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Cultural sites
MONUMENTS OF TRADITION
Gorski kotar
The area of Gorski Kotar is exceptionally rich in material remains of the most ancient history of this area, valuable sacral structures, cultural and historical monuments and tradition.
Throughout history, new cultures replaced the old to create invaluable treasure stretching out before you across the entire area of Gorski Kotar. From ancient, medieval monuments, different cultures... until the present day and the local art, cultural expressions and the monuments built upon them intertwine to create an area that will captivate you.
The cultural heritage of Gorski Kotar is diverse and can be thematically divided into protected heritage, museums, galleries and collections, ethno houses, sacral heritage, ethno villages and zones, flour mills, sawmills, etc.
Zrinski and Frankopan Castles
The history of the Frankopan noble family dates back more than 900 years. A large number of settlements in Gorski Kotar is first mentioned in a 15th century court order prohibiting the Frankopan family from levying a fee from Zagreb merchants at their estates in Moravice, Delnice, Lokve, Brod... These places mark part of the old Frankopan road, through Gorski Kotar, to the settlement in Primorje. Take the cultural and tourist route and explore the castles, forts and details of the rich tradition and life of the Frankopan family.
Take the cultural and tourist route and explore the castles, forts and details of the rich tradition and life of the Frankopan family.
Sacral heritage
In Gorski Kotar, a number of sacral structures have been preserved, dating back to different historical periods. One of them is the Calvary in Mrkopalj, with its dominating location atop a hill south-west above the Karolina road and the village. It consists of three crosses with bronze sculptures. The most important religious event in Gorski Kotar, the Mrkopalj feast, is held at the Church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. It is traditionally celebrated on the third Sunday of September, when the faithful gather in Mrkopalj in large numbers to show their gratitude and respect to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
ETHNOGRAPHIC COLLECTIONS
Gorski Kotar is home to numerous ethnographic collections testifying to the history, way of life and values of this area. They include invaluable historical objects – documents, traditional folk costumes, weapons, tools, maps, books, musical instruments, and school supplies. Special mention should be made of the Ivan Goran Kovačić Memorial Museum, with five thematic areas introducing visitors to Goran’s life and works.
Some traces left by early humans were found here, as well as remains of several animals that used to inhabit this area, such as cave bears and panthers.
