City of Gospić - Village Bilaj
This picturesque village on the Lika River is placed only a few kilometres from Gospić. It has rich history filled with wars and battles, the most famous of them being the Battle of Bilaj, that happened in 1809 between the Napoleon's and Austro-Hungarian army. On the hill Gradina, there are the remains of a Turkish tower, since Bilaj was one of the most important settlements in the area during the Ottoman Empire. Every year on 29th Aug, a holy mass is held in a cave/chapel of St. Stephen, next to St. Jacob's church, as a remembrance of the attack on Bilaj during the Croatian War of Independence.
Bilaj - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: In the summer months, the visitors can go swimming, having a picnic, fishing, or strolling next to the stunning Lika River. For those interested in historic and cultural itineraries, Bilaj has many tales to offer, the most famous one being about the Battle of Bilaj, when Šime Starčević spoke to General Marmont in fluent French, telling him not to enter the church with his horse. The visitors can also learn more about the Croatian War of Independence from the locals and visit St. Stephen's cave, where they used to find shelter and hid during the war. The cave was named after the local priest Stjepan Zeba, who played an important role in providing support to the villagers during the war.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: From a few hours to one day
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Tourist Board Gospić
Cultural material heritage: Historical centre, Religious building
Cultural immaterial heritage: Historical itinerary, Local traditions or legend, Legendary or historical persona or character
Natural heritage: Naturalistic itineraries, Hills, Medical herbs, Rivers, Flora, Fauna, cycling trails, Hiking trails
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes, Water streams, Pathways
Hidden intangible patrimony: Local customs, Community tales, Knowledge related to agriculture and wild herbs, Family tales
Experiences: Showing around, Cycling through nature, Cycling, hiking, trekking, adventure motor, jeep safari, rafting, walking, exploring, Swimming, sunbathing, gastronomy, Road trip, Fishing, Swimming, Walking, Picnic, Sport activities, Sport fishing, Introduction with historical and cultural heritage of Lika area
Form filler: Anita Ladišić
Municipality of Lovinac - Village Vranik
Vranik is a village in the Municipality of Lovinac. According to the last list of population, it has only 7 inhabitants. It was formed on the edge of a valley below a fortified town whose remains can still be seen on Gradina hill. There is Kovačević tower - the old Turkish watchtower that is well preserved but not marked and not easily accessible. It is worth to see it as cultural heritage.
There is also a Chapel of Saint Frances (Kapelica svetog Frane).
Vranik Lovinac - Croatia/ Lika-Senj County
Tourist experience: Vranik is the most picturesque village in Lovinac area with beautiful nature, especially in spring. Interesting to see is a Chapel of Saint Frances (Kapelica svetog Frane) and Kovačević tower.
It is best to visit Vranik during the manifestation related to St. Francis.
Spoken languages: English, Croatian
Experience duration: 1 day
Opening: Always available
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Tourist contact: Lovinac Tourism Forum
Cultural material heritage: Historical monument, Church
Cultural immaterial heritage: Local events (theatre, music, dance, exhibitions)
Natural heritage: Naturalistic itineraries
Hidden tangible patrimony: Landscapes
Hidden intangible patrimony: Building practices
Form filler: Tamara Božić Smojver
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