City of Gospić - The tower of Aga Senković
The tower of Aga Senković is located at the crossing over the river Novčica, and it was the oldest house in Gospić. The building was extensively damaged during the Croatian War of Independence and finally burned when a fire broke out from the neighboring smaller building on September 3, 1993.
Gospić - Croatia/ Lika-Senj county
Tourist experience: For those who love discovering cultural heritage and history, this oldest building in Gospić, built after 1527, might give lots of food for thought. Although what is left of it now are just old walls, it hides the story of the noble Senković family who built it during the Ottomans, as well as that of the wealthy Pavelić family who turned it into their luxurious mansion. The legend of how Gospić got its name is closely related to the tower and river when two ladies drank water from a stream and discovered this water has healing properties.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: 1 hour
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: The Lika Museum
Cultural material heritage: Historic house
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes, Water streams
Hidden intangible patrimony: Building practices
Form filler: Tamara Božić Smojver
Municipality of Lovinac - Zduna tower
It is assumed that the tower was built during the Ottoman Empire, and rebuilt in 1744. The legend says that the tower was built by the coastal masters who were paid in gold by the priest Zduna, but who were robbed by someone on the way across Velebit.
A stone built above the basement door on which are carved letters and numbers ("DAM ZDUNA 1744"), stands upside down. Probably, the tower was restored by uneducated people, who unconsciously or for some other reason, installed the stone upside down.
In the ruins of the Zduna tower today one can see all the techniques of building houses in Lika.
Smokric - Croatia / Lika-Senj county
Tourist experience: Visitors usually come to Zduna tower by bicycle trail Sv. Rok – Balenova Plana. This trail is 9 kilometres long and is great for a one-day family trip, easy to go by bicycle in just an hour and a half.
Experience duration: 1 hour
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Siniša Radulović Lovinac Tourism Forum
Cultural material heritage: Historic house
Cultural immaterial heritage: Local traditions or legend
Hidden intangible patrimony: Building practices
Form filler: Tamara Božić Smojver
Municipality of Perušić - Church of the Exaltation of the Saint Cross
This rich Medieval Gothic church with 9 altars was built in 13th/14th century. Interestingly, it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman reign in Perušić. After the Ottomans, it was reassigned into a catholic church. There is the inscription above the entrance - “In hoc signo vinces” (eng. In this sign you will conquer), which many interpret as a victory of the cross over the crescent moon, i.e. of Christianity over Islam. The stone wall around the church yard hides graves (necropolis) with skeletons whose origin is still unexplored.
Perušić - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: Religious tourism; historical itinerary - the visitors can see the 42-meter-long single-nave church, where one can find 28 interior elements on the list of moveable cultural monuments.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: 2 hours
Opening: During the mass or by contacting the local priest.
Booking: No booking requiered
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Parish St. Cross
Cultural material heritage: Religious building, Church
Cultural immaterial heritage: Historical itinerary
Form filler: Anita Ladišić
Municipality of Perušić - Old Town Perušić / Turkish Tower / Gradina
Old Town Perušić / Turkish Tower / Gradina are names used by the locals to refer to the remains of an old fortress placed near the city centre of Perušić. The fortress was built by the noble family Perušić, after whom Perušić got its name. It was also a defence fort during the Ottoman Empire.
Perušić - Croatia / Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: By visiting the Turkish tower, one can see the most famous historical building in Perušić and learn more about local history.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: 2 hours
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Perušić Tourist Board
Cultural material heritage: Historical palace/castle
Cultural immaterial heritage: Historical itinerary
Hidden intangible patrimony: Building practices
Form filler: Anita Ladišić