Municipality of Polača – Churches, history and cycling route

• The “Vrata Ravnih kotara” circular route is 20 km long. It starts in Kakma and passes through Donja Jagodnja, Gornja Jagodnja, and Polača.
• There are ten rest stops along the route. Jezero Novak is the fourth point and a rest stop; Štrkovača is the fifth point.
• Polača’s historic religious buildings, a 14th-century fortification, and memorial sites are among its main attractions.
• Kotari in Kakma is a winery, olive oil mill, and wine bar. It offers wine and olive oil tastings, as well as guided cellar tours.

The Old Church of Saints Kuzma and Damjan was built in 1836 southeast of the center of Polača, next to the local cemetery. Its restoration began after 1995 at the original site. It is distinct from the parish church of Saints Kuzma and Damjan, which was consecrated on February 26, 2006. The main altar, tabernacle, Višeslav baptismal font, and crucifix in this parish church were made by local artist Ratko Peraić.

The old Gradina is also part of the area’s history: the fortification dates from the 14th century and was built by the princes of Krbava for defense. Remains of a prehistoric settlement survive on Glavica Bićina; the site is not developed for visitors. In Prtenjača, there is a chapel of Saint Martin in the hamlet. It was used for catechism classes and Mass on the feast day of Saint Martin. The “Sv. Kuzma i Damjan” monument preserves the church ruins on site as a memorial to the suffering of Polača.

The Municipality of Polača’s municipal day is set for September 26, which is also the feast day of Saints Kuzma and Damjan. The folklore association KUD “Gradina” from Polača has taken part in numerous folklore programs in Croatia and abroad. Fourteen showcases of traditional folklore groups from Zadar County have also been held in Polača.

The route connects Kakma, Donja Jagodnja, Gornja Jagodnja, and Polača in a 20 km circular route. The ten rest stops divide the route into individual stages. Jezero Novak is both the fourth point and a rest stop. Štrkovača is the fifth point; from there, you can look out over the Polača field and the surrounding villages. This information helps you assess a cycling trip by distance and named waypoints, without confusing the circular route with a short visit to the town.

If you are looking for other guided experiences in addition to cycling, there are two different options: Quad Adventure Ravni kotari organizes guided quad tours departing from Polača. Ražnjevića Dvori A.D. 1307 organizes excursions and cycling tours. This lets you distinguish between a marked circular route and organized tours when planning your trip.

Kotari, the winery, olive oil mill, and wine bar of the Maslina i vino agricultural cooperative, is located at Kakma 189. It offers wine and olive oil tastings, as well as guided cellar tours. This combines regional products with a specific visitor experience in Kakma. Agro turizam Prtenjača is located in the hamlet of the same name in the northern part of the municipality. Advance arrangements are required for details of the offer, opening hours, and reservations.

The settlements connected by the cycling route include Polača and Kakma. To compare other municipal destinations, you can also consider the Municipality of Benkovac, the Municipality of Novigrad, the Municipality of Poličnik, the Municipality of Zemunik Donji, the Municipality of Privlaka, and the Municipality of Gračac.

How long is the “Vrata Ravnih kotara” cycling route?

The circular route is 20 km long.

Where does the cycling route start?

It starts in Kakma and passes through Donja Jagodnja, Gornja Jagodnja, and Polača.

What does Kotari offer?

Kotari offers wine and olive oil tastings, as well as guided cellar tours.

Do I need to contact Agro turizam Prtenjača in advance?

Yes. Advance arrangements are required for details of the offer, opening hours, and reservations.

For the broader travel overview: Zadar County.