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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
Booking: No need
Less than 20 min by walk from the nearest accommodation, car parking or bus station
Accessibility: Accessible to everyone
Local popolarity: 4
Destination influence: 2
Tourist contact: Tourist Board Gospić
Categories
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
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