Kosztel vára, Medieval fortress in Pregrada, Croatia.
Kostelgrad rises 405 meters above sea level on a rocky formation with thick defensive walls and multiple towers for surveillance of surrounding lands. The fortress includes residential buildings, storage areas, and sacred structures, all protected by strong fortifications.
Control of the fortress passed from the Counts of Celje to the Keglević family, who maintained influence over regional trade routes during medieval times. These rulers shaped the castle's development and its role in the region for centuries.
The fortress grounds hold the Church of Saint Emeric, the Chapel of Suffering Jesus, and an old cemetery that together reflect local religious traditions. These sacred spaces remain active and show how deeply faith was woven into life at this stronghold.
A visit requires good footwear and patience for the steep ascent, as paths are uneven and need steady footing to navigate safely. The view from the top rewards the effort and offers a clear sense of the surrounding landscape.
The site is connected to a 500-year-old tradition of Easter pistol shooting, now recognized as protected cultural heritage in Croatia. This unusual practice ties religious celebrations to local customs found nowhere else.
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