Polača – Churches, History and Cycling Route

Polača brings together churches and traces of early settlement. Looking at the town itself and the broader destination of Općina Polača reveals different points of interest: in Polača, the chapel, old church and prehistoric traces take centre stage; across the wider municipality, there is also a cycling route and other cultural and leisure activities.

Churches and History in Polača

The Chapel of St Martin is in the hamlet of Prtenjača, in the settlement of Polača. A few hundred metres away, on Bićina Hill, are the remains of the walls of a prehistoric settlement and the foundations of an early Christian church. Traces from different periods can therefore be found close together here.

The chapel was completed and consecrated in 1989. The interior work includes the main altar, the tabernacle, the Višeslav baptismal font and a crucifix; these works were created by local artist Ratko Peraić. Historically, the chapel was used for catechism classes and Mass on the feast day of St Martin.

Another historic church site is the old church of Polača. It was built in 1836 southeast of the town centre, next to the local cemetery. Its year of construction and location give it a different historical context from the chapel in Prtenjača.

Cycling Route and Cultural Sites in Općina Polača

In the broader destination of Općina Polača, the 20-kilometre circular route “Vrata Ravnih kotara” starts in Kakma. It runs through Donja Jagodnja, Gornja Jagodnja and Polača; there are ten rest stops along the route. Its circular layout and length describe the broader scope of the cycling tour, while the named places show its route through the municipality.

In the broader destination of Općina Polača, Jezero Novak is the fourth point on the route and also a rest stop east of the centre of Polača. Štrkovača is the fifth point, also east of the town centre. From Štrkovača, there is a view of the Polača field and the surrounding villages. The two points therefore differ in their described function: Jezero Novak is highlighted as a rest stop, while Štrkovača is noted for its view.

Other historic sites in Općina Polača include the old Gradina in Polača. It was a fortification built by the Krbava princes in the 14th century for defence. The parish church of Saints Kuzma and Damjan in Polača was consecrated on 26 February 2006. The “Sv. Kuzma i Damjan” monument preserves the church ruins on site as a reminder of Polača’s suffering.

The remains of the walls of a prehistoric settlement are preserved on Glavica Bićina. Glavica Bićina is not open to visitors; check the current status before planning a visit.

Hotels and Other Activities in the Broader Destination

In the broader destination of Općina Polača, Ražnjevića Dvori A.D. 1307 is located in the old part of Polača. The restored stone building is now a heritage hotel with a tavern, providing a specific hotel option when looking for accommodation in the municipality.

In Kakma 189, also in Općina Polača, Kotari is a winery, oil mill and wine bar run by the Maslina i vino agricultural cooperative. Its offerings include wine and olive oil tastings, as well as guided cellar tours. Advance arrangements may be required for cellar tours; if you are interested, arrange your visit in advance.

Agro turizam Prtenjača is located in the hamlet of the same name in the northern part of Općina Polača. Advance arrangements are required for information about the offering, opening hours and reservations. Quad Adventure Ravni kotari organises guided quad tours departing from Polača; advance booking is required. These activities differ from the cycling route: they focus on a guided tour or a visit that needs to be arranged in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kakma.

Back to the broader travel overview: Općina Polača.