Hreljin Castle, Medieval castle ruin in Vinodol region, Croatia
Hreljin Castle stands on a hilltop in the Vinodol region and was constructed from stone blocks with towers and gates overlooking Bakar Bay. The ruins still show the structure of this former fortification with its characteristic defensive elements.
King Andrew II transferred control of the territory to the Frankopan family in 1225, and they administered the area afterward. The fortress remained an important control center under their rule until its abandonment at the end of the 18th century.
The fortress was one of nine settlements that signed the Vinodol Codex in 1288, an early Croatian legal document of great importance to the region.
Exploring the ruins requires sturdy footwear, as the pathways are uneven and the terrain is elevated. Access to the site is possible, but visitors should pay attention to their safety and proceed carefully on the uneven surfaces.
Three priests were the last inhabitants of this strategic fortification before it was finally abandoned in 1790. This unusual occupation by clergy shows the religious significance of the place in its final years.
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