Gornje Raštane: History and Archaeological Traces

The history of Gornje Raštane can be explored through several points of reference: an early name, the development of the parish, later resettlement, and archaeological and religious heritage. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Gornje Raštane, this overview of local themes can help you understand the destination through its historical profile. Local history, archaeological sites, and religious heritage emerge as distinct areas of interest.

Local History Across Several Periods

In the 14th century, Gornje Raštane is mentioned under the name Hrašćane. Before Ottoman rule, the settlement was an independent parish, which was dissolved in the 16th century. After the end of Ottoman rule, Gornje Raštane was resettled mainly by people from Bukovica, as well as from the island of Murter. The local history therefore comprises several clearly distinguishable periods: the recorded name, an earlier church organization, and later resettlement by people from two named areas of origin. These stages offer different historical perspectives, from the development of the place name to changes in the population.

Archaeological Traces at Named Sites

A Bronze Age settlement in the lowlands below the hamlet of Veterinci (Vinterinci) is one of the archaeological traces of Gornje Raštane. The medieval cemetery at the Njive site below the village of Gornje Raštane is also among the settlement’s archaeological remains. At the Tičevo site, there are narrow-necked pits up to two metres deep, which were probably used to store food. The archaeological sites thus include settlements and burial grounds, as well as individual pits whose function is described with due caution.

A cremation grave with grave goods was discovered at the Pod Jaruga site; the finds are now kept in museums in Zadar and Biograd. The findspot and the current place of safekeeping can thus be clearly distinguished. Grudine is classified in Gornje Raštane as an archaeological area or site. These named places therefore represent different archaeological points of reference, rather than just one type of evidence.

Churches and Cultural-Historical Classifications

Lužine is classified in Gornje Raštane as an ethnological area. It is also classified as vernacular architecture within a rural-urban ensemble. The Church of Sv. Juraj in Gornje Raštane is classified as a listed building in the category of religious structures. The early Christian Church of Sv. Jure, also known as St. Georgio, dates from the 14th century and is considered a cultural attraction in Gornje Raštane. These references combine area classifications with the classification of religious buildings and their historical significance.

A small church of unknown name once stood near the hamlet of Viternici and the Bojana well. A second small church, also of unknown name, once stood at the Crkvine site near Tičevo. The accounts link the former churches to different locations: Viternici and Bojana on the one hand, and Crkvine and Tičevo on the other.

Cultural-Historical Context: Općina Sveti Filip I Jakov

There are other cultural monuments in the wider destination of Općina Sveti Filip I Jakov. The Church of St. Roch is a Romanesque monument dating from the 11th century and is classified as a second-category cultural monument. Kaštel is a 17th-century castle with the coat of arms of the abbots of Rogovo built into its walls. These examples add to the picture of the cultural history of the wider destination.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Turanj, Sveti Filip I Jakov, Sikovo, Sveti Petar Na Moru.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Općina Sveti Filip I Jakov.