Drežnik Castle, Medieval castle in Rakovica, Croatia
Drežnik Castle is a stone fortress built on a limestone cliff 362 meters above the Korana River canyon. The structure includes two square towers and one round tower, several of which have been partially restored.
The fortress was established in 1185 as a defensive position against attacks during Turkish invasions of the region. It experienced repeated destruction and reconstruction over the centuries.
The standing towers and wall segments reveal how medieval defenders organized their space to monitor the canyon below. Visitors can observe the practical design choices that shaped daily life inside the fortress.
The site sits near Plitvice Lakes National Park and is best explored on foot. Access can be challenging depending on weather conditions, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
The cliff position offers sweeping views across the Korana Valley, revealing why this location was chosen for military control. Surprisingly, several of these vantage points remain accessible to visitors today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.