Welcome to Bakar!

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The Town of Bakar is located in the North Adriatic Sea and is part of the Primorsko Goranska County. It cov-ers an area from the Bakar Bay to the Risnjak mountain slopes and includes ancient Bakar, as its administrative and cultural centre and the surrounding villages: Hreljin, Krasica, Kukuljanovo, Plosna, Ponikve, Praputnjak, Škrljevo and Zlobin. The Town covers an area of 125.60 km2 and is populated by 7,768 inhabitants. It is char-acterized by its historical and natural diversity, its orien-tation towards the sea as a source of existence, a strong development of its service industry and its still under-exploited tourism potential. Basic geomorphologic fea-tures of the Town of Bakar are its karst landscape ranging

from the short coas tal areas around the deep Bakar Bay, across the steep rocky slopes to the majority of the villages that are situated in a semicircle in its nearby hinterland. Almost all of the villages are interconnected by the old Karolinska cesta (Charles Road), named after the Aus-trian emperor Charles VI. The hilly hinterland extends to the Risnjak National Park that is shared administratively with the Town of Delnice and the municipalities of Čabar and Lokve.

Passengers are strongly recommended to visit the Town of Bakar as this is a great opportunity for them to become acquainted with its interesting history and rich cultural heritage.

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The Town of BakarBakar is an ancient town situated on a hill, at the end of the Bakar Bay, precisely where the Mediterranean Sea penetrated at its deepest into the European continent. A number of excavations have confirmed that the area was populated as early as in 3rd and 2nd century B.C. The town’s first name was Vel-Kier, which in Celtic means Stone Bay. Ptolemy, a Roman geographer wrote down the name of Volcera located between Senj and Trsat. Volcera is the Latinised form of Vel-Kier, whereas its present Cro-atian name was recorded for the first time in the Vinodol Code (1288), one of the earliest and most important Croatian legal documents based on customary law. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Bakar experienced a sudden development based on sea trade enhanced by the Act of Empress Maria Theresa who declared it a free royal town. Interesting enough, Bakar was the largest town in Croatia in the late 18th century. In 1968 the historic town centre

was declared part of its cultural heritage. Since 1997 it has been the administrative centre of the Town of Bakar.

Hreljin is another signatory of the Vinodol Code, situ-ated on a hilltop east of Bakar. Although the old town of Hreljin was once located in the area where today there are only ruins of a castle, the village itself owes its develop-ment to the Karolinska cesta built in 1726. New Hreljin was built along the Road, which still represents its traf-fic backbone. It is a village of about three kilometres in length, whose centre is dominated by the Church of St. George.

Zlobin is a village close to Hreljin, around 13 kilometres northeast of Bakar, on the borderline between the Medi-terranean and continental climates, the latter being some-what more pronounced. The patron of Zlobin is St. John the Baptist in whose honour a church was erected.

Top left: Bakar Top right: Hreljin

Top left: Zlobin Top right: Krasica

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Krasica is another long village built along the Charles Road. The houses are built on both sides of the Road. The centre of the village is dominated by the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Praputnjak emerged as a village of agricultural labourers who cultivated the land of Bakar’s noblemen. The first time the village name was recorded in the priest Partinić’s last will and testament as far back as 1445. At the east end of Praputnjak, in Meja, is a crossing of two impor-tant roads that have marked the development of the en-tire region. These are the Charles Road and the Louise Road (Lujzijana) the latter being named after Napoleon’s second wife, Marie Louise. The church of St. Joseph was also built along the Road.

Škrljevo is located northwest of Bakar and was first men-tioned in the year 1667. Its development is to be attri- buted to the train station built in 1897. The village church bears the name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Kukuljanovo is a village situated about 2 kilometres north of Bakar. Today it is known for its industrial zone where there are a large number of shopping centres. Ku-kuljanovo has a church dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.

