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, 'Gradina', means 'castle'. As the generic term 'Gradina' is often used 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 into the east curtain wall. The north wall of a 9th-century church was integrated into the north curtain wall, while the church itself was converted into a mosque. Apparently, the Turks built the castle in only 15 days.

However, some other sources say 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 aimed to conquer. Recognizing the threat Solin posed, the defenders attacked and destroyed the castle in 1532. Gazi Husrev Bey, the Ottoman governor of the Sanjak of Bosnia, restored the castle in 1536. In 1537, the Ottomans finally conquered Klis. Although a Turkish garrison was initially stationed at the castle, it gradually lost its importance and fell into ruin. By the late 16th century, the area was on the border between the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice, and had become a no-man's-land.

The ruined castle was reused during 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 excavation was conducted in 2020.

Today, Solin Castle is used as a venue for cultural activities and can only be visited as a guest of such events. It remains a nice castle ruin.

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