Solin Castle

Solin Castle, locally known as just Gradina, lies in the town of Solin, in the county of Split-Dalmatia in Croatia. Its local name of 'Gradina' translates back to 'castle'. And as the generic term of 'Gradina' is used often in Croatia, I choose to use the name Solin Castle.

The most accepted theory states that Solin Castle was built near the Jadro River in the first half of the 16th century, probably in 1531, by the Ottomans. The Turks incorporated the remains of the city walls of the ancient Roman city of Salona in the east curtain wall. The north wall of a 9th century church was incorporated in the north curtain wall, while the church itself was turned into a mosque. Apparently it took the Turks only 15 days to build the castle.

Some other sources however state that a castle was already built here in the second half of the 14th century, by the Archbishop of Split; Hugolin de Mala Branca.

The Ottomans used Solin Castle to disrupt logistical and military support for the defenders of nearby Klis Castle, which they were trying to conquer. The defenders recognized the danger that Solin posed to them, and attacked and destroyed the castle in 1532. Gazi Husrev Bey, the Ottoman governor of the Sanjak of Bosnia, had the castle restored in 1536. In 1537 the Ottomans finally managed to conquer Klis. And although at first a garrison of Turkish soldiers was still stationed at the castle, it gradually lost its importance and fell to ruin. By the late 16th century the area was on the border of the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice and had become a no man's land.

The ruined castle was again taken into use during the French rule in Croatia, between 1806 and 1813, to station a cavalry detachment.

Since 1979 a summer stage has been installed within the castle. An extensive archaeological excation was carried out in 2020.

Solin Castle is now used as a venue for cultural activities and apparently can only be visited as a guest of such an activity. A nice castle ruin.

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