Through its history, its nobility and its geographical position: Croatia is home to numerous castles across its territory. These historic monuments, prized for their legends and their architecture, offer a genuine journey through time! Follow us and discover the essential fortresses, as well as the Game of Thrones castles…

Which Croatian castles are must-sees?

Medvedgrad Fortress (Zagreb)

Following the ravages of Tatar invasions in 1254, Medvedgrad Fortress was constructed to protect the city from enemy assaults. Located in the vicinity of Ravna Gora, at 800 meters altitude, it stands proudly within a forest renowned for the richness of its fauna and flora.

During your visit, you'll learn much about the region's history, as well as the legends of Medvednica Forest. From the upper floors, you can also enjoy spectacular panoramic views. Here's a tip: don't leave without visiting Veternica Cave, located near the castle!

Trakošćan Castle (Lepoglava)

In the Hrvatsko Zagorje region, in northern Croatia, you'll find Trakošćan Castle. Built in the 14th century, it was subsequently restructured and today displays a neo-Gothic style. During your visit, you can explore the museum, which showcases numerous antique furnishings, weapons and various objects from the personal collections of former Croatian nobility.

Standing atop a hill, positioned to watch for incoming enemies, the castle is surrounded by a beautiful lake, ideal for walks... In the garden you'll also spot the St. Cross Chapel.

Veliki Tabor Castle (Hum Košnički)

In the heights of Hum Košnički village (municipality of Desinić), you'll find Veliki Tabor Castle. Perched at 333 meters altitude, it features Gothic architecture and solid ramparts, constructed for defensive purposes against Ottoman attacks.

The castle is associated with a famous legend: the tragic story of Veronika of Desenice - a 15th-century Croatian noblewoman in love with Frederick II of Celje, a powerful count from a rival family. Accused of witchcraft for having seduced him, Veronika is imprisoned and executed. According to local myth, her skull is preserved in the castle… The building houses a museum and exhibition dedicated to this local legend.

Ozalj Castle (Ozalj)

Located in the Karlovac region, Ozalj Castle stands atop a hill and overlooks the Kupa River. Built in the 13th century and subsequently transformed over centuries, the structure today displays a more Baroque than medieval style. Entry is via an old wooden bridge. Inside? You can visit a small museum that traces the region's history and its nobility.

A place to discover if you're interested in Croatian history or seeking a pleasant stop away from the crowds. Indeed, unlike others, this more discreet castle attracts fewer tourists and offers a genuine leap into the past, within a peaceful atmosphere.

Nehaj Fortress (Senj)

Dating from 1558, Nehaj Fortress was built using stone salvaged from houses, churches and monasteries destroyed around the city. It stands out for its cubic shape, oriented according to cardinal directions, its hundred loopholes and eleven large openings for cannons. You can also see a cistern, a collection of coats of arms, weapons, costumes and objects related to the history of the Uskoks (local warriors).

Frankopan Castle (Krk)

Located in the old town of Krk, Frankopan Castle is an emblematic monument on the island. A testament to the power of the Frankopan family (one of the great lineages of Croatian nobility), the building played an important role in the country's political history between the 12th and 17th centuries.

Built in stages over the decades, the castle blends elements of medieval fortification, Baroque and Renaissance styles. It also features two towers, one of which is notably square-shaped. Its special feature? Breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape!

Kamerlengo Castle (Trogir)

Located in Trogir, in Dalmatia, Kamerlengo Castle overlooks the harbor and offers breathtaking views of the sea and old town. It was designed in the 15th century, during the Venetian dominion - in extension of Veriga Tower.

While the city's fortifications have disappeared, the castle still stands proudly. Visits are self-guided. In summer, the castle's inner courtyard transforms into a cultural center hosting theater performances or open-air film screenings.

St. Michael's Fortress (Šibenik)

St. Michael's Fortress (Tvrdava SV. Mihovila) overlooks the city from St. Anne's Hill, 70 meters above sea level. Built in the 11th century, this structure played a strategic role for centuries, and was thus commanded by several powers, including the Venetians. Considered one of Šibenik's most important monuments, the fortress today houses a cultural center where you can admire exhibitions or attend concerts.

