Catholic Church Saint George

Korenica is a small town in the Lika region of central Croatia, best known as the nearest large settlement to the Plitvice Lakes, about fifteen kilometres away, and the Catholic church of St. George stands in its centre. The church is one of the town's main points of interest, and what follows describes the setting in which it stands. For many travellers, it is a pleasant and quiet stop between visits to the lakes and the road to the coast.

St. George is one of the most widely honoured saints in the Christian world, a soldier martyr of the early fourth century who is shown on horseback slaying a dragon, and he is the patron of many towns and parishes in Croatia. Churches named after him are common in Lika, where the saint's cult has deep roots and where his feast, in late April, is marked in many villages with processions and gatherings. A church of this dedication in a town like Korenica is therefore likely to be an old parish institution with a long role in community life, though the present building may be recent, since this area was heavily damaged in the war of the 1990s and many churches were rebuilt.

The church has a simple but dignified architecture, with a bell tower and a welcoming entrance, and the interior is quiet and cool. It is located near the town centre, so it is easy to reach on foot, and it can be included in a stroll through Korenica. Visitors are generally welcome outside the times of services, and they should dress modestly and be respectful. Opening hours are not widely published, so ask locally.

The wider area is much more famous than the town itself. Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its terraced lakes and waterfalls, is close, and Korenica is a base for many visitors, with hotels, hostels and restaurants along the main road. A hostel known as Falling Lakes is listed in this guide, along with the ruins of an old church. The Lika landscape of green hills, forests and open fields is attractive in its own right, and the region has a quiet, rural character.

A stop at the church takes about fifteen to thirty minutes. It suits travellers who like to see local life and ordinary parish churches as well as famous sights, and who need a short break on the road between Zagreb and the coast. Combine it with a meal at a local restaurant, where Lika specialities such as lamb, potatoes cooked under a bell and local cheese are served.