Ogulin is located in the center of mainland Croatia, between Zagreb and Rijeka. It is one of the most attractive destinations in the region due to its location at the foot of the Klek mountain and its preserved environment. The town lies in a wide valley more than 300 m below sea level and is crossed by two beautiful rivers: Dobra and Mrežnica. Its architecture and heritage are a testimony to its historical, cultural and artistic wealth. The town covers an area of 500 km² and has a population of about 14,000.
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Presentation of Ogulin
Located at the crossroads of large regions of Croatia such as Gorski Kotar, Lika, Kordun and Pokuplje, the territory surrounding the town of Ogulin is so special, that it could represent an entire region on its own. The hills in the Ogulin-Modruš Valley are home to medieval chapels, which are some of the most beautiful monuments in the town. Ogulin is bordered on the west by the Velika Kapela mountain range and the Klek mountain (1181 m). The town is nestled in the bottom of the valley and faces the Krpel (511 m), Brezovica (565 m) and Hum (863 m) mountains on its eastern side. The hilly part of the Ogulin valley also includes the Klekinja (504 m) and Trojvrh (599 m) mountains.
Ogulin’s history
The first documents that mention the history of Ogulin date back to the 15th century. The town is relatively recent compared to seaside destinations and some inland villages dating back to the prehistoric era. Ogulin is also known as Julija in Croatian culture. In fact, the town name Ogulin first appeared on the Croatian map drawn by the Jesuit monk Stjepan Glavač in 1673.
Ogulin has a sad legend, according to which Đula, from the town of Julija, threw herself into the waters of the Dobra River following a heartbreak. There are different versions to explain the name of Ogulin (which means stronghold, presence of tree…) but none of them has convinced the scientific community so far. However, Ogulin really became an important stronghold from the 16th century onwards, whose role was to protect the country from Ottoman invasions.
What to visit in Ogulin ?
- Cesarovac Fountain : this memorial was built by Colonel Šuplikac in 1847 to commemorate the aqueduct. The water flowed through wooden tubes and the legend goes that the fairy at the source, at the foot of Klek Mountain, cast a spell on the water, forcing men to stay in Ogulin for life and women to remain eternally beautiful and young.
- King Tomislav’s Monument. This monument was built for the 1000th anniversary of the creator of the kingdom of Croatia.
- St. Rocco’s Chapel : it was built to fight against cholera around 1850.
- Saint Bernardin’s Chapel. The only thing that remains today is the altar of this chapel built by the son of the founder of the city.
- Church of the Holy Cross. This beautiful church was built in 1781 in the center of the city and its sculptures can be appreciated by the public and by connoisseurs.