Page 175 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

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CENTRAL CROATIA

Central Croatia is bordered to the west by the vine-covered hills of Samobor,
which continue on towards Karlovac and Ogulin, and to the south by the
Bosnia-Herzegovina border as far as Jasenovac. To the northeast is a stretch of
fertile valley formed by the Sava river, which runs from Zagreb to the Lonjsko
Polje Nature Park. These wetlands, south of Sisak, are home to all kinds of birds.

This region of Croatia has long been a Serbian refugees were brought in,
meeting point for different civilizations. along with minorities of Vlachs,
Until the 12th century BC, this area was Albanians, Montenegrin and German-
inhabited by the Illyrians, who were speaking groups. Villages sprang up
joined by Celts in the 4th century BC. which were inhabited by Catholics,
The first Illyrian cities became Roman Muslims and people of the Orthodox
towns after the 1st century AD. The most faith. These diverse communities lived
important was Siscia (now called Sisak), together without any serious tension
which was sacked by the Huns in 441 and until the mid-19th century, when
raided by the Avars in the 6th century. feelings of nationalism swept across
The southern border with Bosnia, which Europe. The most recent war, fought
dates back to 271 AD, was confirmed at in the name of nationalism, created
the time of the division between the widespread destruction and resulted
Western and Eastern Churches in 1054, in thousands of Serbs choosing to
and later re-confirmed when the Turks leave the region.
occupied the Balkans. To stop the This part of Croatia is the area least
continuous Turkish raids, in 1578 the visited by tourists, although it offers
Austrian Emperor established a Vojna magnificent scenery with rivers and
krajina (Military Frontier) in areas which wood-covered hills and good Croatian
had mostly been abandoned by the cuisine. There is plenty to see, with
Croats, who had fled to the coastal cities ancient castles, churches, museums
for refuge. To help guard the borders, and nature reserves.

Horses grazing in the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park
Gentle slopes planted with vines near Samobor

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