Ričice: Green Lake, History and Via Ferrata

Ričice brings together the landscape around Green Lake, a viewpoint, historical heritage and the Imotica via ferrata. If you are wondering whether the place fits your travel plans, you will find a range of things to explore here: the landscape and local history, as well as a specific climbing option.

Landscape around Green Lake

South of Ričice, a rocky plateau stretches along the settlement. Pine forest and low scrub characterize this landscape. Green Lake, also known as Zeleno jezero, is a reservoir created in Ričice in 1985. It was part of an irrigation system for the Imotsko polje that was never fully completed. The lake therefore represents both the area's landscape and the history of an unfinished infrastructure project. Its value lies primarily in its significance for the landscape and recreation.

View over the reservoir

The medieval settlement of Ričice has a viewpoint with an unobstructed view over the entire reservoir and the settlements along its shores. The view gives you a broad overview of the water and the places along the lake's shore. Together with the rocky plateau, it reveals a landscape made up not only of the reservoir itself, but also of the wooded heights and the surrounding settlements.

Church, mounds and cultural heritage

Several burial and ritual mounds bear witness to prehistoric human presence. Another historical layer can be seen in the parish church of St John the Baptist: it was completed in November 1910 and blessed on the feast of St John the Baptist in 1911. The building is constructed of dressed stone. The nave measures 16 metres long and 7 metres wide—specific dimensions that give an idea of its scale.

Gradina in Ričice is also part of the local cultural heritage. The site is listed as an individual cultural asset in the Croatian Register under code Z-2801. Together with the mounds and the parish church, it adds historical points of reference from different periods to the landscape.

The Imotica Ričice via ferrata

The Imotica Ričice via ferrata runs along a rock face overlooking Green Lake. It is 285 metres long, with an elevation difference of 160 metres. The route is rated C/D; the stated duration is just under an hour for average climbers. The length, elevation difference, grade and time estimate offer different points of reference for planning and should not be understood as a guarantee of an individual completion time or suitability. Check current safety and access conditions before starting the climb.

Regional context: Općina Proložac

In the wider destination of Općina Proložac lies the karst river Vrljika, which rises from five springs on the border between the municipality of Proložac and the town of Imotski. The stretch from the springs to the bridge at Perinuša was designated a special ichthyological reserve in 1971. This information places the river and its protected status in the broader regional context.

The Prološka kužina is also part of the traditional culture of Općina Proložac. The event brings together local cuisine, music and socializing, and traditionally takes place on 5 August. If you would like to include a future edition in your travel plans, check the date announced locally.

Discover more destinations: Gornji Proložac, Donji Proložac.

See the wider travel guide: Općina Proložac.