Dubovac Castle

Dubovac stands on a hill west of Karlovac and predates the town below it by centuries - a fortified residence whose square tower probably dates from the thirteenth century, rebuilt in the Renaissance with round towers and an arcaded courtyard, and held over time by the Frankopans, the Zrinski and later owners. When Karlovac was laid out as a star fort in 1579 on the plain beneath, Dubovac was already old. It was restored in the twentieth century and used variously as a hotel and museum space; access has depended on the current use, and it has been closed for works at times. The terrace looks over the town and the four rivers around it.

History

The square tower of Dubovac was probably built in the 13th century, and in the 15th century the castle was rebuilt in Renaissance style; a document of 22 February 1481 names it when it freed the citizens of Grič from tolls at Dubovac and elsewhere. When Karlovac was being fortified in 1588, Dubovac was one of the estates that had to send it timber, six carts each. In 1604 Nikola VI Zrinski tried to buy it, for which, with other properties, Emperor Rudolf II asked 93,495 florins. Its owners ran from the Slavonian Sudar family to the Frankopans and the Zrinski; from 1671 to 1809 it belonged to the Karlovac generals, in 1837 Count Laval Nugent rebuilt it in a romantic spirit, and in 1952 it was renovated again after drawings of the late 18th century (Wikipedia, Dubovac Castle).

What you'll find

• A castle older than the town - its tower probably thirteenth century.
• Renaissance towers and courtyard - the later rebuilding.
• Frankopan and Zrinski ownership - the region's two great houses.
• A terrace over Karlovac - the star town and its rivers below.

When to go

April to October; check opening, which has varied with the building's use. Two hours.

Things to know

The castle has been closed for restoration for periods and access is not guaranteed - the exterior and terrace may be all there is. The climb up is short but steep. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Karlovac's star town is below; Ozalj is north-west.

Key facts