Ozalj

Ozalj is a municipality and town located in central Croatia within the Banovina region of the Central Croatia County. It lies on the left bank of the Kupa River, approximately 65 kilometres southeast of Zagreb, and is situated near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The area covers around 95 square kilometres and includes several villages such as Lika, Braňe, and Đakovo.

The town’s history dates back to the early medieval period, when it was first mentioned in documents from the 14th century. Ozalj gained prominence during the Ottoman wars, serving as a strategic defensive outpost. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was part of the Military Frontier established by the Habsburg Monarchy to guard against Ottoman incursions. The construction of the fort in Ozalj, completed in the late 17th century, became a key military stronghold. Today the fortress is a preserved site that attracts historians and tourists interested in military architecture.

Agriculture and forestry have traditionally formed the backbone of Ozalj’s economy. The region benefits from fertile alluvial soils along the Kupa River, supporting crops such as corn, wheat, and sugar beets. In recent decades, rural tourism has expanded, with visitors drawn to the natural landscapes, local culinary traditions, and cultural festivals. Annual events include the Ozaljska priča cultural week and the Kupa Regatta, which showcase regional music, crafts, and boat races.

Demographic statistics from the most recent national census report a population of roughly 4,200 residents, a decline from the mid‑20th century peak due to urban migration. The municipality maintains a local government led by a mayor and council, and it participates in the broader Central Croatia Regional Development Programme, addressing infrastructure, environmental protection, and sustainable development.