The most interesting feature of Karlovac is perhaps its most peculiar architectural point, its star formation, which was designed around a typical Renaissance styled urban centre plan.  Designed for purposes of defence in keeping out the troublesome Turks, this six-pointed star formed an interestingly different type of fortress, one based on ditches and a moat!  Walls were built up on the foundations of the star, and in each of the six corners a strong bastion was erected.  It’s interesting to note that there are only two other towns in Europe that have similar plans (Palmanova in Italy and Novy Zamk in Slovakia).  The beginning of the construction of Karlovac fortress is known as the birthday of Karlovac – 13th July 1579.  The city was built upon a Zrinski family estate, beneath the Old Town of Dubovac.  The city was situated inside the lines of the star, some sectors which are located within the star include, are the Holy Trinity church and its Franciscan monastery and the Orthodox, St Nicholas church (1784-86) which lie on the main square. On the same square one can see a well (1869) that is decorated with terracotta sculptures which symbolise the seasons.  Old plans of the city portray geometrically lined streets and city blocks.  The first residents were military men and their families followed by civilians.  This new city was named after its founder Karlo von Habsburg, but for some time it was simply known as the new fort under Dubovac and then a century later when the city really developed its identity as, Karlovac beside Dubovac. The unique feature of this star is well worth the visit and is best explored by foot, so take a leisurely walk around the former bastioned fortress.