Karlovac is a city in central Croatia and the administrative center of Karlovac County. The city was named after its founder, Charles II, Archduke of Austria. The German name Karlstadt has equivalence in various languages. The Austrians built Karlovac from scratch in 1579 in order to strengthen their southern defenses against Ottoman encroachments. The establishment of a new city fortress was a part of the deal between the Protestant nobility of Inner Austria and the archduke Charles II of Austria.

The city museum in a former Francopan palace from the 17th century was once used as accommodation for generals. From Dubovac Castle you have a very nice view of the city. There are several places of worship in the city, including the Franciscan monastery and church of the Holy Trinity, the Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint Nicholas, and the Church of Saint Cyril and Methodius.