For centuries Dubrovnik was an affluent and powerful place, her coffers filled with the wealth of her prosperous sea faring trade.
Alas, after the devastating earthquake of 1667, the mighty Republic of Dubrovnik began to decline.
1n 1669 it sold two patches of land to the Ottomans as insurance against advancing Venetian forces. Today those patches belong to Bosnia-Herzegovina and are the only points of contact that country has with the Adriatic.
In the early 1800’s Russian-Montenegrin fleets besieged Dubrovnik, lobbing over 3000 cannonballs in the process. In 1806 Dubrovnik surrendered to Napoleon’s forces with the understanding that they simply needed free passage and weren’t interested in occupation. Sadly this was not the case. The French blockaded the harbor and soon Dubrovnik’s streets were filled with French soldiers.
On this day all flags and coats of arms above the city walls were painted black as a sign of mourning.
By 1808 the Republic was abolished, its land and people absorbed into Napoleon’s Kingdom of Italy.
Thankfully that’s not the end of the story. Before too long a certain group of Austrians arrived on the scene and things really started to get interesting.
In the meantime, I’m digging into a fabulous Croatian salad from Sopovo. It is like a milder, spicier Greek salad with tomatoes, green pepper, hot peppers, and feta cheese. The white wine vinaigrette is savory and light and sets off the fresh vegetables beautifully.
This is my contribution to Wanderfood Wednesday. Click here to see more dishes from around the world.
Sopovo Salad
Ingredients:
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 Hot green pepper, minced
1/2 Green peppers, diced
2 Tbsp White wine vinegar
1 Garlic clove, minced
1 Tbsp Olive oil
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 cup Feta, cubed
Parsley
Directions:
- Place tomatoes, peppers and green peppers in large bowl.
- In small bowl whisk together oil, vinegar, salt and garlic. Pour over vegetables and toss gently to coat.
- Top with feta and parsley.
Beautiful building. Lovely salad, very colorful and fresh.
Isn’t it lovely, Elra? I love interesting architecture. 🙂
Croatia is my biggest travel regret of all time. I was actually on my way to Dubrovnik from Vienna in 2005 when my bag was stolen, including passport, money and credit cards. Because I didn’t have a passport anymore, I had to cancel my trip to Croatia literally 10 minutes before boarding the train. I hope to make it there one day! Your photos remind me of my loss.
Oh no, Connie! That must’ve been so sad for you. I hope you get to go very soon. 🙂 I love that country. Exquisitely beautiful and such amazing history. 🙂
What a great little snippet of history. Imagine lobbing 3000 cannonballs in!! Nice fresh salad, I like the idea of a little extra zing with the hotter peppers.
I thought it was fascinating too, Anna. 🙂 I cannot imagine firing canons at such a beautiful city!
The salad is delicious – light and fresh and definitely zingy. 🙂
The salad looks amazing! At first I thought it was a Greek Salad but looking at the ingredients list, it’s definitely a different salad on its own! 😀
Looks like a perfect salad for a warm summer day!
what i love about your articles is that i learn AND get hungry!! what a fantastic recipe – thanks!
I know what you mean, Lorraine! It is close but quite different and VERY tasty. 🙂
It sure is, Nicole! 🙂 I’m craving it again. 🙂
Thank you so much, Jessie! 🙂 That makes me very happy. 🙂
Once again, simplicity rules with this salad! I love your photos – true eye candy. 🙂
“like a milder, spicier Greek salad” — that’s just what I was thinking. It looks delicious!
It looks very fresh and inviting – just the thing for lunch on a hot summer’s day
Light and summery! Reminds me of the colours of Italy 🙂
Croatia is high on my list of places to see. I am told that the Adriatic Sea is reminiscent of Greece so it easy to see how their foods would be intertwined.
This could be my lunch today. I love feta with salads. I love feta with most anything but not alone. It needs another food to balance it out, at least, for my palate.
Beautiful salad.
I love salads, and this one sounds delicious and look easy to make. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
http://budgettravelerssandbox.com/2010/08/wanderfood-wednesday-delicious-ramen-in-fukuoka