Plosna and Ponikve are two picturesque hamlets situated close to Kukuljanovo and Škrljevo. They are characterised by a karst lake that only comes into existence during the winter months.

SightseeingBakar castle (Kaštel) is an imposing medieval structure lo-cated on top of the hill that rises about fifty metres above sea level. Archaeological research there has revealed arte-facts from the Bronze Age, when the Liburnians lived in the region. Nobody knows exactly when the castle was built. However, it gained its appearance gradually. In 16th

Bottom left: Kukuljanovo Bottom right: Plosna and Ponikve

Top left: Praputnjak Top right: Škrljevo

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century the existing building was additionally fortified because of the threat of Turkish invasion. Finally, in 18th century a series of further modifications were carried out on it leading to its present appearance.

The name of Bakar parish church is Saint Andrew the Apostle (Sveti Andrej Apostol). It was built in 1853 in a place where a smaller church of the Holy Trinity had ex-isted from the 12th century until the earthquake in 1750. Although the earthquake totally destroyed the Holy Trin-ity church, its bell tower remained intact, just as it is to-day.

As during the Turkish conquest Bakar was the seat of many bishops, the Church of St Andrew the Apostle has maintained its status as co-cathedral.

Besides the main alter, the church has eight others. On the right hand side are the altars of All the Saints,

St Nicholas, Our Lady of the Rosary, St Anne, while on the left side are those of St Anthony the Great, St Roch, the Holy Trinity and St William.

The Turkish House (Turska kuća) is one of the most inter-esting buildings in Bakar. It is located close to the church of St Andrew the Apostle, on Plačica square, within the old city walls. There are no written records as to who built it and when. There are, however, several legends associ-ated with its possible owners. Some claim that the owner must have been a seafarer who saw the eastern architec-ture and remained enchanted by it; whereas others think that someone from the East actually lived in Bakar.

The Roman House (Rimska kuća), apart from the Cas-tle itself, this is the most prominent building in the old town. It is thought to have been built as a nunnery in the 18th century. The building has a few stone arches giving it a renaissance appearance. It was home to the noble Ca-rina family for years.

Bottom: Town ruins of Old Hreljin

Top left: Bakar castle Top right: The bell tower of Saint Andrew the Apostle

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The town ruins of Old Hreljin are located slightly away from today’s Hreljin. The location offers a magnificent view over the entire Bakar and the Kvarner bays. Nobody knows exactly who built it, but remains of Roman houses were found nearby. The town was walled and had two de-fence towers. There were two entrances and a small castle, which was the oldest part of the fortification.

The Bakar wall terraces were built on the eastern slopes of the hills surrounding the Bay of Bakar. For four gene-rations from the end of the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century, the inhabitants built those dry stone walls in order to gain cultivable land. As soil was scarce,

Top: Bakar wall terraces Right: Roman House, Turkish House

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local women used to bring it on their backs so that vineyards could be planted there. The grapes were used for the production of the famous sparkling wine known as “Bakarska vodica”. In 1972 the wall terraces were declared a cultural landscape. In 2001 the production of sparkling wine was restored.

Risnjak NPThe Risnjak National Park is located around fifteen kilometres from the sea, with a total surface area of over 6,400 ha. It is divided into two zones: a strict protection zone and one of partial protection. Within the park is one of the most beautiful Croatian viewpoints – Veliki Risnjak (Big Risnjak) (1,528 m) from which a beautiful view over the Kvarner Bay, the Kamnik and Julian Alps and the Velebit and Bjelolasica Mountains opens out. Numerous animals have found their habitat within the Risnjak area, such as the brown bear, the wolf, the lynx, the chamois, the deer, the roe deer and the wild boar. Besides the Risnjak Mountain, the national park also includes the Snježnik Mountain Massif and the Kupa River spring. The Leska educational trail is 4,200 metres long path in the forest revealing an abundance of local flora and morphological diversities.

