Cardaklije Tourist Complex Bosanski Petrovac
The Idyllic and fairy tale rural tourist household of „Cardaklije” is located in the Vrtoce village, on the road from Bihac to Bosanski Petrovac, in the municipality of Bosanski Petrovac, 12 km from the Una National Park, 2 hours drive from the Adriatic Sea and 70 km from the Plitvice Lakes-National Park. The idea for creation of the rural household and complex of “Cardaklije” came from the brothers Zoran and Zdravko Radosevic who successfully had interwoven authentic lives of their ancestors, some 150 years ago into their present “Cardaklije” tourist facility. Nikola, ancestor of Zoran, who runs the Cardaklije complex, settled in the tranquil area of Vrtoce village in 1825, when he arrived with his family from the craggy Velebit Mountain. The family story has it that Nikola constructed an unusual narrow and tall house, which locals named “Cardaklija”, that during time became the symbol of recognition of this family, and today makes the main feature of the tourist complex, which truly excites visitors with its appearance, amenities and activities awaiting.
Today, the rural household of „Cardaklije” is actualy an old rustic property which wholeheartedly greets visitors and offers the unique opportunity to relax and enjoy in finest traditional meals, drinks, relaxing atmosphere in traditional ambience. „Cardaklije” Rural household and tourist complex is an ideal place for relaxation, enjoyment for all senses, walks through the forest and along clearings, away from the city and modern life.
The main central structure of the “Cardaklije” rural household – the tourist complex is the Gostinjska kuca (guest house) built in traditional architectural style with decorations and furniture characteristic for the rural house of Bosnia. In the ground floor of the gostinjska kuca (guest house) is tavern for tasting traditional dishes and drinks, and upstairs there is a restaurant, with total capacity of 75 seats. In addition to the Guest house, there is the Cardak structure, located in the shade of oak and ash where meat and milk is processed in traditional way. The “Cardaklije” Household also features a bakery and a kitchen where bread and pastries are prepared from different types of flour and organic cereals. Within the “Cardaklije” Household-tourist complex there is the Vesela kuca (Happy house) whose symbolic and silly name is associated with tasting of brandy, socialization and relaxation. The Vesela kuca of Cardaklija Rural household – tourist complex provides visitors opportunity to become acquainted with original technology of brandy preparation. The Vanjsko ognjiste (open campfire) of the “Cardaklije” rural household provides an excellent opportunity for getting together and pleasant conversation in the shade, as well as preparation of traditional dishes on grill and skewer. The fact that the „Cardaklije” Rural household – tourist complex takes special care about preservation of old crafts and traditional values is best proved by the Educational and Environmental center where traditional production of jam pomegranate and plum, juice of the fruit called drenjina /berries/, various types of tea from the raw materials of organic origin are performed. Visitors are invited to discover “Bolic game”, peasant bags, woolen socks are made….
Accommodation capacity of the “Cardaklije” complex is located near the main central part of the household, but it still provides peace and discretion to visitors, as rustic units are enough away, so that harmonious and quiet stay is assured, adjusted to the surrounding natural environment. “Cardaklije” tourist complex in Bosanski Petrovac offers basic but comfortable stay in typical village houses with apartments of 4 and 6 beds. At present there are two such rural homes, but in the future it is planned to build new accommodation facilities.
In the offer of the tourist rural household of “Cardaklije” stand out the following activities, facilities and workshops: photo safari, occupational therapy, “full contact”, fun and educational trips, school mushroom course, tours for children and adults, horse-back ride, carriage ride…. During their stay, visitors of the Cardaklije tourist complex can enjoy in exploration and activities in the Una National Park, rafting on Una River, various hiking trips and riding mountain bike… The tourist rural household complex of “Cardaklije” tends to provide every visitor a complete delightful and an idyllic vacations, offering besides comfortable, but basic accommodation, finest traditional food and a variety of attractions that entertain and intrigue visitors, broaden their horizons, knowledge and interests.
