Gacka Park of Croatian Memory

The Gacka Park of Croatian Memory is a compact open-air sculpture park in the centre of Otočac, in the heart of the Gacka valley in the Lika region. Instead of ordinary information boards, the park tells the story of the region through stone blocks arranged around the Church of the Holy Trinity, each one dedicated to a different figure or event from twelve centuries of Gacka's history.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The park sits right in the centre of Otočac, next to the Church of the Holy Trinity and the town's central park. It is an easy addition to any walk around the old town — no special planning is needed, since it is reachable on foot, by car or by bicycle from anywhere in Otočac, including the paths that follow the Gacka river valley. Entry is free and the park, being an open urban space, can be visited at any time of day, all year round.

What will you see there?

The heart of the park is a set of more than thirty stone sculptures, created on the initiative of the Chair of the Chakavian Assembly of the Gacka Region. Each sculpture forms a separate "chapter" of local history, spanning the period from the 9th century to the present day. Among the figures depicted are Duke Borna, the Templar Bernard de Gecka, the national heroes Petar Zrinski and Fran Krsto Frankopan, the printer Urban of Otočac — one of the earliest publishers of Glagolitic texts — and the world-renowned chemist Egon Matijević, who was born in the region. Walking between the blocks, visitors can trace in a matter of minutes how a small corner of Lika shaped the wider history of Croatia.

The layout of the sculptures echoes the shapes of Glagolitic letters, giving the park an added symbolic dimension: stone here becomes both a record of history and the alphabet through which the region wrote its identity across the centuries.

When is the best time to visit?

The park can be visited year-round, but it is most pleasant in spring and summer, when the greenery of the surrounding town park and the nearby Gacka river create a natural backdrop for the stone sculptures. It pairs well with an afternoon stroll through Otočac, especially for travellers exploring the Gacka valley as part of a longer route through Lika.

Who is this place for?

This is a great stop for anyone interested in regional history, sacred architecture and public art. Thanks to its intimate scale and short visiting time — typically 15 to 30 minutes — it works well as one stop on a route that also includes the springs of the Gacka river, Otočac's old town and the area's natural attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for the park? No, the park is an open public space in the town centre and can be visited free of charge at any time.

How many sculptures does the park contain? The park is made up of more than thirty stone blocks depicting figures and events from Gacka's history.

Is the park suitable for children? Yes, it is a safe, quiet public space, although fully appreciating the historical content is best suited to older children or visits with a guide.

How long does a visit take? Around 15 to 30 minutes is enough to see all the sculptures and read through the descriptions of each figure.