Left: Risnjak National Park and the Josip Schlosser Klekovski Mountain Lodge

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Bakar Bay

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1. Bakar castle2. North city gate3. Roman House4. Turkish House5. Bishop’s residence6. Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle7. Church of Our Lady of the port8. St Margaret’s church9. Church of the Holy Cross10. St Joseph’s chapel11. Ex-hospital12. Cemetery13. Monument of St John of Nepomuk14. Maritime school15. Passenger ships’ berth16. Tide-gauge station17. Spring „Stenice“18. „Perilo“ - Ex public laundry19. „Jaz“ – water accumulation20. Dodir gallery21. Library22. Fishermen’s beach23. Public administration and Harbour master’s office24. Parochial House25. Bakar Cultural Centre

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iJadran Hotel

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BakarTourist Map

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The Jadran hoTelThe Jadran Hotel is located in the centre of Bakar, close to the sea. Opened in 1905, it is considered one of the oldest hotels in Croatia. It is a two-star hotel with 60 beds.

Hotel Facilities:• restaurant which seats 60 • summer terrace seating 40 • cocktail bar in the restaurant• central heating, fridge, cable TV in rooms• use of fax, computer, wireless Internet access• car parking under video surveillance• laundry service• safe deposit at the reception

Address: Palada 32, 51 222 BakarTel: +385 51 762 100 Fax: +385 51 761 047e-mail: prodaja@hotel-jadran-bakar.comWeb: www.hotel-jadran-bakar.com

Josip schlosser KleKovsKi MounTain lodge (risnJaK)Josip Schlosser Klekovski Mountain Lodge is located in the Risnjak National Park, at an altitude of 1418 m, under the mountain peak. The Lodge has 43 beds and is open from May to November every day except Tuesday.

Facilities:• Electricity: solar• Water: water well• Access: on foot (the shortest path being from Gornje Jelenje; about

an hour’s walk)• Food and drink: regular daily supplies

Address: Plosna 50, 51223 ŠkrljevoMobile phone: +385 99 428 2072; +385 99 228 2072Contact: Vesna Devčić

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shooTing club “Kvarner”Clay pigeon shooting is available at the Vojsko rifle range on the hill above Kukuljanovo. The rifle range has 15 catapults and all facilities meet Inter-national Shooting Federation requirements.Should you like to try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, Vojsko is the ideal place for you.

Shooting Club “Kvarner” - Milorad Šepiće-mail: milorad.sepic@ri.t-com.hrMobile phone: +385 98 724 160

Krasica Tennis cenTreKrasica Tennis Centre offers recreation on the tennis court and a five-a-side football pitch. Should you wish only to get away from the urban crowds, you can take a walk in the countryside, or simply relax on the terrace of the café-bar enjoying the beautiful view over the Kvarner Bay.

Phone: +385 51 766 488Mobile phone: +385 91 176 6488Owner: Jelena Rakipovski

The benTe dorTe sailing boaTFor those wanting a traditional sailing boat experience, the Bente Dorte is an outstanding choice. This old-timer was built on the shores of the North Sea in 1929. Her length over all is 18 metres and her displacement is 40 tonnes. She is driven by an engine that can develop a speed of 10 knots. When she uses her sails, her speed may reach up to 8 knots. The sailing boat is fitted with two masts and handled manually following the tradi-tional maritime practice. She has eight bunks. The Bente Dorte is anchored in Bakar Bay, and should you wish to experience the charm of traditional navigation, please feel free to contact the owner.

Mr. Krešimir VidasMobile phone: +385 98 393039 or +385 99 3930390Web: www.bentedorte.comS

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Top: Kukuljanovo rifle range Bottom: the Bente Dorte sailing boat

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EventsEvery year from June to the end of July the Town of Bakar Tourist Board organises the traditional Bakar Marga-ret’s summer (Margaretino leto). It em-braces a number of cultural, sporting and entertainment events, exhibitions, concerts, performances and a football tournament.

