Destination
It is no coincidence that Stella Croatica chose this location for our new production facility; the historical background of this area perfectly reflects the historical background of the South Croatia – Dalmatia as a whole.
Due to the strategic importance of the Klis area, embedded into the gap between the two mountains – Kozjak to the East and Mosor to the West, on the crossing between the costal Dalmatia and the inner land Zagora, Klis had a very turbulent history. Thanks to the land configuration suitable for cattle breeding and plenty of water springs, this area has been constantly inhabited since the Stone Age. Native tribes, Illyrians, built their stone fortresses surrounded with dry built stone walls all over the sunny southern slopes of the mountains Kozjak and Mosor.
Due to the strategic importance of the Klis area, embedded into the gap between the two mountains – Kozjak to the East and Mosor to the West, on the crossing between the costal Dalmatia and the inner land Zagora, Klis had a very turbulent history. Thanks to the land configuration suitable for cattle breeding and plenty of water springs, this area has been constantly inhabited since the Stone Age. Native tribes, Illyrians, built their stone fortresses surrounded with dry built stone walls all over the sunny southern slopes of the mountains Kozjak and Mosor.
The arrival of Croats in the 7th century is the most significant event in the history of Klis. At that time, Klis became the center of one of Croatian districts and a residence of many Croatian kings and patricians. Over the course of history, Klis held its strategic role in controlling the trade between the Croatian coast and the hinterland, therefore becoming a point of interest to both Turks and Venetians.
In the late 15th century, Croats in Klis found themselves at the last line of defense against the Ottoman Empire.
These difficult times generated heroes remembered and honored even today. One of the local heroes is Petar Kružić. Under his guidance, the small brave group of Croatian soldiers, encamped in the Klis fortress, managed to resist the conquest of the superior Turkish army for decades. After pleading for help from all major European power centers of the time without success, they were finally beaten in 1537. Meanwhile, from the first arrival of Croats to the area, in the 7th century AD, the costs of the east Adriatic have been the arena of constant battles for power between locals and the superior power of the time – Venetian Republic.
In the late 15th century, Croats in Klis found themselves at the last line of defense against the Ottoman Empire.
These difficult times generated heroes remembered and honored even today. One of the local heroes is Petar Kružić. Under his guidance, the small brave group of Croatian soldiers, encamped in the Klis fortress, managed to resist the conquest of the superior Turkish army for decades. After pleading for help from all major European power centers of the time without success, they were finally beaten in 1537. Meanwhile, from the first arrival of Croats to the area, in the 7th century AD, the costs of the east Adriatic have been the arena of constant battles for power between locals and the superior power of the time – Venetian Republic.
Turks stayed in Klis for the following 111 years and were finally vanished from these areas by the Venetians empowered by Croatian experienced warriors called Uskoci. After the fall of the Republic of Venice, Klis was under the government of Austria and shortly even under the Napoleon France.
Later the area followed the destiny of the whole Croatian country and underwent from one to another foreign authority until the final realization of the independent Republic of Croatia in the 1990s.
All those different cultures that have come in contact with Croats in this region left influences on our culture and daily lives. Some to a greater extent than others, some left just a few words or customs, others left magnificent monuments and priceless pieces of art. Some brought new fruits and seeds into the area together with instruction on how to prepare it – recipes.
Stella Croatica gathered those recipes, altered by locals over the time to some extent and started to produce and pack those delicacies so you, our dear guests, can have a chance to try some of the food traditionally prepared by our grandmas and grandpas.
Later the area followed the destiny of the whole Croatian country and underwent from one to another foreign authority until the final realization of the independent Republic of Croatia in the 1990s.
All those different cultures that have come in contact with Croats in this region left influences on our culture and daily lives. Some to a greater extent than others, some left just a few words or customs, others left magnificent monuments and priceless pieces of art. Some brought new fruits and seeds into the area together with instruction on how to prepare it – recipes.
Stella Croatica gathered those recipes, altered by locals over the time to some extent and started to produce and pack those delicacies so you, our dear guests, can have a chance to try some of the food traditionally prepared by our grandmas and grandpas.