Lokvičići: Nature and Cultural Heritage

In Lokvičići, Prološko blato and several archaeological and religious heritage sites offer different themes to consider when planning a trip. The wider destination of Općina Lokvičići broadens the picture with the Lokvičić Lakes and routes through the landscape.

Landscape and Cycling

Prološko blato lies within the municipal area of Lokvičići and is designated as a significant landscape. It is also part of the ecological network HR2000932, which serves to protect species and habitats. This is based on the consolidated municipal spatial plan published in 2023. The landscape designation and inclusion in the ecological network describe different forms of protection applying to the same area.

In March 2024, a project to improve a cycling route was carried out in Dolića Draga, with the aim of supporting tourism infrastructure and improving traffic safety. If you plan to use the route, check its current course and condition locally; its continuity should also be verified for your specific plans.

Archaeological and Religious Heritage Sites

The municipality of Lokvičići includes several protected or provisionally protected cultural heritage sites. Archaeological sites include Kod Pezinih kuća and Berinovac-Grebašnik. Grad-Orlove stine and Galipovac-Baravišće are archaeological zones; Budimlić contains a traditional building complex. The different designations help distinguish the sites: they are not all the same type of cultural heritage.

Religious and folk heritage associated with Lokvičići and Berinovac includes the parish church of Krista Kralja, the Church of St. Ante with its cemetery, and the chapel of Mala Gospa. Traditional rural or ethnographic buildings can also be found in Budimlići, Mikulići and Jukići. Thus, the cultural heritage includes not only churches and chapels but also the traditional architecture of the countryside. Access to individual buildings or interiors may be restricted; check local access and conservation conditions before visiting.

Nature and Trails in the Wider Destination of Općina Lokvičići

In the wider destination of Općina Lokvičići, the Prološko blato protected landscape lies partly within the municipality of Lokvičići. It was designated in 1971 and covers 10.24 square kilometres. The wetland lies in the western part of Imotsko polje and is flooded for part of the year. It is a habitat for waterbirds and endemic fish species. The wetland’s seasonal flooding should be distinguished from the Lokvičić Lakes: these three lakes do not dry up.

The lake group in the wider destination of Općina Lokvičići comprises Lake Lokvičić, also called Mamića Lake, Knezović Lake and Galipovac. Galipovac is the largest and best-known of the three lakes. Knezović Lake lies in a very steep and hard-to-reach karst depression; its water is very clear, and the lake is about 40 metres deep. Water clarity can vary seasonally. An underground connection between the lakes and Imotsko polje or Proložac Mire is assumed; this should be understood as an interpretation, not a confirmed measurement.

There are several different route descriptions for exploring the area. A circular trail goes around the Lokvičić Lakes; check its current markings before setting out. The Lokvičićka jezera hiking trail is 7.7 kilometres long and has an elevation difference of 570 metres. In addition, a 3.9-kilometre geopark trail around the lakes has been created and prepared. At 3.9 kilometres, it is shorter than the hiking trail; the latter’s elevation difference is an additional planning consideration. Check route conditions before your hike.

The geopark trail has rest areas, viewpoints and information boards. As visitor facilities require local maintenance, it is advisable to check their condition before visiting. Sumbulova gradina offers another point of reference in the landscape, with wide views over Imotsko polje and the surrounding chain of karst lakes. In the wider destination of Općina Lokvičići, the archaeological site of Grad in Lokvičići preserves parts of fortification walls as well as the walls of two buildings.

For the wider travel overview: Općina Lokvičići.