Vrgorac Castle

Vrgorac Castle, locally known as Tvrđava Gradina, lies above the town of Vrgorac, in the county of Split-Dalmatia in Croatia. Its local name translates back to Fortress (Tvrđava) Castle (Gradina). And as the generic term of 'Gradina' is used often in Croatia, I choose to use the name Vrgorac Castle.

Vrgorac Castle was built in the first half of the 15th century by a local noble and warlord; Pavao Jurjević. It served to protect his county of Gorska from Ottoman incursions and control traffic between the interior and the coast.

After the Ottomans conquered it in 1493 they made it a local seat of government and adapted it to their needs. To strengthen it, they also erected a tower on a hill east and below the castle. This round tower, which is now known as the Avala Tower, completely controlled the path to the castle, making it virtually impregnable. During Ottoman rule also several square tower houses were built in the town below the castle.

The Ottomans were driven out of Vrgorac in 1690, after which it fell under Venetian rule. They then built a small chapel inside the castle, dedicated to St. Anthony the Abbot, and garrisoned the castle.

The castle lost its military importance during the Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 1878 on.

Vrgorac Castle is freely accessible, the Ottoman Avala Tower, sadly enough, isn't. The castle can be reached over a narrow rocky path and is only some 15 min from the nearest road. A very nice castle ruin.

Gallery

Avala Tower