Smrdan grad, Stone fortress in Slivno, Croatia
Smrdan grad is a stone fortress on a hilltop in Slivno that features two towers with different shapes, built from local material. The complex reveals different phases of construction and offers wide views across the surrounding terrain on clear days.
The fortress was built in the 17th century as a military installation to control the coastal area and trade routes below. At that time, the location held strategic value for monitoring these important passages.
The fortress draws people for religious observance on special days, when visitors climb to the hilltop and walk among the stone structures. This gathering has remained a meaningful practice for the local community over generations.
The path to the fortress is marked and requires sure footing on stone surfaces, especially after rain. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and bring water, as there is little shade on the exposed hilltop.
The ruins contain traces of construction from different periods, showing that it was used and modified over many centuries. Walkers often notice old stone blocks bearing different tool marks that document separate building phases.
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