Municipality of Proložac: Springs, lakes and culture
Accommodation in Municipality of Proložac
The Municipality of Proložac lies on the northeastern side of the Imotsko-Bekijsko field. Water shapes many of its distinctive places: the karst river Vrljika, springs and lakes sit alongside a landscape to explore on foot and among the rocks. Churches, living traditions and a long history of winegrowing add to the picture. Travellers looking for a holiday rental for a stay combining nature and culture will find a range of themes to inspire their trip planning.
The Vrljika, springs and lakes
The Vrljika rises from five springs on the border between the Municipality of Proložac and the City of Imotski. Dva oka are unique, circular springs and the source of the Vrljika; the springs are under strict protection. The endemic softmouth trout (Salmothymus obtusirostris) is found in the upper reaches of the Vrljika. The river also has a designated special protection status: the section from the springs to the bridge at Perinuša was designated a special ichthyological reserve in 1971.
Proložac is also associated with Prološko jezero, which is about 35 metres deep. This is distinct from the Green Lake in Ričice, which was created as a reservoir in 1985. Sport and recreational fishing are possible at Ričice Lake. The lakes and river landscape thus offer different options for travellers wishing to explore waterscapes or spend time by the lake.
Outdoor activities: via ferrata and canyon
The Ferata Imotica Ričice runs along a rock face overlooking the Green Lake in Ričice, within the Municipality of Proložac. The via ferrata is 285 metres long, with an elevation difference of 160 metres. These figures describe two different measurements: the length of the route and its elevation difference. Ferata Imotica complements a circular hiking trail through Badnjevice Canyon. The via ferrata and circular trail are therefore two different ways to explore the area actively.
Another scenic spot is the Green Cathedral: this is the name given to the Lučica meadow, with its centuries-old trees beside the Vrljika. The planned Camino Imota includes a second-day stage from Prološko Blato through Proložac to the Green Cathedral. This is a planned stage, offering a different way to incorporate the landscape into a trip than a via ferrata or the circular trail through the canyon.
Churches, traditions and special places
The Church of Our Lady stands at the Opačac archaeological site, near the source of the Vrljika by Imotski. It was built in 1719 on the foundations of a somewhat larger 14th-century church. As a pilgrimage site, it is especially important on the Feast of the Assumption, when several thousand pilgrims gather there. The Church of St Michael in Donji Proložac is also part of the cultural heritage; it is a protected cultural asset.
A stone votive cross on Kokića glavica was erected in 1995. Traditional living nativity plays in the dried-up bed of the Suvaja River are also among the area’s handed-down cultural expressions. In Donji Proložac, the Bellamusa Carnival Festival includes carnival celebrations, a ceremonial change of power, masked balls for children and adults, and a large carnival procession. These places and customs give a trip a cultural dimension alongside its rivers and landscapes.
Local cuisine and winegrowing
The traditional Prološka kužina brings together local gastronomy, music and socialising. It traditionally takes place on 5 August. If you would like to include this festival in your holiday plans, you can use the date as a guide. The winegrowing of the Grabovac family tells another local story: Stipan Grabovac received a licence to produce and sell wine in 1812. The family has been growing grapes and making wine for more than 200 years.
Discover places within the municipality
For further orientation within the municipality, see Gornji Proložac, Donji Proložac and Ričice.
For the wider travel overview: Split-Dalmatia.
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