Hreljin Castle

Hreljin Castle is a historic fortress situated on a hill above Bakarac in the western Vinodol region of Croatia. Constructed from local limestone, the site dates back to at least 1225, when it was granted to the prominent Frankopan noble family by King Andrew II of Hungary. As a key defensive structure facing the Bay of Bakar, which served as its seaport, the castle played a vital role in regional security and administration. Its historical significance is further highlighted by Hreljin being one of the nine towns that signed the Vinodol Codex in 1288, one of the oldest legal codes written in a Slavic language.

The architectural layout of the old town included defensive walls with two towers and two gates, surrounding a settlement centered around a single-nave church dedicated to St. George. The castle itself occupied the highest point of the hill, offering strategic views of the coast. Following the Frankopan era, ownership passed to the Zrinski family in 1550, remaining under their control until their execution in 1671. By the late 18th century, the fortress had fallen into decay, and the last inhabitants, three priests, abandoned the site in 1790. Today, only ruins remain, including parts of the standing walls, a tower, and the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was dedicated in 1701.

Currently, Hreljin Castle exists as an accessible archaeological site open to the public. While the main structures are in a ruined condition, visitors can still observe the remnants of the defensive fortifications and the religious buildings that once formed the heart of the community. The location stands as a testament to the medieval history of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and the influential noble families that shaped the political landscape of Croatia during the Middle Ages.