Novigrad Castle, Medieval castle in Novigrad, Croatia
Novigrad Castle is a medieval fortress built on a hilltop in Zadar County with thick stone walls and a two-story tower. The ruins command views over the surrounding landscape and display typical features of Dalmatian fortification architecture from that era.
The fortress was founded in 1220 on the remains of ancient structures and served later as a prison for important captives during the 14th century. This role reveals its strategic importance in the region during that period.
The fortress shows traces of different periods in its structure, from ancient foundations to Venetian fortification elements visible in the stonework. Walking around, you can see how various cultures shaped this place over the centuries through their building choices.
To visit the fortress, follow marked paths from Novigrad village uphill to reach the ruins. The walk is manageable on foot and the site offers good views across the surrounding region from above.
The castle walls were built from locally quarried stone, showing how medieval builders used regional resources available nearby. This construction method was typical for fortresses along the Dalmatian coast and made them sturdy enough to last centuries.
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