The town of Imotski is situated on the boundary of Bosnia, Herzegovina and Dalmatia. Historians have found that Imotski existed in the times of Ilirians and Romans, and is first mentioned by the Byzantine Emperor Constantin Porfirogent in the 10th century.
There are about 5000 inhabitants in the city core, and about 36.000 in the whole Imotski district.
This old town has always had, in a special way, a significant influence on historical, economical, cultural, religious and political life of Croatian people. Through its thousand years history and social turmoils, Imotski has developed a characteristic Mediterranean spirit and culture, dignified with pride of Croatian national conscience and foundations of western culture.
There are two famous lakes as symbol of Imotski and its natural beauty:
THE BLUE LAKE
The Blue lake, a symbol of Imotski and protected natural monument, is a typical karst lake. It has the shape of kidney, 800 m in diameter and 400 m wide. The lake is inclined from the north to the south (Imotski field). The lake is deep about 290 m (from the highest edge on the north side) and 147 m (from the lowest edge on the south side). The bottom of the lake can be reached by serpentines which were constructed in 1907. During winter and summer months, the water level reaches the height of 80 -100m, and in summer it often dries up. As an interesting evidence can be mentioned 1914. year when the lake overflowed and reached the maximum height of 147 m.
THE RED LAKE
The Red lake is karst lake too. It is the deepest lake in Croatia and Europe. It has a well shape, and is a protected natural monument, too. From its north side (from the highest edge to the bottom) is 520 m deep, and 420 m from the south side. It has the same inclination as the Blue lake (toward the Imotski fields). It is about 300 m in diameter. The bottom of the lake is 4 m above the sea level. The water level varies from 250 to 300 m. |