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 to "Fortress" (Tvrđava) and "Castle" (Gradina). As the generic term 'Gradina' is often used 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 Gorska county from Ottoman attacks and to 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 built a tower on a hill east of and below the castle. This round tower, now known as the Avala Tower, completely controlled the path to the castle, making it nearly impregnable. During Ottoman rule, several square tower houses were also built in the town below the castle.

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

The castle lost its military significance during Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina, beginning in 1878.

Vrgorac Castle is freely accessible, but the Ottoman Avala Tower, unfortunately, isn't. The castle can be reached via a narrow rocky path, about 15 minutes from the nearest road. A very nice castle ruin.

Gallery

Avala Tower