Ledenice
It is not precisely known when the fortress of Ledenice and the settlement around it were built. It is assumed that there may have been an Illyrian hillfort or a Roman military station in this location. This assumption is supported by the fertile Ledeničko field with its freshwater spring at the foot of Gradina, as well as the proximity of the sea with good harbors. Some Roman coins have been found in old Ledenice, and in 1961, Roman amphorae were discovered in Povilska Draga. During Roman rule, the Ledenice area was part of Roman Liburnia. A Roman road ran through this region, connecting Tarsatica (modern-day Rijeka) with Senia (Senj) and continuing towards Dalmatia. Remnants of this Roman road can still be seen near Ledenice, known as the “Roman path” or “Roman road.”
We know with certainty that Ledenice existed in the 13th century, as representatives from the settlement were present at the signing of the Vinodol Code in 1288, the oldest legal code in this part of Europe. In the 13th century, the Ledenice area belonged to the old Croatian Vinodol Principality and was a distinct municipality within it. The Frankopans and Uskoks had their residence here. The people of Ledenice put up great resistance to Turkish invasions in the 15th and 16th centuries. As a border stronghold, Ledenice played a significant role in the defense of the coastal region and was considered the key to Vinodol.
Ledenice was built on difficult-to-access terrain. At the top of a rocky hill stand the remains of a fortress known as Gradina. Below it, towards the sea, lay the town, all enclosed by strong walls with walkways, corner towers, and numerous loopholes for defense. Immediately upon entering the town, to the left, were the remains of what was once the parish church, dedicated to St. Stephen the Protomartyr. The church was already in ruins but remained structurally intact until 1988, when it finally collapsed. The first part of the church was built in Romanesque style, while the rest of the sacred building was later extended in the Gothic style.
Near St. Stephen’s church, the remains of the priest’s house (parsonage) can be found, along with the ruins of residential homes scattered throughout the site. It is clear that these were small coastal stone houses. Some homes still show traces of built-in fireplaces. The windows were very small, with some resembling loopholes, indicating that the entire settlement was built as a defensive stronghold, and life in old Ledenice was governed by military rules. There are remains of 74, or according to some sources, 72 such houses.
About 140 meters downhill from Gradina, on a plateau, lies an old cemetery with the remains of the chapel of St. George, mentioned by Bishop Glavinić in 1695. What makes this cemetery unique and interesting is its circular shape, enclosed by a dry-stone wall. The cemetery has not been in use for a long time. The tombstones, mostly from the late 19th century, suggest a long history of burials. This burial site has never been archaeologically investigated, but it must be very old, as it was continuously used until the early 20th century. Burials took place in and around St. George’s chapel, in family tombs.
Returning to the plateau, a winding path leads to one of Ledenice’s most beautiful viewpoints. The breathtaking view of the surroundings, the sea, and the vast karst landscape highlights the power and beauty of nature. It is no surprise that this place inspired the renowned Croatian writer August Šenoa to write The House of the Plague after visiting the area. In the distance, the coastal villages of Povile and Klenovica can be seen, their charming coves and beaches generously welcoming numerous tourists during the summer months.
Today, Ledenice is a coastal settlement dominated by the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, next to which stands a rectory in Biedermeier style, built in 1827. The main altar, dating from 1715, is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a valuable work influenced by Baroque art. By the early 18th century, the Ledenice rectory already referred to it as a church. The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was under the patronage of the Austrian emperors, and with their support, the priest’s house was built in 1826.
Apart from the church, which is the town’s most significant architectural landmark, another notable site is the Dobra freshwater spring. This spring is located on the edge of the Ledeničko field, below Gradina itself. The Ledeničko field resembles an oasis, surrounded by hills and mountains. The small houses appear to float above this green, idyllic valley. Today, Ledenice is an attractive destination for hunting and excursion tourism.
Distance from Novi Vinodolski: 9,5 km
