A magnet for nature lovers: Explore Topusko and its historical attractions

Topusko is situated on the very border between Kordun and Banovina in Sisak-Moslavina County. The picturesque area of ​​the middle course of Glina and the hilly area between Petrova and Zrinska Gora are a real magnet for nature lovers. But nature is not the only reason to visit this tourist destination. Topusko is a municipality with a rich history, and numerous historical attractions simply invite you to explore. The Virtual Guide ViVoTOP, which is intended for visitors to Topuski and its surroundings, will certainly help you in this.

Topusko virtual guide
Virtual guide – Vivotop, photo source: Topusko Municipality Tourist Board

The prize for those who visit all the locations from the Virtual Guide is the book "Banova vrela pod kraljeskov gorum" by Tomislav Beronić. Beronić describes the sights of Topuski in an interesting way through the prism of a family that visits them and talks to each other about their impressions. Most of the locations are located in Topuski itself, but also near the remains of the first free royal city of Perna, Petrova Gora and famous springs.

We will publish parts of that book as a blog in several parts on our portal. In the first story, get to know the Pauline monastery, the King's tomb and the Perna fortress.

Pauline monastery

At the top of Petrova Gora, on Veliki Petrovac, there was a Pauline monastery with the church of St. Petra. Founded in 1303, it is among the oldest Pauline monasteries in Croatia. According to historical documents, the Pauline monastery was completely built in 1328. He died during the Turkish attacks. The Pauline property is taken over by the Krajina military authorities, and the crew turns the church tower into a watch tower, and the monastery is used for housing.

Topusko historical attractions, Pauline monastery
Pauline monastery, source: Topusko Municipality Tourist Board/ Tomislav Beronić

In the 17th century, on the site of the old church and from its materials, a brick porch was built, the lower part of which was brick, and the superstructure was wooden. Krajišniki left Petrovac after the development of Vojna Krajina. Today, the position of the monastery church-chardaka and the moat is recognizable.

The King's Grave

The king's grave, according to legend, the grave of the last Croatian king Petar Svačić; he died in 1097, allegedly on Petrova gora, in a conflict for the Croatian throne with the Hungarian king Koloman. At the beginning of May 1097, there was a battle on Gvozd (most likely at the northern foot of Mount Gvozd, today's Petrova gora), in which King Petar lost his life on the battlefield at the hands of Koloman and was thus remembered as the last Croatian king of "people's blood".

Topusko historical attractions, the king's grave
The king's grave, source: Topusko Municipality Tourist Board/ Tomislav Beronić

In memory of the unfortunate Croatian hero, the mountain previously called Gvozd is now called Petrov gvozd, i.e. Petrova gora. However, scientists have not agreed on the true location of the battle where Petar Snačić died, because some think that Gvozd is possibly Mount Kapela, and not Petrova gora. The memorial on the King's grave was erected on May 15, 2006 by the foresters of UŠP Karlovac.

Perna fortress

The archaeological site - the Pernik fort is located on the Gradina hill, south above the present-day village of Perna, in the territory of the Topusko municipality, on the eastern slopes of Petrova Gora. According to the floor plan from 1699, medieval city is semi-oval in shape, oriented in the NE direction. At the top was the rectangular center of the city, below which lay an oval courtyard. The entire city was surrounded by walls with semicircular and square towers, and communication was possible only through the entrance tower in the east, then through the courtyard and over the ladder to the palace. The fort is built of irregularly hewn stones, and rises above the cave.

topusko historical attractions, fort perna
Perna fortress, source: Topusko Municipality Tourist Board/ Tomislav Beronić

The charter of the "free royal city" of Perna was already granted in 1225 by King Bela IV. It is the oldest privilege that was given to a municipality. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the fortress belonged to the princes of Peran (a branch of the Šubić family). During that time, it suffered several times from the Turks, and on two more occasions in the 18th century, when it was completely abandoned. The archaeological site - the Pernik fort is a valuable example of a medieval fortified town and as such has great archaeological and cultural-historical value in this area.

If you decide to visit Topusko, visit the sights and historical attractions and get yourself an interesting book, Virtual guide – ViVoTOP you can "download" to your smartphone. Scan the codes and download your copy of the book "Banova spring under the royal mountain".


Order the book STELLA AUREA – Stories about Frankopans by Tomislav Beronić.
The book is available at PCONNECTORS

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