Starigrad

Starigrad Paklenica is a seaside resort and the centre of 20 km long Paklenica Riviera. It is situated at the foot of the Velebit Mountain, at the northwest border of Zadar region, which connects it to the whole world by land, air and sea. It is surrounded by four national parks (Paklenica, Kornati, Plitvička Jezera and Krka), of which Paklenica is the nearest. The entrance to Paklenica is situated in Starigrad. Very near here there is the attractive Zrmanja canyon, Cerovačke caves, Vransko Jezero Nature Park and a number of historical monuments which reveal the area’s cultural treasure. Paklenica Riviera is a link between the sea and the mountain, and, thanks to its unique climate, a link between warm Mediterranean and cold mountain climate. Perhaps this is the reason why beaches in this area are among the most beautiful beaches on the Croatian coast. Tourism here offers equal possibilities for our visitors during both summer and winter seasons, for which we can thank one of he most famous Croatian national parks. HYSTORY Tombs ('tumuli') in Gomila and Paklenić are a proof that history of this town goes all the way to the prehistoric era. In ancient times there was a Roman settlement Argyruntum. The Roman emperor Tiberius granted municipal rights to this settlement and at that time it was fortified. So-far, necropolis from I-II ct. has been explored. Bronze tools, jewellery and glass and ceramic pottery was found there. All findings are kept in the Archaeological Museum in Zadar. The pre-Romanic old Croatian church of St. Peter was built in early Medieval Ages (X ct.). In the church and around it there are twenty stone tombs. Remains of settlements that reach even far back into the past have been found and further explorations are being carried out. There are the remains of the Big Stronghold which was probably built at the time of Turkish aggression. That is the reason why this town was abandoned in XV ct. It was revived a century later.