Municipality of Ervenik: Zrmanja, cultural heritage and traditions

The Zrmanja brings together nature and local history in the Municipality of Ervenik: 24 kilometres of the river’s total 69-kilometre length flow through the municipality. The river combines mountainous and lowland characteristics and is known for its rich flora and fauna. At the same time, the Municipality of Ervenik connects the regions of Lika and Dalmatia. If river scenery and nature are your main priorities for your stay, this character offers a different starting point from a trip focused primarily on archaeological and historical sites.

River scenery and fishing

For sport anglers, the designated sections of the Zrmanja provide a clear guide. The SRD Natura fishing zone runs from the bridge in Ervenik to Jankovića buk and also includes the Krupa River. You need a fishing licence to fish for sport in SRD Natura waters; permits are sold by the association. The section from Kusac to the bridge in Ervenik is a separate area designated for sport fishing for brown trout. Anyone interested in fishing can take this information into account when choosing the focus of their holiday.

Archaeology and buildings

The Ivoševci–Mokro Polje–Radučić archaeological zone is an important part of the municipality’s architectural heritage. Archaeological sites can be found throughout the area; they span numerous historical periods and attest to continuous settlement in this region. Rather than a single historical attraction, you will encounter a broader heritage here, encompassing different places and periods.

The specific buildings include several fortifications. Otonska gradina in Oton is partially preserved and belongs to late medieval fortification architecture. Grad in Radučić is also a partially preserved fortification of this architectural tradition. In Mokro Polje, Keglevića gradina preserves the remains of a tower belonging to the Croatian noble Keglavić family. The Church of St George in Radučić is listed as protected cultural property under code Z-6039. Together, these varied sites invite you to focus on local history and architectural forms as you explore the municipality.

Another element of the architectural heritage is the aqueduct, which runs from the Glib spring via Stara straža and Očestovo to Radučić. The Hram Svetog apostola Luke in Mokro Polje was built in 1537. In the past, the Mokropoljsko Jevanđelje, an important monument of Slavic written culture, was kept there for many years. Cultural interest thus ranges from fortifications and water engineering to religious and literary heritage.

Everyday culture and living traditions

Mokro Polje is home to a museum of antiquities, or ethnological collection. It bears witness to the everyday life, customs and crafts of the people of Dalmatia, as well as to old photographs from the region. For travellers who want to learn about regional ways of life as well as landscapes and buildings, this collection offers a distinct cultural focus.

The Mokropoljski susreti are also part of local culture: this annual gathering takes place in Mokro Polje and has been held for more than half a century. At the gatherings, younger generations have had the chance to discover traditional competitions such as donkey racing, stone throwing, tug-of-war and balota. The 2017 programme included cultural, sporting and entertainment events. The event therefore combines tradition and community activities; the competitions mentioned and the 2017 programme describe specific aspects of the gathering, not a fixed schedule for every edition.

Places in the municipality include Ervenik and Oton. Other destinations at the same level: Municipality of Kistanje, Municipality of Unešić, Municipality of Vodice, Municipality of Biskupija, Municipality of Primošten, Municipality of Drniš.

For the overview of the wider region: Šibenik-Knin County.