Croatia has a great amount of castles, burgs and fortifications most of which are abandoned and craving for restauration. To demonstrate just how numerous those historical structures on the territory of Croatia are take a look at the map below.
In the following lines we will demonstrate the most importat cultural and historical monuments of secular castle architecture in Croatia which are zero – category monuments and recognizable part of Croatian identity. Croatian castles still don’t attract many visitors so you just might get the true feeling of how Croatian noble families lived.
TRAKOŠĆAN CASTLE
Most famous and best preserved Croatian castle is Trakošćan in northwestern part of Croatia. Castle was first built in the late 13th or early 14th century as a small defensive fortress.
Complex of Trakošćan we have today, a romanticist synergy of architecture and nature, is a result of 19th century. Castle was reconstructed in neo – gothic style and surrounding landscape including a lake emerged after the model of English park.
For the last 60 years Trakoscan houses valuable collection of paintings, furniture and weapons from the Renaissance until Historicism.
Besides beautiful architecture visitors are attracted by romanistice gardens and picturesque lake surrounding the castle. As a result Trakoscan offers a peaceful fairytale experience and is definitely a must see when in Croatia all year round.
VELIKI TABOR CASTLE
Veliki Tabor belongs to the group of well preserved Croatian castles located in the northwestern part of Croatia.
Even though there are no records of construction of the castle, architectural elements of 15th Century fortification architecture, confirm the hypothesis that castle was first built in that time. Subsequent interventions, which we see today, can be dated to second half of 16th Century.
Layout of the castle consist of older pentagonal building with late gothic elements enclosed by irregularly shaped renaissance defensive wall and housing facilities.
In the first decade of 21st Century castle undergone an extensive conservation research and comprehensive restauration. Today, Veliki Tabor castle is famous excursion site due to its impressive architecture, rich museum collection and the most beautiful views stretching all the way to Slovenia.
PEJAČEVIĆ CASTLE
Pejačević castle, once owned by the noble Pejacevic family, is situated in the city of Našice in Slavonia region. One of the youngest Croatian castles proudly stands in the middle of English gardens with artificial lake, what is today city park.
Castle was first built at the beginning of 19th Century and around 1865. renovated in neo – baroque style with rich architectural ornaments.
Castle emerged as a symbol of the city and is definitely worth visiting for its fairytale setting, architectural and horticultural features and educational facilities.
Castle houses Local History Museum of Našice. Moving around castle you can see a display of historic periods up to Second World War and get an insight in the life of nobility through photos and remaining artefacts.
OZALJ CASTLE
Ozalj castle is located in the city of Ozalj in central Croatia near Slovenian border.
This castle shows a unique architectural blend which developed through different historical epochs. Oldest remains, ancient roman wall, date back to 6th Century but the groundwork of today’s construction is from 13th Century.
In 18th century medieval fortification was turned into representative castle with neo-renaissance elements.
Situated on the stone cliff above the Kupa River, castle offers a true medieval atmosfere. Visitors can also enjoy in Ethno Park and old hydro-power plant – one of the most beautiful examples of neo – classical industrial architecture.
PHOTO: Flickr, Ozalj Tourist Board