Vrbovsko is situated in the far east of Gorski Kotar; with its 280 square kilometres area, Vrbovsko municipality covers 60 villages and 6 100 people. In the north, it is devided from bordering Slovenia by the River Kupa, while the eastern border follows the line of Zdihovo, Liplje and Bosiljevo and cuts through the River Dobra valley near Ljubušina. The western border starts at the Kupa gorge near Radočaj, goes around Razdrto and passes over the railway tracks between Koritnik Veliki and Palež, continues to Lužac and ends in Sušica-Jablan area. The southern border is the highest in its relief characteristics – it runs along mountain peaks at an altitude of 1000 metres or higher. Debela Kosa (1169 m), Bukovica (1253 m), Bijela kosa (1289 m), Mirkovica (1283 m), and Smolnik (1219 m) peaks stand out for their beauty, forests and height. Towards the east, the border continues over Kozarice and Lombarda passes, and ends in the River Dobra valley, thus rounding off Vrbovsko area.
The geographical position of Vrbovsko that places it along the transit lines halfway between Zagreb and Rijeka is of extreme importance and good rail and motorway connections provide for quick arrival to Vrbovsko.
Development through the history
First records of Vrbovsko date back to 1481 and show it as one of the oldest inhabited places of Gorski Kotar. Originally this region belonged to the Frankopan nobles; however, due to the Turkish invasions in the 16th century, Vrbovsko along with Sušica, Ravna Gora and Mrkopalj became a part of Vojna Krajina (a defensive line on the frontier to the Turkish empire).
The influence of traffic routes and the town's transit position on historical development of Vrbovsko
Construction of Karolina road
With the construction of Karolina road in 1732 the significance of Vrbovsko increased. Its construction had decisive influence on further development of Vrbovsko, as the town now took on new roles of being an important carriage station, merchandise storage and crossroad. Moreover, with the construction of the road begins a period of expansion and development of the town.
Construction of Rkt. Parish Church of St. Ivan Nepomuk
Families from the Croatian Littoral (Hrvatsko primorje), Istria (Istra) and Lika, as well as inhabitants from other Austro-Hungarian provinces arrived in Vrbovsko. The Czech immigrants prevailed not only in number, but also as those who brought religious and secular culture to Vrbovsko; therefore, the ancient parish church of 1755/1756 was also dedicated to a Czech saint, Ivan Nepomuk; Maria Therese donated a bell to the newly established church. In 1895, the old crumbling church was torn down and replaced with the new one, still present today. It is a large building with a cross-shaped ground-plan and a polygonal sanctuary; the bell-tower was added to the northern church wall. The church was built in a historical neo-gothic style.
Declaration of Vrbovsko Day
In 1765, Vrbovsko was detached from Vojna Krajina, and on March 14th 1785 the town was declared king's privileged market-town. It received special rights and opportunities for faster traffic, craftsmanship and trade development; the court and magistrate were established, after which a new social class of merchant-nobles was formed. That was a foundation of continuous cultural and economic progress. Vrbovsko also received its own crest, and to this day March 14th is celebrated as Vrbovsko Day.
Construction of Luisiana road
Since the Karolina road, even after its reconstruction, couldn't withstand the growing traffic between the Mediterranean and Danube-panonian Europe, the construction of one of the best roads in Europe of that time began at the start of the 19th century - the Lousiana road. Lousiana road induced the formation of some new Vrbovsko, Stubice and Hajdine parts, and was responsible for the sudden rebirth of Severin na Kupi settlement.
From highland hospitality to proffesional tourism
Its unique transit position was of decisive importance for Vrbovsko all through its history, and the same expectations are placed in the construction of the new motorway which will bring Vrbovsko even closer to the big cities.
The inhabitants of Vrbovsko have always been engaged in tourism. This area has always attracted numerous visitors - tourism as a trade appeared in Vrbovsko records in the 18th and 19th centuries, along with the construction of the first road and railroad connections. The very first services were provided to caravans traveling along the newly built roads. The circle of visitors widened and the services expanded from hospitality to commercial tourism. Taverns and inns appeared, and part of the inhabitants employed in tourism profesionally.
In 1900, hotel "Croatia" was built, featuring 25 single rooms, a restaurant, parlor, a hall for cultural manifestations and a bowling alley. This was not only the first hotel in the highlands, but also the biggest hotel between the cities of Zagreb and Rijeka.
Successful tourism is one of the significant economic branches in Vrbovsko today. There are 15 quality restaurants and numerous caffes that vouch for exceptional tourist service.
Tourism continues to establish itself firmly in the lives of the Vrbovsko residents which is in fact the ultimate goal, so consider this an invitation to browse our pages and see what we are offering!
