Otočac, town and settlement in Lika-Senj County, Croatia
Otočac is a small town in Croatia with about four thousand residents situated along the Gacka River. Visitors can see traditional stone houses built on water-based islands, an old church dating back several centuries, a fortress perched on a hill above the town, and a market square where locals sell honey, cheese, and handcrafted goods.
Otočac first appeared in records at the end of the 11th century, making it one of Croatia's oldest settlements. In the 15th century, Pope Pius II established it as a cathedral in 1460 and granted it city status that same year, while the Frankopan family fortified it with walls and constructed churches.
The name Otočac comes from a river island that once served as the town's center and gathering place. Visitors today can observe how the Gacka River still shapes daily life, and they can experience local traditions in small cafes where residents happily share stories about their community's past.
Otočac is easily accessible by road from larger cities and has local bus connections available. Plan for a day or two to explore the town at a relaxed pace and enjoy the nearby natural surroundings at your own speed.
The town's island locations were originally protected by defensive walls and towers, and because of these fortifications Otočac was never taken by force throughout its entire history. A stone tablet from the 11th century found in the town documents early Croatian writing and culture, making it a rare historical artifact.
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