The Margaret Fair (Margaretina) is held to celebrate the Town Day. St. Marga-ret is the town’s patron saint celebrated on 13th July. Tourists can witness a re-view of traditional Croatian units. In 2010 a historic sea battle, represent-ing the last Venetian attack of Bakar in 1616, was performed.

The Paris-Bakar carnival rally is held every year. It is a parody of the world-famous Paris-Dakar rally. All vehicles taking part are driven by national and international masked drivers whose number increases every year.

Bakar is the venue of the popular games which take place during carni-

val time and also in the summer. The former are known as Carnival Games (Karnevalske igre), whilst the latter are called the Adriatic Games (Jadranske igre). In both games participants com-pete in exercises of strength, endurance and skills.

Every May the international rowing boat race takes place in the Bay of Bakar and is organised by the local Maritime School. Regatta participants, whose number increases each year, come from the various Nautical Schools and Fac-ulties of Maritime Studies.

Škrljevo is the venue of the „Gulašijada“, an event in which goulash, a kind of beef stew, is prepared at the beginning of October. Participants are all inhabit-ants from the nearby villages belonging to the Town of Bakar. After voting the best cooking team, the goulash tasting and a party take place at the Škrljevo Community Centre (Dom Kulture Škrljevo).

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Food and beverages are offered at the inns, pizzerias, licensed coffee bars, catering facilities and in the moun-tain lodge.

bakar

hoTel Jadran baKarPalada 32, 51222 Bakar

Phone: +385 51 762 100

piZZeria “riva“ Primorje 130, 51222 Bakar

Mobile phone: +385 91 5676 258

resTauranT “baKarsKa Konoba“Primorje 103, 51222 Bakar

Phone/fax. +385 51 761 247

piZZeria “vallis” Primorje 128, 51222 Bakar

Phone +385 51 761 219

FasT Food “basTa“ Nautička 14b, 51222 Bakar

Mobile phone: +385 95 902 6428

Krasica

piZZeria “pina”Mobile phone: +385 91 176 6488

“drio MonTe” caTering FaciliTy Krasica 159, 51224 Krasica

Phone: +385 91 574 6514

Kukuljanovo

“pu JoŽa” innKukuljanovo 121, 51227 Kukuljanovo

piZZeria “uno” Kukuljanovo 205a, 51227 Kukuljanovo

Phone: +385 51 251 836

resTauranT “Macao“Kukuljanovo b.b. 51227 Kukuljanovo

Phone: +385 51 251 839, +385 91 187 5526, +385 91 187 2064

resTauranT „rega“Kukuljanovo b.b. 51227 Kukuljanovo

Phone: +385 98 982 5973

plosna

MounTain lodge risnJaK “briTTa”Plosna 50, 51223 Škrljevo

Mobile phone: +385 99 428 2072

praputnjak

resTauranT “baJTa”Praputnjak 222, 51225 Praputnjak

Phone: +385 51 896 6312

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

“buJan” innMeja 16, 51225 Praputnjak

Phone: +385 51 809 500

piZZeria “MeJanKa”Praputnjak 32/A, 51 225 Praputnjak

Phone: +385 51 809 909

Škrljevo

“pu MareTeŠa” inn Škrljevo 152, 51223 Škrljevo

Phone: +385 51 251 207

Zlobin

“na Fili” innZlobin 43, 51324 Zlobin

Phone: +385 51 800 166, +385 91 2800 166

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Impressum:

Written by: Josip Luzer and Niko Cvjetković jr.

Graphic design and layout: INFIT Inc.

Translation: Prolingua, Rijeka

Photographs: Miljenko Šegulja and Bakar Tourist Board archive

Printed by: Tiskara Igmar

Bakar, 2011

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Bakar Tourist Board

Primorje 39, 51222 Bakar, CroatiaPhone/fax: +385 51 761 111 e-mail: info@tz-bakar.hr

www.tz-bakar.hr