St. Nicholas Fortress (Šibenik)

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, St. Nicholas Fortress (Tvrđava Sv. Nikole) is located at the entrance of St. Anthony's Channel, on a small rocky islet facing Šibenik. Erected in the 16th century, the structure illustrates Renaissance military architecture, with its star-shaped plan and walls of brick and stone.

In 2025, access to the fortress is only by boat from the Krka jetty (due to restoration and conservation works). For the water taxi excursion and building tour, allow approximately 2 hours. During the crossing, you can admire wooded landscapes and a few military remnants scattered along the banks...

Which Game of Thrones castles are found in Croatia?

Klis Fortress (Klis)

Perched at 340 meters high, Klis Fortress (Tvrdava Klis) overlooks the eponymous village located about fifteen kilometers north of Split. Built on a rocky outcrop, between sea and mountains, it stands on an ancient strategic site long sought after.

Initially an Illyrian bastion, then the residence of Croatian royalty, the fortress subsequently became the focal point of numerous conflicts. Indeed, the structure was conquered and transformed several times by Venetians, Ottomans, French and Habsburgs. Its current architecture testifies to these political shifts.

But Tvrdava Klis is also known to Game of Thrones fans, as it served as the set for the city of Meereen - it's notably visible in scenes of Daenerys' triumphant arrival. A visit to the fortress also offers fine panoramic views of the surroundings.

Medieval Walls and St. Lawrence Fortress (Dubrovnik)

The medieval walls of Dubrovnik encircle the old town for nearly two kilometers. Built in the 13th century, these fortifications testify to the city's defensive history. Several towers, bastions and structures constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries line the route. You can enter the walls at two gates: Pile Gate in the west (near the fortress) and Ploče Gate in the east (harbor side).

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the entire old town is a remarkably well-preserved medieval city, despite destruction caused by the 1667 earthquake and armed conflicts of the 1990s - between 1991 and 1995, Croatia was at war for its independence, following the breakup of Yugoslavia.

Just outside the western walls, you'll find St. Lawrence Fortress (Tvrđava Lovrijenac). Built on a rocky promontory 37 meters above sea level, the structure once served to defend the city against maritime threats.

Today, the fortress is known worldwide thanks to Game of Thrones. It appears many times in the series: in the Red Keep, or Joffrey's birthday in season 2 (which was filmed in the courtyard).

Near the fortress, don't miss the Jesuit Stairs (Jesuit Stairs). These served as the setting for Cersei Lannister's walk of shame!

Why does Croatia have so many castles?

Thanks to its rich medieval past, its long lines of nobility and its strategic position in Europe: Croatia has seen numerous castles rise over the centuries. From the Middle Ages, the territory is structured around a feudal system centered on twelve noble families, some of which still exist today.

This system, often represented as a pyramid, is a hierarchical organization where the king (at the very top) holds supreme power and grants lands to lords, who themselves protect vassals positioned below them (in exchange for lands), etc.

These castles, built on hillsides to survey the surroundings, are called gradina and were the prime target of enemy assaults (notably Ottoman attacks). To protect their domains, many noble families had fortresses built (tvrđava) and defensive constructions multiplied across Croatian territory.

Where was Game of Thrones filmed in Croatia?

Croatia served as a set for Game of Thrones several times. Dubrovnik was notably used to represent King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The walls, Jesuit Stairs (the famous walk of shame scene) and the Rector's Palace are visible there. St. James Cathedral in Šibenik served as the set for the Iron Bank located in Braavos. The island of Lokrum also hosted the filming crew from season 2 for the city of Qarth, where Daenerys Targaryen meets Xaro Xhoan Daxos.

Audrey DENJEAN

SEO web writer, Audrey Denjean puts her writing in the service of English-speaking travelers. Through her blog articles, she explores what makes a country's soul – its emblematic sites, its cuisine, its traditions, its history... Her goal? To convey more than just tourist information, but to describe an atmosphere, to share anecdotes that make each country unique and give one, after each read, the desire to explore the world.