Topana, Medieval fortress in Imotski, Croatia
Topana is a stone fortress that sits on steep cliffs between the Blue Lake and a football stadium, with an irregular shape following the natural rock formations. Residential spaces remain visible along the western and northern walls, and old water wells that once supplied the garrison can still be seen.
The fortress dates to the 9th century during the reign of Trpimir, confirmed by a decorated stone with braided patterns still visible in the structure. From the late 15th century until 1717 it served as the administrative seat of the Ottoman Kadija before returning to Christian control.
The church of Our Lady of Angels sits within the walls as a spiritual center that reflects the town's devotion and recovery from centuries of foreign rule. Visitors can sense how this place of worship shaped community identity and remains important to local life.
Sturdy shoes are needed for the climb as the paths cross rocky terrain and are steep, especially after rain. The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when the sun does not beat directly on the exposed rock faces.
The name Topana comes from a Turkish word meaning a cannon storage place, reflecting its military role during Ottoman occupation. This naming connects the fortress directly to the centuries of foreign rule that shaped the town's history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
