Dubravci – Folklore, Cultural Heritage and Cycling Route

Dubravci is often described as one of the central places of Paurija. The region lies between the Dobra and Mrežnica rivers, but its boundaries and the classification of individual settlements are not uniformly defined. Those interested in the area’s cultural traditions will find several different points of connection in its club culture, music and ethnographic heritage.

Culture and Customs in Dubravci

KUD Paurija Dubravci works across four areas: choir and folklore, tambura music, drama and ethnography. It preserves songs, dances and folk customs from the Paurija area. The different areas show that the club’s work extends beyond music and dance to include drama and ethnographic topics.

The Church of St. Anne in Dubravci has hosted several concerts by KUD Paurija. The Chapel of the Three Kings is also connected with the club’s musical tradition: by January 6, 2017, KUD had already held its traditional Epiphany Christmas concert there for eleven years. This time reference describes the concert tradition at that time, not a current event date.

KUD opened an ethnographic house on an anniversary of its work. Its permanent exhibition displays authentic objects from everyday life. The house also provides space to showcase traditional customs and crafts. Everyday objects are thus presented alongside the opportunity to share traditional practices and craftsmanship; this does not imply that a demonstration is currently taking place.

Jesen u Pauriji in September

Jesen u Pauriji takes place every September in Dubravci. The festival brings together folklore groups from Karlovac County and guest groups from other areas. Recurring features include competitions in old rural games and autumn tasks. The festival thus combines folklore gatherings with seasonal activities and rural customs. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant edition in advance.

Cycling Route, Road Connections and Food

Dubravci is part of the recommended sequence of stops on the 36-kilometre “Srce prirode” cycling route. Along with Dubravci, this sequence includes Belavići, Gršćaki, Mračin, Gradišće and Zvečaj, among others. For road orientation, local road LC 34064 connects Dubravci on the D 3 with Venac Mrežnički on the D 23. The route and the road connection offer different ways to navigate the region.

Restaurant Paurija in Dubravci serves grilled specialities on a shaded terrace. Before visiting, check whether the restaurant is currently open.

Culture and Landscape in Općina Netretić

The broader destination of Općina Netretić offers a glimpse of its historical context through several buildings. The ruins of Stari grad Novigrad na Dobri castle, built by the Frankopans, remained in their possession until 1671. Most na Dobri is one of Croatia’s oldest river bridges; it is 122 metres long and has ten openings. The Church of the Assumption of Mary in Novigrad na Dobri developed from a 15th-century Gothic chapel and was given a Baroque style in the 17th century. Together, these buildings represent different historical and architectural layers within Općina Netretić.

The landscape of Općina Netretić also provides a distinct regional setting: the Dobra crosses the Netretić area. Along the Kupa, quiet stretches alternate with rapids; the river runs between fields and high, rocky banks. The historic Karolina Road passes through the municipality of Netretić. These regional features complement the distinctive cultural and customary connections that Dubravci has with Paurija, KUD and the ethnographic house.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Vukova Gorica, Netretić, Mračin.

Back to the destination overview: Općina Netretić.