# Ilok Castle

- **Country:** Croatia
- **Notes:** The Odescalchi Castle stands on the foundations of the 15th-century castle of King Nikola Ilocki. It was Emperor Leopold who rewarded Pope Innocent XI Odescalchi and his family with the castle and the entire Ilok estate for their assistance in liberating the town from the Ottoman Empire. The Pope's nephews, Italian aristocrats, expanded and transformed the castle into its current Baroque-Classicist style.
- **Year Built:** 15th century
- **Castle Type:** Castle
- **Location Text:** Ilok, Vukovar-Srijem County

Ilok Castle, also known as Odescalchi Castle, is a historic fortress situated on a hill overlooking the town of Ilok in eastern Croatia. Its elevated position provides commanding views of the Danube River and the vast Pannonian Plain. Originally constructed in the 15th century by Nicholas of Ilok, who served as the Croatian viceroy and King of Bosnia, the structure has witnessed centuries of conflict and change. Following the Ottoman conquest in the 16th century and their subsequent defeat at the Battle of Vienna, Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I granted the property to Livio Odescalchi in 1683. This transfer marked the beginning of two centuries of ownership by the powerful Italian Odescalchi family, who held the title of Duke of Syrmia.

During the 18th century, the Odescalchi family significantly reconstructed the castle, transforming its appearance into the Baroque architectural style that characterizes much of the current structure. The site remained in private aristocratic hands until 1945, when it was nationalized by the authorities of Yugoslavia. After undergoing extensive restoration work, the castle reopened to the public in 2010. Today, it serves as a cultural hub, with the lower two floors housing the Museum of the Town of Ilok. Beyond its historical architecture, the castle is renowned for its wine cellars, which are considered among the most famous in Croatia, continuing a long tradition of viticulture associated with the estate.

![Photo of Ilok Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Ilok.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilok_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)