Experience Croatia
KRKA NATIONAL PARK
Text and photos: Ilija Kordić and archive of the "Krka National Park" Public Institution
A favorite destination with new features
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In an area where water is extremely scarce, the 72.5 km long course of the Krka River is a natural phenomenon. Surrounded by four mountains and gently influenced by the sea, Krka NP is a green oasis in the karst Dalmatian region.
church on the island of Visovac.
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1 Skradinski buk waterfall; 2 The Franciscan monastery with
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tipTravelMagazine June 2023 - May 2024
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rka National Park includes the most beautiful portion of the Krka River course and the lower course of the Čikola River. The main phenomenon is travertine, created by carbonate deposits, which along the entire course of the river created seven enchanting waterfalls. The largest waterfall, and most abundant in water on the Krka River is Skradinski buk, which is also the longest travertine barrier in Europe. Two spiritual centers found their homes in the lake portions of the river course: the Franciscan monastery with the Church of Our Lady of Mercy on the islet of Visovac, a pearl of Croatian natural and cultural
heritage, and the monastery of the Holy Archangel in Carigradska draga, an important spiritual center of the Dalmatian Orthodox Eparchy. The National Park is also home to many endemic plant and animal species. Among the numerous caves and grottos within the Krka National Park is Oziđana pećina (cave), a prehistoric site above the Roški waterfall. Ruins of several medieval 14th century fortresses can also be found along the banks of the Krka River. The ruins of Burnum, a Roman military camp, are located just above the Manojlovac waterfall, the tallest waterfall on the Krka River.
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