Nečven Castle

Nečven Castle, locally known as Utvrda Nečven, lies west of the hamlet of Puljane, in the county of Šibenik-Knin in Croatia.

Nečven Castle was built during the 13th century by the Nelipić family, local Croatian nobles from Knin. Although legend says it was already constructed in the 9th century. It was built on a high cliff above the left bank of the Krka River. This was a strategic location, as an important trade route crossed the Krka canyon via a wooden toll bridge. On the opposite side of the canyon was another castle, Trošenj, held by the Nelipić's rivals, also local Croatian nobles, the Šubić family.

The Nelipić family held the castle until 1421. Several owners followed until 1522, when the Ottoman Empire captured it. They transformed it into an important regional administrative center. In the second half of the 17th century, the Turks were expelled from the area. By then, the castle was in a very dilapidated state and partly in ruins. A century later, it was finally abandoned as the surrounding area was depopulated.

Nečven Castle can be freely visited. It’s a nice castle ruin, mainly because of its location.

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