Renaissance Star-Shaped Fortress, Central Croatia, Croatia

5TCork2014 5:00 PM Nov 8, 2015

Signature attraction of Karlovac
Karlovac is a relatively new settlement which knows the exact date of production - 13 July 1579 . It was founded as a fortress to protect against the Turkish conquest, in the plain at the confluence of the river Korana to river Kupa, at the foot of the ancient ruins of Old Castle Dubovac . Named after its founder, the Austrian archduke Carl, Karlovac is built on the idea of an ideal Renaissance city in the form of a six-pointed star with a central square and streets intersecting at right angles. Outside of the six-pointed star fort, there were few entry points via lifting bridges and surrounded by moats. The star- fortress space geometrically correct and proportional streets and squares bordered with six bastions connected earthen walls ( curtain walls ) to the exterior of the fortress follows the ditch ( moat ) and oblique outer earthen dam, which allowed a good defensive front control fortress . Such a system construction was an expression of the highest fortification ideas of the time. Nowadays moats are made into the parks and this is the Karlovac's signature. Surrounded by parks and plenty of cafes, I recommend you visit Start Shaped Fortress.

3Sasha P 5:00 PM Jul 14, 2015

Medieval trenches in modern usage
Karlovac is small city and you won't find a lot of stuff to do, but they are saying that it is a town on four rivers which is quite unique. For a one day or half-day stroll it is recommended to park near the river where you will find great playground, hotel and restaurant, and take a walk up to the center of the city. It is nice to see how old trenches, which were intended to defend the city and christianity five centuries ago, now completely fit into the perspective of modern city. Unfortunately, you will not find any help there in the mean of tourist information on billboards or some near-road signs because there is not such a thing. While you are there, I would recommend also old castle uphill (5 min with car from the center of the city) or old town Ozalj which is 15 min by car.