Tourist board of the town of Vodice gladly invites all citizens and visitors to a unique Picnic in Rakitnica, which will be held on Thursday, May 1st, near the picturesque church of St. John, starting at 10:00 AM.

Rakitnica: a blend of nature, gastronomy and history

Enjoy the beauty of the Vodice hinterland, where nature and tradition intertwine. The Picnic in Rakitnica offers a perfect escape from the city bustle, providing an opportunity to relax in an idyllic setting. Visitors will be able to enjoy a rich offer of local gastronomy, including traditional beans, wild greens and polenta, prepared with love by the members of the Cultural Association Vodiške perlice. A musical ensemble will complete the atmosphere, creating an unforgettable experience.

Rakitnica, located a few kilometers north of Vodice, is mentioned as early as 1311. This picturesque place hides a rich history, as evidenced by the remains of former houses and walls. The Church of St. John the Baptist, built in 1445, adds a special charm to this area. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Rakitnica was the scene of fierce battles between the Turkish and Venetian armies. Today, this area exudes peace and invites exploration of its cultural heritage.

Hiking tour to Velika Mrdakovica

For history and archeology enthusiasts, a guided hiking tour to the Liburnian-Roman site at Velika Mrdakovica is organized, starting from Rakitnica at 11:15 AM. Velika Mrdakovica, also known as Arauzona, represents an exceptionally important archaeological site. The settlement in this area existed from the 7th century BC to the 2nd century AD. The researched material from the necropolis and settlement reveals trade links with distant areas such as the Baltics, southern France, and the Levant. The site was surrounded by double stone walls, and remains of residential buildings, water cisterns, and streets have also been found.

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover fascinating details about life in this ancient city, including ceramic, numismatic, metal, bone, and glass objects. A particularly noteworthy find is the glass snail-shaped rhyton, a unique find in Croatia and one of only seventeen found in the world.

Practical information

Free bus transport is provided for all visitors from the bus station in Vodice. Buses will depart every half hour, starting at 8:30 AM. Don't miss this unique opportunity to spend a day in nature, enjoying music, the scents of local cuisine, and historical stories!