Fifteen kilometers southwest of Karlovac, the area stretches among picturesque hills, washed by the crystal-clear waters of the beautiful Mrežnica and Korana rivers.
In the past, Barilović was the center of military events and the main barrier in the defense against the Ottomans, as evidenced by the remains of the medieval fortress of the Barilović noble family. During the Homeland War, it was once again one of the key points of defense for Karlovac County and the entire Croatia. Barilović is thus marked by its warrior, military, and highly heroic past.
Around the once notable old town, whose ruined remnants still rise on a cliff above the blue-green Korana River, are villages full of stories, legends, traditions, folk customs, and heritage.
The Old Town of Barilović, sarcophagi from the times of the Illyrian tribes of Japigs and Kolapijans, the Vražić Cave, the Marble Cave near Siča, the Bubijeva Pit, and Martinščak Hill preserve memories of old times—memories that should always be rediscovered and from which inspiration can be drawn.
Barilović is a place with perfect living conditions. The karst rivers are just a part of the natural blessings this area offers to its residents as well as visitors. Through numerous projects carried out by the Municipality of Barilović in cooperation with Karlovac County and the ministries of the Republic of Croatia, the aim is to further improve living conditions for the local people. Many roads in the municipality have been renovated, as well as the kindergarten and school, to make the stay of children in these institutions more enjoyable. Through support programs for entrepreneurs and farmers, the goal is to ease their work, but also to encourage others to engage in these activities and take advantage of the untouched, fertile nature to create ecological products. Furthermore, numerous companies in the Barilović area help local residents find employment, allowing them to stay in their region and be close to their homes.
The tourist offer is becoming increasingly richer with the arrangement of valuable historical sites, bathing areas on the rivers, and the opening of new accommodation capacities. Thus, guests in the Barilović area can enjoy private holiday homes with views of the Korana or Mrežnica rivers, apartments and rooms, or even treehouses.
HISTORY OF BARILOVIĆ
Barilović is the richest place in Karlovac County in terms of the number and value of archaeological finds that are hidden in the shadows of treetops and still waiting to be discovered. The remains of the medieval fortress of the noble Barilović family testify to the importance of this area in the fight against the Turks, as well as in the Homeland War of defense and liberation. Throughout its history, Barilović has never been conquered. The former glory of the Barilović defensive fortress is now hidden in the walls of the old town with a view of the blue-green clarity of the Korana River.
The Old Town of Barilović was built on a rock above the Korana River and above the center of today’s Barilović. It was named after its owners, the noble Croatian family Barilović. Archaeological research has determined that the Old Town of Barilović was built in the 15th century, although numerous findings suggest that some form of settlement existed at this site much earlier – as far back as the Eneolithic and late Bronze Age. At the beginning of the 17th century, the town became part of the Military Frontier and thus changed its original purpose to a military function. After the abolition of the Military Frontier, the town came under civilian administration, and its preserved spaces housed the district administration and school, while the remaining parts were left to the ravages of time. The bombing of the Old Town during World War II resulted in the final abandonment of the town and the decay of its remains.
Today, the damaged but powerful walls of Barilović speak of the past of this region, great battles and wars, knights, and heroes. Rising proudly above the blue-green Korana River, they invite all passersby and adventurers to come and enjoy the rich history and unspoiled nature of Barilović. Around the Old Town of Barilović, settlements have been built where tradition, customs, and pride in the beauty of the Barilović region live on.
Thanks to the efforts of the Municipality of Barilović, the Ministry of Culture, and the Croatian Restoration Institute, intensive work is underway to research and restore this important fortress, which is registered as a cultural heritage site.
Institutions: Barilović Primary School
The Municipality of Barilović operates with 3 branch schools: the Belaj Branch School, the Leskovac Barilovićki Branch School, and the Siča Branch School. The founder of the school is, in accordance with legal regulations, the Karlovac County. Primary education in the Municipality has been taking place since 1904. During the Homeland War, the school was severely damaged, and it was rebuilt from the foundations. The new school building was constructed in 2000.
