LEGENDARY UNDERGROUND FORTRESS

In the area of ​​Karlovac County is the largest number of identified caves in Croatia and Europe. A cave fortress in Europe and the world has a little bit. There are for example in Scotland, Slovenia and elsewhere, but the number is determined with caves in Croatia can be somewhat measured only cave fortress northern Spain and southwestern France.

in Croatia has so far discovered over 50 identified caves, which is a superior and a significant part of the Croatian and European cultural heritage. Most caves for defensive purposes, nearly 30-odd, was used in today's Karlovac County and nearby Žumberak mountains. A group of archaeologists and speleologists who explored it in his book "Archaeology and Tourism in Croatia" printed 2009th reported contribution deals with the defense caves Karlovac region, especially near Vrlovka Kamanje, Barac caves and cave near Gajinoj Crabs, and a cave house near Cetingrad.
Most of these caves and semi-cave is located in the gorges of the upper streams of the Korana and Mrežnica. All caves are certainly not found or no more trace of walls (and there are many cases that no caves). These works are wonderful examples of cave art and its architectural applications, as well as silent witnesses to the art of combat and ordinary people of these areas, peasants and soldiers, who were hiding in them and fighting with enemies. These enemies were the first foreign invaders (Turks, Austrians ...), but also some local nobles and officers.
In these caves are not concealing a regular army, but residents of surrounding unprotected areas. In some caves have been discovered and were not able to defend themselves, and were captured or killed. Thus, each cave and became a mass grave. The national tradition of hiding places but keeps the information about outlaws, and priests - ascetics who were hiding in caves, as evidenced by the names of some caves.