Central Croatia What to see and do in Karlovac It may be true that all roads lead to Rome, but if you ask a Croatian, all roads also go through Karlovac. Discover the life of the town on four rivers with some of the most amazing parks in Croatia. Karlovac Star, Photo by Karlovac Tourist Board Archives
KARLOVAC MUSTS Dubovac Castle The Dubovac Castle is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful monuments of medieval architecture in Croatia. Built on a prehistoric hill above the river Kupa, it was named after the dubs, the oaks growing on the surrounding slopes. The castle changed hands many times throughout history and its current appearance is the result of a comprehensive restoration carried out during the mid-twentieth century. Within the castle you will come across a museum and a nice cosy restaurant with a touch of Medieval times. www.visitkarlovac.hr/stari-grad-dubovac The Star The most interesting feature of Karlovac is its star formation, designed for purposes of defense in keeping out the troublesome Turks. This sixpointed star formed an interestingly different type of fortress, one based on ditches and a moat.The charming little streets of the Old Town will take you to the central square of Ban Jelačić with recognizable city land20 Croatia In Your Pocket
marks - the Catholic church of the Holy Trinity with the adjacent Franciscan monastery and the Orthodox church of St Nicholas. The monastery houses a museum with an impressive collection of sacrosanct art accumulated by the Franciscans who once had an important educational role in Karlovac. www.visitkarlovac.hr/zvijezda The Museum Experience The museum is situated in the oldest Karlovac mansion, a former Frankopan residence. It was founded at the very beginning of the 20th century, as a place to preserve the town’s memories and items of historical values. Collection comprises seven departments. The museum takes care of the collections and exhibition spaces in four more locations, the Vjekoslav Karas Gallery, the Branič Tower at the Dubovac Castle, the Ribar family house in Vukmanić, Firefighting Museum, Franciscan Museum and the Homeland War Museum in Turanj. visitkarlovac.hr/the-townmuseum
RELAXATION SPOTS Karlovac parks A local historian once described Karlovac as ‘a town within a park‘, which is definitely an impression a visitor gets on arrival.If you take a walk down the Grand Promenade (Šetalište dr. Franje Tuđmana), with a five-fold alley, you will come across the charming 19th century Katzler Pavilion which marks the beginning of the promenade. This small green wooden house can best be described as ‘the smallest multicultural hub in the world’. Katzler Pavilion is a unique souvenir shop with handicrafts and souvenirs made by Karlovac artists, craftsmen and designers. The shop is run by a descendent of the Katzler family that ran the florist shop in the same Pavilion more than hundred years ago. Don’t miss out on the Vrbanić Gardens, the most famous horticultural monument in Karlovac, opened to the public in 1896. It was designed as a small open-air botanic garden between the Korana river and the croatia.inyourpocket.com
