Classifying the Mediterranean terraced landscape: the case of Adriatic Croatia

Abstract

This article presents a Croatian Adriatic terraced landscape classification, highlighting its natural and cultural background and proposing a classification framework for further research. The classification is based on the landscape level (i.e., the “landscape pattern level”), synthesizing its structural, biophysical, and cultural-historical dimensions. The interpretation of classes involves a combination of general land use, structure, geomorphology, local land use, crops, soil type, and historical aspects. Nine classes of terraced landscapes are identified and described, example locations are given, and they are substantiated with illustrations and photos.