Maraskino - a liqueur of pleasure difficult to resist to
 Souvenirs from Croatia
Slavoljub Penkala is known as one of the most famous European inventors
who in 1906 invented the first pen and in 1907 the first fountain pen.
The Penkala ball point pen is considered to be the authentic Croatian
souvenir today witnessing the importance of Zagreb as an industrial,
commercial and cultural centre in the beginning of the 20th century.
At that time, Zagreb was the centre of the writing instruments
industry, whereas the factory, which was opened in Zagreb, exported its
products all around the world: in Riga, Lawow, Vienna, Paris, London,
New York, Los Angeles, and even Tokyo and Singapore. In the period from
1914 to 1926 it became one of the leading factories in this sector in
the world.
The famous graphic artist Rafael Barda said that "penkala" is
not only a Croatian but an European souvenir as well. Every "penkala"
pen is a unique souvenir, it has its serial number and the certificate
in Croatian and 12 more languages.
Morcic - traditional jewellery from Rijeka
Among
the traditional souvenirs that remind a tourist of a holiday spent in
Rijeka, Kvarner or Croatia, an important place has the traditional
jewellery from Rijeka known as "morcic".
In general they are ear-rings ornamented with a black head having a
turban at top, but the icon of Morcic appears in other jewellery items
too: brooches, rings, tie-pins and necklaces.
Momcic was believed to be an amulet having protective powers, while
according to the legend, women wore it as a symbol of victory over the
Turks in the 16th century.
Skilful jewellers from Rijeka designed this attractive
jewellery item at affordable prices and it thus became a must have
accessory in every women's jewellery collection. At the end of the 19th
century, when the black head with a turban started to be used as a
decoration on different kinds of jewellery, Morcic became a luxurious
and expensive jewellery item, which only rich people could afford to
buy.
Cravat - modern invention of the Croatian soldier
Handmade
silk ties are among the best known Croatian souvenirs. At the beginning
the cravat (tie) was a kerchief worn by Croatian soldiers in the 17th
century. In the 18th century it became part of the traditional male
national costume. After that it entered the fashion and became a modern
fashion accessory.
The cravat, due to its originality, was accepted by Parisians
as symbol of progress. During the French Revolution, black ties were
worn as a sign of protest against backward, i.e. obsolete ideas.
Regardless of its form, the tie grew into a recognizable souvenir which will always be a reminder of its homeland Croatia!
Pag - the authentic lacework and the famous cheese
If
you visit the island of Pag, you certainly won't leave empty-handed. As
many others, you will be impressed by the beauty of the lacework from Pag
the symbol of the island, trimmed with typical motifs inspired by its
rocky landscape. If you would like to buy the lacework from Pag, we
recommend a walk through the streets of the town of Pag where you will
find a myriad of lacework. You will have also the possibility to see
how a diligent, skilful and patient lace makers' hand works.
On the hills of the Pag island, washed by the breeze of salty
bura, 7 different species of medicinal herbs and an ideal grazing land
make the lamb's meat from Pag so special. We recommend also the famous local cheese
of Pag, which has been prepared carefully by the inhabitants of Pag
since time immemorial. You can buy cheese directly in the cheese
factory in the town of Pag or it can be purchased by private producers.
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Croatia Holiday Tips 
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