Budak Castle

Budak Castle, locally known as Kaštel Budak, lies next to the village of the same name, in the county of Zadar in Croatia.

Budak Castle is believed to have been built around 1475 by local Croatian nobles on a low hill above the village. It served as a defense against the Venetians. In 1493, the Kingdom of Croatia lost the Battle of Krbava Field to superior Ottoman forces. From then on, the castle functioned as a defense against increasing Ottoman incursions in the area. The castle was sold to the Venetians in 1502. After 1527, the Ottomans took control of the area. Nothing more is known about the castle after that. It may have been used by the Ottomans.

The castle appears to have consisted of a main circular tower, which served as a keep, surrounded by a wall with buildings constructed against it. At least, that is what I infer based on the remains and foundations I observed.

Budak Castle is freely accessible. There is no defined path, but it is a short walk through shrubs and over rocks from the nearest road. The red and white checkerboard pattern on the tower displays the coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia. Although it is not historical, I like it.

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