Medvedgrad

Medvedgrad is a medieval fortified town on the south slopes of Medvednica mountain, about ten kilometres north of Zagreb. It stands on Mali Plazur, a spur of the main ridge that overlooks the city. The castle’s high main tower can be seen from far away on clear days. Below the tower is Oltar Domovine, a monument to soldiers killed in the Croatian War of Independence. The altar was created by sculptor Kuzma Kovačić and opened by President Franjo Tuđman in May 1994. The fortress was built between 1249 and 1254 after the Mongol invasion of Zagreb. Bishop Philip Türje began the work with encouragement from Pope Innocent IV. By 1262 King Bela IV took control, and later owners included kings, bans and noble families such as the Zrinski and Erdődy. Notable figures like poet Janus Pannonius and Ban Ivan Karlović died in the castle. Over the centuries Medvedgrad changed hands about 150 times before falling into ruin after earthquakes in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today visitors find partly restored walls offering panoramic views of Zagreb from over 500 metres above sea level. The castle grounds include the main tower and the Altar of the Homeland. A hiking junction called Kraljičin zdenac is linked to the legend of Barbara Celjska, the Black Queen. Trails lead through the surrounding Medvednica mountain, where rare butterflies and clear springs can be seen. The ruins and legends make the site a place where history and nature meet.