Gvozdansko Castle, Dvor, Croatia

The Gvozdansko Castle was probably built in the second half of the 15th century, due to mining rights of Croatian Zrinski noble family. The castle was first mentioned in 1488. Nikola III Zrinski and his son Nikola Šubić Zrinski frequently came to Gvozdansko in order to inspect the mines and the mint.

The Turks attempted to conquer the Gvozdansko Castle on several occasions. Three major attempts were made in 1561 by Malkoč-beg, in 1574 by Ferhad-beg, and in 1576 by Kapidži-pasha. The final siege by Ferhat-paša Sokolović with 10,000 soldiers, which was fought from 3 October 1577 to 13 January 1578, was much better prepared. That Siege of Gvozdansko ended with an Ottoman victory, after long and bloody siege. Ottomans managed to break into castle only after last defenders froze to death in harsh winter, having no wood or anything else to light the fire, on 13 January 1578.

Ottoman rule in Gvozansko lasted until 1718. Ottoman commander was stunned by the brave Croatian defenders, after witnessing frozen bodies of defenders still holding their muskets on combat positions in the ruined castle.

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User Reviews

Ivan Habeković (2 years ago)
The place of crimes against Croats in 1941, even in 1991. One of the marked ones, those known and unknown, there are many more. I love you Homeland only!?????❤️?

Josip Čorić (2 years ago)
the location is interesting and educational but neglected by the state due to negligence and carelessness

Lea Tot (2 years ago)
The rating is a clean middle ground because the arduous journey we took to get there and then seeing that the fort was literally impossible to get to was still disappointing. Maybe during the winter it can be done, but during the summer it is overgrown with thorns and vegetation, a pity, a big pity. And maybe if there were proper signposts in the forest and paths, it would also be great for us paratroopers who only fly into such destinations.

Vlaho (2 years ago)
Beautiful ruin of the Gvozdanski fort. A very sad story of brave people who lost their lives defending it to the last breath.

Filip Paunovic (4 years ago)
Access possible from the nearby village of Rujevac (road marked, bad macadam). There is NO trail / road from the village of Gvozdansko to the fort.

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