Starigrad - Paklenica is a small settlement and harbour located on the coast of the Velebit channel, at the foot of Mount Velebit, 25 miles from the town of Zadar.
In the hinterland of Starigrad - Paklenica lies the National park of Paklenica - probably the biggest tourist attraction of the area. The National park is a unique natural phenomena consiting of two canyons: Velika or Greater (8.7 miles) and Mala or Smaller (7.5 miles) Paklenica. Creeks flow throught both of the canyons and their steep sides reach height of more than 1300 feet. Apart from the magnificence of the canyons, the most well-known natural pohenomenon discovered so far is the Manita Peć cave, 580 feet in length. The National park Paklenica and the surrounding souther part of the Velebit Nature park provide perfect settings for different outdoor activities. The canyon of Velika Paklenica is one of the most visited free-climbing centers of Europe, with more than 75 short and 250 long routes. Also, a moutain route to the tallest peak of Mount Velebit, Vaganski vrh (5764 feet), starts in the canyon.
The town of Starigrad - Paklenica is the starting point for visitors of the National park. The tranquility of a small Dalmatian town, refreshment of the sea, numerous quality apartments, camps and hotels present an excellent addition to the beauty of the mountian rising above it.
The city has been inhabitated since Roman times, as a small settlement called Argyruntum. The settlement was fortified by walls in 35 AD, when emperor Tiberius awarded its inhabitants the municipal rights. After a long period of urban dwelling, the city was abandoned in the XVIth century due to the Ottoman invasions, only to be reborn in the XVIIth century.
The old part of town is rich in archaelogical findings as well as may acrhitectural monuments, for example the well known villa of Petar Hektorovic. A small pre-roman church of St. Peter is located nearby as well as the ruins of the Većka tower, built during the Ottoman occupation. In the Rovanjska inlet, not far from the town, lays the old Croatian church of St. Juraj.
