLJIČKI SOPARNIK

Soparnik is a traditional dish from the Dalmatian region of Poljica, listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries when the area was under Turkish rule. Made with simple ingredients—flour, water, Swiss chard, onions, olive oil, and garlic—soparnik was originally a modest meal for the local people. Women would prepare the dough and filling, while men tended the fire. The dish was baked under hot embers, and once finished, it was brushed with garlic and olive oil.

Soparnik is cut into diamond-shaped pieces, traditionally eaten from the center, with the most important guest receiving the first slice. It’s a true taste of Dalmatian history, now a delicacy enjoyed at celebrations, served with a glass of local wine. We are proud to share this piece of our heritage with you—welcome, and enjoy this authentic Dalmatian experience!

KLAPA

Klapa singing is a traditional a cappella vocal style from Dalmatia, deeply tied to the region’s culture and landscape. Originally performed by men, a klapa group typically consists of five to ten singers, including first and second tenors, baritone, and bass, with no instrumental accompaniment. The songs often focus on love, women, nature, and the beauty of the Dalmatian homeland.

This powerful yet harmonious vocal tradition once serenaded women beneath their windows, but today it stands as a significant part of Croatia’s cultural heritage.
The name “klapa” comes from the Trieste dialect word “capulata,” meaning a group of friends, reflecting the close bonds within the singing group.
Enjoy the sounds of Dalmatia that we prepare for you on our opening of this special event.

SVETI JERONIM DALMATINAC

Saint Jerome the Dalmatian (348 – 420) was born in the area of the former Roman province of Dalmatia. It is known that the Split-Dalmatia County is the only regional self-government in the world that has preserved the name of Dalmatia in its name, and at the suggestion of the prefect Blaženko Boban in 2017 St. Jerome was declare as the patron saint of the Split- Dalmatia County

On the occasion of the 1600th anniversary of the death of this famous saint, one of the church’s teachers, in 2020 the County conducted a series of activities, editions and publications commemorating the life and work of this inspiring saint, and the Split Airport was renamed after him, so it is now called the Airport St. Jerome.
If you want to learn more about Saint Jerome the Dalmatian