If you have found a vacation rental in the charming Croatian city of Rijeka, then you're likely not going to miss the Trsat Castle as it is perched in a strategic position high above the city. Boasting an amazing view over the surrounding area, it is one of the oldest fortifications on the Croatian coast a well-preserved medieval gem and also a recreation area, historical monument and pilgrimage site, all rolled into one.
The castle is first recorded when it was mentioned as a parochial centre in 1288, though the site had been known as an observation post since prehistoric times and was important for the Romans to establish their defence system, the so-called Liburnian limes. The present structure was built by the Frankopan dukes of Krk but it has been altered over the years, the latest changes being made in 1824 under Irish-born count Laval Nugent, a commander in the Austrian army, who bought the castle and restored in a romantic neoclassical Biedermeier style.
The castle is first recorded when it was mentioned as a parochial centre in 1288, though the site had been known as an observation post since prehistoric times and was important for the Romans to establish their defence system, the so-called Liburnian limes. The present structure was built by the Frankopan dukes of Krk but it has been altered over the years, the latest changes being made in 1824 under Irish-born count Laval Nugent, a commander in the Austrian army, who bought the castle and restored in a romantic neoclassical Biedermeier style.
It has also been given additional facilities more recently, though no drastic structural or stylistic changes have been made in modern times. The ancient Greek–style Nugent family mausoleum is home to a gallery, a former dungeon is used to stage temporary exhibitions and the building, as a whole, often hosts events like concerts, theatrical performances and fashion shows. An open-air cafe-bar on the grounds stays open until midnight in the summer and has been a great addition as it makes for the perfect place to take in the views over the Rječina River valley to the docks, the Adriatic and all the way across the coast to the distant island of Krk.
On the grounds of the castle is the beautiful and ornate Church of Our Lady of Trsat, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Croatia, which attracts around 300,000 visitors a year and allegedly housed the Nazareth Tabernacle. The Franciscan Monastery also attracts large numbers of pilgrims annually.
On the grounds of the castle is the beautiful and ornate Church of Our Lady of Trsat, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Croatia, which attracts around 300,000 visitors a year and allegedly housed the Nazareth Tabernacle. The Franciscan Monastery also attracts large numbers of pilgrims annually.
Whether you visit to get some exercise, take in the views, relax on the pretty grounds, learn more about the building or to get closer to your faith, Trsat Castle is certainly a special gem in this lovely town in Croatia.
Photo credits
picture 1: Han Jongeneel / CC BY 3.0;
picture 2: Han Jongeneel / CC BY 3.0;
picture 3: Elekes Andor / CC BY-SA 4.0
picture 1: Han Jongeneel / CC BY 3.0;
picture 2: Han Jongeneel / CC BY 3.0;
picture 3: Elekes Andor / CC BY-SA 4.0