Discover the charms of the Master's Road: from a historic thoroughfare to a tourist gem

If you haven't had the chance to ride the Master's Road yet, you should definitely think about it. Driving along this wonderful panoramic road that crosses the Velebit and connects Sveti Rok in Lika with Obrovac via the Mali Alan pass at 1,045 meters above sea level is truly breathtaking with its beauty and the story of its construction, which makes it one of the most memorable experiences in life. Instead of rushing to the sea, venture out on this adventure or, better yet, take your time just for it. The Master's Road deserves to be the goal of a full-day trip.

This road was opened on October 4, 1832, and with a length of 41 kilometers, it is a protected asset of the Republic of Croatia. Called a masterpiece of European road construction of the era, its name is a tribute to its exceptionality, inspired by the German word "meisterstück", which means masterpiece, while the official name is state road D 547.

Master's cesta was once a key trade and postal artery, and today it is a valued tourist destination known for its views. It has become a favorite destination for adventurers, from motorcyclists and cyclists to mountaineers and lovers of road trips, which is also contributed by the ''Tulove grede'', a unique limestone complex that delights visitors.

Building the road was not easy; the works began in 1825 under the leadership of Josip Kajetan Knežić, who promised the workers gold in exchange for excavated rocks, facing challenges from both the workers and the client. Despite the difficulties, the road was built to meet modern construction criteria, demonstrating Knežić's exceptionality in road construction.

Master's Road is not just a thoroughfare; it is a place where legends about dragons and Velebit fairies intertwine and a cult place for fans of the series about Winnetou, filmed on its locations. ''Tulove grede'' are particularly significant, marked by the memory of Karl May and his novels, making the Master's Road not only a historical wonder, but also a cultural and tourist gem of Croatia.

Taken from: Lika Online.