Last Updated on 26 August 2025 by Johan
The national anthem of Croatia was originally written in 1835 by Antun Mihanović, a poet and diplomat born in Zagreb. It first appeared in print under the title Horvatska domovina (“Croatian Homeland”) in the literary magazine Danica. The poem expressed patriotic devotion to the land, its natural beauty, and its people, and quickly gained popularity among Croatians during a time of rising national consciousness.
Title and Adoption
Though the original title was Horvatska domovina, the anthem became widely known as Lijepa naša domovino (“Our Beautiful Homeland”), a phrase taken from its opening line. It was first performed publicly as a national anthem in 1891 by the Croatian-Slavonian Economic Association in Zagreb. Over time, the shortened title Lijepa naša became a common informal reference to the anthem and even to the country itself.
Historical Significance
Antun Mihanović (1796–1861), born in Zagreb, was deeply influenced by the cultural and political movements of 19th-century Europe, particularly the rise of national identity across the continent. His poem reflected the aspirations of Croatians under Habsburg rule, emphasizing unity, natural pride, and historical continuity.
The anthem’s lyrics mention key geographic features of Croatia, including the rivers Sava, Drava, and Danube, as well as the Adriatic Sea. These references serve not only as poetic imagery but also as symbolic markers of Croatian territory and heritage.
| Lijepa nasa Domovino | Our Beautiful Homeland |
| Lijepa naša Domovino, Oj junačka zemljo mila, Stare slave djedovino, Da bi vazda sretna bila! Mila kano si nam slavna, Mila si nam ti jedina, Mila kuda si nam ravna, Mila kuda si planina! Teci Savo, Dravo teci, Nit ti, Dunav, silu gubi! Sinje more, svijetu reci, Da svoj narod Hrvat ljubi! Dok mu njive sunce grije, Dok mu hrašće bura vije, Dok mu mrtve grobak krije, Dok mu živo srce bije! | Our beautiful homeland, O so fearless and gracious. Our fathers’ ancient glory, May you be blessed forever. Dear, you are our only glory, Dear, you are our only one, Dear, we love your plains, Dear, we love your mountains. Sava, Drava, keep on flowing, Danube, do not lose your vigour, Deep blue sea, tell the world, That a Croat loves his homeland. Whilst his fields are kissed by sunshine, Whilst his oaks are whipped by wild winds, Whilst his dear ones go to heaven, Whilst his live heart beats. |
Cultural and Touristic Relevance
Today, Lijepa naša domovino is more than a ceremonial song—it is a cultural symbol that resonates across generations. Visitors to Croatia can explore sites connected to its national history, such as:
- The Mihanović Mansion in Zagreb, where the poet lived and worked.
- The Croatian History Museum, which offers exhibitions on 19th-century nationalism and cultural identity.
- The banks of the Sava and Drava rivers, which feature prominently in the anthem and are ideal for scenic walks and nature excursions.
- Coastal towns along the Adriatic Sea, where the anthem’s final stanza evokes the deep connection between land and sea in Croatian identity.
Local Tips
- Attend a public event or national celebration in Zagreb or Split to hear the anthem performed live, often accompanied by traditional dress and music.
- Visit Ilok or Vukovar along the Danube to experience the eastern landscapes referenced in the anthem.
- Explore the Dalmatian Coast, where the “deep blue sea” mentioned in the lyrics meets historic towns and UNESCO sites.