Karlovac

The town of Karlovac in central Croatia originated as a fortified military base providing protection from an Ottoman invasion into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Overlooking Karlovac is Dubovac Castle, a classic fortification with an impressive square tower and three bastions. The castle was probably first built in the 13th century. It was rebuilt in Renaissance style in the 15th century and rebuilt again in the 19th century in the spirit of Romanticism. The castle was then renovated in 1952 according to drawings from the end of the 18th century. Karlovac is situated on four rivers: the Dobra, Kupa, Korana and Mrežnica. These rivers provided a vital link to the Mediterranean coast and had a key influence on the prosperity of the town. Karlovac became a thriving trading town, experiencing its golden age during the 18th and 19th centuries. In the 20th century, the two World Wars devastated the town but it was the recent Homeland War that caused the most damage, not only to buildings and structure but also to the community. However, Karlovac is beginning to prosper again and being discovered as a tourist destination rich in culture and history. It also offers a wealth of recreational activities. Sporting options abound and include river rafting, canoeing, sailing, swimming, fishing, mountain climbing, tennis, hiking and biking. Anyone wishing to take things a little more leisurely will find parks and promenades for easy strolls as well as museums and theatres. Local gastronomy is also well worth exploring with various restaurants offering a rich variety of cuisine marked by the timeless tradition of hunting game.