Stirovaca

Most beautiful conifer forest on Velebit, one that grows in legendary Stirovaca valley, is exploited for centuries now. It began in 18th century for ship building purposes for domestic and Venetian needs. Narrow track was opened for ox’s to drag masts to 6h distant coast (for hikers today). Who knows how much ox’s needed to travel such distance pulling who knows how heavy mast? From there they were transported to shipyards all over Adriatic including Venice. In 1999 small part of Stirovaca was included into newly founded North Velebit NP, although it is placed on Mid Velebit. This is section of spruce log from Stirovaca. Here they reach height of 40m. More about history is in Alan pass section on main page. Photo: Aleksandar Gospic