Ilok Castle, Medieval castle in Ilok, Croatia

Ilok Castle is a stone fortification standing on a hill at 125 meters elevation, with its three-story structure offering views across the Danube River and the Pannonian Plain. The castle complex includes wine cellars where visitors can taste local wines while exploring the site and learning about regional wine production traditions.

Nicholas of Ilok, the Croatian viceroy and king of Bosnia, began construction of this fortification in the fifteenth century as a strategic stronghold. Emperor Leopold I later granted the castle to the Odescalchi family, relatives of Pope Innocent XI, as recognition for their assistance in driving out Ottoman control.

The castle's wine cellars are among the most famous in Croatia, and wine from the Ilok area is still stored and tasted in them. Medieval sources also record the fortress under the name Vylak. The walls once carried fourteen towers, and Nicholas of Ilok ran a mint in the town.

The castle is accessible by stone pathways and stairs that allow visitors to explore the different levels of the structure. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable, and it helps to allow enough time for the climb and for properly exploring the rooms and terraces.

Medieval sources also call the fortress Vylak. Its walls once ran about 1,350 metres, the largest fortification complex in continental Croatia, with round and rectangular towers placed within bowshot of one another. A barbican with double gates, small towers above them and a drawbridge guarded the entrance.