Municipality of Stankovci: Nature and cultural heritage by Lake Vrana

• The municipality’s southwestern boundary runs along the shore of Lake Vrana; the shoreline section in the municipality is 8.85 kilometres long.
• The A1 motorway runs along the municipality’s northern edge.
• In the nearby Lake Vrana Nature Park, there is a 40-kilometre panoramic trail used by cyclists and walkers.
• The municipality includes the Natura 2000 site HR2001361 “Ravni kotari” and the protected area of Lake Vrana Nature Park.

The municipality’s connection to the shore of Lake Vrana is a defining geographical feature of the Municipality of Stankovci. The 8.85-kilometre shoreline section refers to the part of the lake within the municipality. The area of Lake Vrana Nature Park within the municipality is also protected under Croatia’s Nature Protection Act. The Natura 2000 site HR2001361 “Ravni kotari” is also part of the municipality and protects species and habitats.

The nearby nature park is another reference point for outdoor activities: its 40-kilometre panoramic trail runs around the lake and is used by cyclists and walkers. The route is therefore an option for experiencing the landscape in different ways.

The A1 motorway runs along the municipality’s northern edge. The D27 state road connects Gračac, Zaton Obrovački and Benkovac with Stankovci and Šibenik. The Ž 6067 county road also connects Bulić with Stankovci. These road connections help place the municipality within the regional road network.

The sites range from prehistoric settlements to fortifications and churches. In Velim, near the Širitovac and Velištak wells, there is a settlement dating to the early Neolithic. Remains of a Roman villa rustica are also known within the municipality. The hillfort Ogradak in Stankovci was generally used for observation or defence.

Velim Castle, on a hill, is a rectangular fortification. The remains of two towers survive, one older and one later; the castle was destroyed and burned down in 1684. During the Venetian-Ottoman wars, a signal tower was built in Budak as part of a wider chain of fortifications. These two examples illustrate different aspects of the history of fortification, but they do not belong to a single complex.

Religious buildings are also part of the cultural heritage: the Church of Sv. Ivana in Banjevci is considered a medieval building of architectural and historical significance. The Church of Sv. Petra in Morpolača is associated with the 12th century. The cemetery church of Sv. Marije is also included in the cultural monuments register for the municipality.

First, consider whether nature and outdoor activities or archaeological and historical themes will be the focus of your trip. When looking for a hotel in the Municipality of Stankovci, you can then compare the location of a specific listing with the places and activities you plan to visit. The municipality includes the settlements of Stankovci, Banjevci and Bila Vlaka. These place names offer practical points of reference for your further planning, but do not indicate anything about the amenities of individual accommodations.

“Milo Selo pod Gradinom” is a traditional folk event in Stankovci. Numerous cultural and artistic associations from across Croatia take part. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the dates for your travel period in advance.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Bibinje, Municipality of Privlaka, Municipality of Benkovac, Municipality of Nin, Municipality of Posedarje.

How long is the panoramic trail at Lake Vrana?

The trail in the nearby nature park is 40 kilometres long and is used by cyclists and walkers.

Which road connections are mentioned for Stankovci?

The A1 runs along the municipality’s northern edge. The D27 connects, among other places, Gračac, Zaton Obrovački and Benkovac with Stankovci and Šibenik; the Ž 6067 connects Bulić and Stankovci.

Which historical buildings and sites are especially notable?

The sites mentioned include the castle remains at Velim, the hillfort Ogradak in Stankovci, the signal tower in Budak and the churches of Sv. Ivana and Sv. Petra.

When does “Milo Selo pod Gradinom” take place?

The event is known as a traditional folk event in Stankovci. For specific dates, please check the information for your planned travel period.

For the overarching travel guide: Zadar County.