Kamičak Castle, Castle ruin in Drniš, Croatia.
Kamičak Castle is a stone fortification positioned above the Krka River valley near Drniš, with remains that can be accessed via marked trails through the landscape. The ruins sit at an elevation of about 95 meters (311 feet), situated between Visovac Lake and Roški Slap waterfall.
The fortress first appears in written records in 1345 when King Ludovik I of Angevin confirmed its ownership to the Nelipić family, who had controlled the site since the 11th century. The castle remained a seat of power through the medieval period until eventually falling into abandonment.
The castle served as a residence for influential local families, including connections to Cardinal Juraj Utješinović who spent his early years here. These family ties reveal how the fortress was woven into the social fabric of the medieval region.
Access to the ruins is free and the site lies along marked trails within the Krka National Park system, making it straightforward to reach. Wear proper hiking shoes since the paths leading up to the ruins can be steep and uneven in places.
Local tradition holds that Petar Svačić, the last independent king of Croatia, may have been born at this castle before his death at the battle of Gvozd Mountain. Though his exact birthplace remains disputed among historians, this connection links the ruins to a legendary figure in Croatian history.
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