Discover the Municipality of Josipdol

The municipality’s main settlement is Josipdol. It lies in the Potkapelska Depression, on an extensive karst plateau. To the west rises Mount Veljun at 534 m, to the east Mount Treskavac at 527 m, and to the north Viničica Hill at 421 m. The municipality includes protected Natura 2000 areas. The Modruš–Veljun–Sabljaci landscape is designated as natural heritage and covers 4,923.03 ha.

The ruins of Stari grad Modruš Castle are among Croatia’s most significant medieval archaeological sites. South of the castle ruins lie the ruins of the Church of St Nicholas and the Pauline monastery on the old medieval road from Modruš; both are protected cultural properties. The ruins of the old Tržan-grad in present-day Modruš are also part of the municipality’s history and are considered its most historically significant site.

Another focal point is Viničica. This protected archaeological site is a large settlement complex that was continuously inhabited during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Most researchers believe it was the site of the Japodian capital, Metulum. Metulum is also associated with Viničica Hill above Josipdol. These sites offer insight into the area’s long history of settlement without conflating the different historical accounts.

The Church of St Joseph in the municipality was built in 1785 and retains original features of Baroque Classicism. In Oštarije, the stone Marmont Bridge spans the now-dry riverbed of the Zagorska Mrežnica. It serves pedestrians and cyclists. In the Middle Ages, the church in Oštarije was the largest religious building in the Diocese of Krbava.

The Munjava Valley is designated as a natural resource and forms part of the headwaters of the Western Mrežnica. Munjava Stream is 8 km long: it rises below Mount Kozalj near Modruš, flows north through the Munjava Valley and disappears into small sinkholes at Carevo. Karst and waterways give the landscape a distinctive geographical character.

Rare and endemic cave species, including the olm (Proteus anguinus), are found in the municipality’s Natura 2000 areas. Visitors interested in nature and cave-dwelling animals can consider this alongside the cultural sites when planning their trip. The Modruš Viewpoint has a shelter, benches and tables, as well as views of the surrounding landscape. There are opportunities for hiking in the area; more than ten tourist trails are listed for Josipdol.

The A1 motorway runs through the Municipality of Josipdol, connecting Zagreb via Karlovac and Bosiljevo with the Adriatic transport corridor and other destinations in Croatia. Intercity bus services run along state roads DC 23 and DC 24. According to the municipal development strategy, local public transport within the municipality is relatively well served by bus routes and stops.

The Green Route follows the Josipdol–Plaški–Saborsko route and showcases the area’s natural attractions and traditional foods. Another link to regional history is the Jozefina Road: according to tradition, Emperor Joseph II fell from his horse at the site of present-day Josipdol, prompting the road’s construction. Local cuisine is known for Modruš potatoes cooked under a peka lid, as well as lamb as a gastronomic speciality.

If you would like to compare other municipalities, you can also find the Municipality of Rakovica, the Municipality of Bosiljevo, the Municipality of Vojnić, the Municipality of Ozalj, the Municipality of Cetingrad, the Municipality of Karlovac and the Municipality of Krnjak.

Which historical sites are particularly characteristic of the Municipality of Josipdol?

Notable sites include the ruins of Stari grad Modruš Castle, the protected ruins of the Church of St Nicholas and the Pauline monastery, and the Viničica archaeological site.

What is known about the Viničica site?

Viničica is a protected settlement complex that was continuously inhabited during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Most researchers place the Japodian capital, Metulum, there.

Which regional specialities are mentioned?

Local specialities include Modruš potatoes cooked under a peka lid and lamb.

For the wider travel overview: Karlovac County.